Canada affirms support for India's territorial integrity amid diplomatic tensions
New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic statement, Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to respecting India’s territorial integrity, signaling a potential thaw in relations strained by last year's allegations involving the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent figure in the Khalistan separatist movement.
Canada's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, made the declaration during a foreign interference commission hearing in Ottawa over the weekend. "Canada's policy is very clear that India's territorial integrity must be respected. There's one India, and that's been made very clear," Morrison stated. This is the first formal statement of this kind since diplomatic ties between the two countries soured over allegations made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2023.
The rift between the two nations was triggered when Trudeau accused Indian government agents of being "potentially" involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force. Nijjar, one of India’s most-wanted terrorists, was fatally shot by unknown assailants outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. India had rejected Trudeau's allegations, calling them "absurd" and "politically motivated."
While reaffirming Canada's support for India's territorial sovereignty, Morrison also addressed the contentious issue of pro-Khalistan elements within Canada. He acknowledged that while the activities of these groups may be "awful" to some, they remain "lawful" under Canada's protection of freedom of speech. "There are things that many of us do not want to see, but they are protected by law," he added.
Morrison's remarks about “One India” were interpreted as a clear signal of Ottawa’s desire to mend ties with New Delhi, especially as the relationship between the two nations has experienced a sharp decline over the past year. The statement was also seen as an effort to distance the Canadian government from the stance of Khalistani separatists, many of whom are Canadian citizens.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada reached a low point after Trudeau's initial allegations and Canada's perceived tolerance of pro-Khalistan activists. Trade talks were derailed, and a series of mutual diplomatic actions followed. In June 2023, the Canadian Parliament observed a moment of silence in memory of Nijjar, which further aggravated tensions. India responded by organizing a memorial in Vancouver to honor the 329 victims of the 1985 Air India bombing, perpetrated by Khalistani terrorists.
Despite these tensions, Canada has been attempting to reach out to India, especially since the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year. Trudeau expressed hope for resuming discussions on “serious issues” concerning national security, the rule of law, and safeguarding Canadian citizens.
India has long voiced concerns about Canada becoming a hub for pro-Khalistan separatist activities, accusing the country of providing political space for such movements. In response to the Nijjar killing, Canada arrested four Indian nationals as part of its ongoing investigation, but New Delhi has consistently stated that "political interests" are influencing the situation.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
