India expresses concerns over threats to its officials in Canada ahead of Khalistani rally

India has conveyed its concerns to Canadian authorities regarding escalating threats to its officials in Canada.

Posters promoting a Khalistan freedom rally on July 8 directly identify India's High Commissioner in Ottawa and Consulate General in Toronto. The rally is organized in the name of Harjit Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan priest who was recently found murdered in British Columbia.

Informal communication about security concerns has been made to Global Affairs Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Ottawa and Toronto police departments. Following the Canada Day weekend, formal notification will be provided to address heightened concerns.

Sanjay Kumar Verma, India's High Commissioner to Ottawa, emphasized that attempts to harm foreign envoys under the guise of freedom of expression contradict the intentions of Canadian law and constitution, which provide such rights with the obligation to maintain peace and harmony.

The murder of Nijjar, associated with the separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has led to accusations against India. However, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) investigating the case has not determined a motive. Nijjar faced terror-related charges in India but had not been tried in Canadian courts.

Indian officials highlighted the receptive attitude of Canadian authorities, who collaborate closely in securing diplomatic premises. However, in March, pro-Khalistan protesters breached the security perimeter of the Indian high commission in Ottawa during a demonstration related to Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris de Punjab, who was then a fugitive.

The incident is being investigated by the Ottawa Police, and Singh's brother-in-law has been named as the main suspect by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).