Canada is “adjusting” its diplomatic workers presence in India because the South Asian nation suspended visas for Canadian residents, widening a rift between the 2 international locations.
Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, advised parliament on Monday there are “credible allegations” India was involved in the killing of Sikh independence activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
India’s visa processing centre in Canada responded on Thursday by suspending visas for “operational causes” – however gave no additional particulars.
This discover was then taken down minutes later by BLS Worldwide, earlier than reappearing once more on Thursday morning.
India’s overseas ministry spokesperson didn’t reply to questions on the matter.
Canada’s excessive fee, in the meantime, stated its diplomats in India have acquired risk on social media, including it’s going to quickly alter workers presence within the nation, in response to information company ANI.
Canada additionally expelled an Indian diplomat, whereas India hit again by expelling a Canadian diplomat on Tuesday.
It referred to as the allegations round Mr Nijjar’s killing absurd and claimed it’s an try to shift consideration from his presence in Canada.
Mr Nijjar had been needed by India for years and was shot in June exterior the temple he led.
On Wednesday, India up to date its journey advisory for Canada, urging residents in Canada to be cautious of “rising anti-India actions and politically condoned hate crimes”.
Venues in Canada the place “threats have notably focused Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian group who oppose anti-India agenda” also needs to be prevented, India stated.
Mr Nijjar had needed to organise an unofficial referendum among the many Sikh diaspora on independence from India and had denied the accusation that he was a terrorist.
Learn extra: What is the Khalistan movement – and how is it linked to India-Canada tensions?
Calls for for an unbiased Sikh homeland, generally known as Khalistan, began as an insurgency in India’s Punjab state within the Nineteen Seventies.
That motion was crushed in a crackdown by the Indian authorities, with 1000’s killed.
Momentum has since been misplaced, however supporters stay in Punjab – the place Sikhs are a majority – and among the many diaspora.