India's top diplomat in Canada fires back: 'Where's the evidence?' in Nijjar case

Ottawa (The Uttam Hindu): Amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik has sent a strong message to the Justin Trudeau government and the country's security agencies. In a scathing interview with Canada's state-run channel CBC, Patnaik exposed Canada's position on the issue of Khalistani terrorism. He stated unequivocally that Canada has turned a blind eye to terrorist activities on its soil for the past 40 years, thereby fueling anti-India extremism.

Where's the evidence? Allegations alone won't do

During the interview, when the anchor repeatedly cited "credible intelligence" regarding the involvement of Indian agents in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case, Patnaik flatly dismissed it. He retorted, asking, "Where's the evidence?" He clarified that it's easy to make accusations without any concrete evidence. Patnaik dismissed the Canadian claims, saying they were mere empty talk, backed by no evidence.

Canada's 'double standard' exposed

The High Commissioner made a serious accusation of Canada's double standards. He argued that when India shares evidence and information against terrorists and gangsters hiding in Canada, the Canadian side always evades action, citing a "lack of evidence." But now that Canada itself is making allegations against India, it expects India to accept those allegations without any evidence. Patnaik clarified that such behavior is unacceptable in diplomacy; if you ask for evidence, you must provide it.

Kanishka plane crash: 40 years of no justice

Dinesh Patnaik touched on Canada's sore spot by referring to the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing. He recalled that 329 innocent people were killed in that terrorist attack, but the Canadian investigation has not reached any conclusions to date. He said that terrorism in Canada has been discussed only for the past 40 years, but no terrorist has been punished. This is the biggest proof of Canada's failure.

If we find someone guilty, we will take action ourselves

When the anchor raised the issue of a lack of trust in the Indian government, Patnaik responded bluntly. He stated that the Indian government is not involved in any unlawful killings. He assured that if someone is found guilty based on evidence, India's own legal system is capable of taking action on its own. Canada will not need to intervene. He also clarified that India's opposition is not to any democratic process or referendum, but to criminals wanted in India who are using Canadian soil for terrorist activities.