'The Washington Post' report accuses Amit Shah of authorising attacks on Sikh separatists
New Delhi: Canadian and US reports have alleged that India's Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, authorised intelligence-gathering operations and attacks on Sikh separatists in Canada. These allegations emerged following Canadian police's purported collaboration with the US in gathering evidence. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited "clear and compelling evidence" of Indian involvement in covert actions targeting Sikh separatists.
According to The Wire, which referenced a report from the Washington Post, Canadian officials provided this evidence to the Indian government, implicating Shah and a senior official from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The information was shared during a confidential meeting between Canadian officials and India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, in Singapore on 12 October.
The report claims that the evidence is based on texts and conversations involving expelled Indian diplomats, though the accuracy of these details remains uncertain. Canada had previously requested the lifting of diplomatic immunity for further questioning, a request that India denied, resulting in the expulsion of six diplomats, including India’s High Commissioner to Canada.
This escalation follows Trudeau's earlier accusation that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 killing of Khalistan advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Initially, Trudeau cited "credible intelligence" but has since expressed stronger confidence in the claims.
The latest accusations involving Shah suggest a higher level of involvement within the Indian government. Indian officials have yet to respond, and former diplomats have voiced surprise at the idea of a senior minister being directly involved in such operations. Some retired intelligence officers have also questioned whether these activities fall within Shah’s jurisdiction.
The allegations draw parallels to previous accusations against Shah, notably from his tenure as Gujarat’s home minister, where he faced charges over extrajudicial killings. He was later acquitted after Narendra Modi became prime minister.
Canadian authorities are believed to have gathered more evidence, potentially with US assistance, linking the Indian government to an assassination plot targeting a Khalistan advocate in New York. The alleged plot has led to charges against an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, for attempted murder.
Canada has also accused India of outsourcing attacks on Sikh separatists to criminal gangs, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
