B.C. Sikh community responds to new allegations of Indian foreign interference
A prominent leader in British Columbia’s Sikh community says the community feels vindicated after the RCMP made explosive new allegations of foreign interference by Indian government agents in Canada.
On Monday, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme announced that the force had evidence linking Indian government agents to violent criminal activities in Canada, including homicides and extortion. The RCMP also claimed it had evidence of diplomats gathering intelligence on Canadians for the Indian government, warning that these activities posed a serious threat to public safety.
These revelations come a year after the Canadian government alleged a connection between the Indian government and the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a B.C. gurdwara president and advocate for Khalistan independence.
Sikh leaders in B.C. say they have long warned of interference by the Indian government, and Monday’s announcement strengthens their claims.
“Individuals like myself have received multiple ‘duty to warn’ notices about threats to my life,” said Moninder Singh, spokesperson for the B.C. Gurdwaras Council, in an interview with Global News. “It’s shocking that this situation has been allowed to continue. We want the Canadian government to take stronger action against India. While these individuals have left, how do we prevent this from happening again?”
The RCMP’s investigation has already led to charges against four men linked to organized crime for Nijjar’s murder. The latest update suggests a deeper connection, alleging that senior Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, are linked to criminal gangs operating within Canada.
Singh emphasized that the Sikh community would not be intimidated.
“Nijjar’s murder was a turning point for us,” he said. “If you try to silence our community, we will respond with even more determination.”
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby confirmed that the provincial government has been briefed on the investigation and pledged full support for law enforcement efforts.
“British Columbia will ensure our police have the resources they need to hold those involved accountable,” Eby said. “Our province’s strength lies in people from around the world finding safety and building good lives here. Anything that threatens that unity is a threat to all of us, and we will not let foreign governments divide us.”
BC Conservative Leader John Rustad called the allegations “deeply troubling” and urged a broader investigation into foreign interference affecting the Sikh community and other Canadians.
“The Sikh community, like all others, deserves to live without fear of harassment or intimidation by foreign governments,” Rustad said in a statement.
Singh added that the Sikh community has long advocated for an inquiry focused on foreign interference by the Indian government and a halt to intelligence sharing with India. He also called on the government to explore legal action.
“While this is a positive step, we want the government to challenge the diplomatic immunity granted to individuals like Mr. Verma. We also want to know if there’s any way to prosecute these diplomats in Canada.”
The Indian government has denied involvement in any criminal activities within Canada. In response to the accusations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its own envoy from Canada on Monday.
