Some Khalistani extremists are deep assets of CSIS", says recalled envoy to Canada

Ottawa [Canada], October 21, 2024: In a recent interview with Canada-based CTV News, Sanjay Kumar Verma, the recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, made serious allegations against the Canadian government, accusing it of encouraging Khalistani extremists and maintaining them as "deep assets" of Canada Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

"Khalistani extremists are being encouraged all the time. This is my allegation, I also know that some of these Khalistani extremists and terrorists are deep assets of CSIS, again I'm not giving any evidence," Verma stated during the interview.

Verma urged the Canadian government to address India's core concerns sincerely, rather than supporting groups that challenge India's sovereignty. He emphasized that these extremists are Canadian citizens and have no right to interfere in India's internal affairs. "What happens in India will be decided by Indian citizens. These Khalistani extremists are not Indian citizens, they are Canadian citizens and no country should allow its citizens to challenge the sovereignty of another nation," he said.

The accusations come amid deteriorating diplomatic ties between India and Canada. The recall of Verma and five other diplomats followed Canada’s decision to label them as "persons of interest" in connection with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA). Nijjar was shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier claimed to have credible allegations of India's involvement in the incident, a claim that India has categorically denied as "absurd" and "politically motivated."

Ambassador Verma responded to these accusations, asserting, "No evidence presented. Politically motivated." He clarified that the monitoring of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada by Indian diplomats is limited to gathering information from open sources such as social media, newspapers, and public statements. He denied allegations of coercing individuals to provide intelligence on pro-Khalistani activists, including Nijjar.

The diplomatic rift has highlighted broader concerns about how foreign governments address issues related to sovereignty and extremist movements. Verma's statements underline India's expectation for Canada to reconsider its stance on Khalistani elements and prioritize genuine bilateral engagement.