Secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has threatened to "challenge-target-question" India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma on his proposed visit to Canada's city of Surrey.
“India is responsible for orchestrating the assassination of Shaheed Nijjar and pro-Khalistan Sikhs will have an opportunity in Surrey to directly ‘Challenge-Target-Question’ the Indian High Commissioner," Pannun claimed in an email, adding that a protest is also being organized in the city.
In response, the Indian high commissioner said, “The threat against me has been conveyed to the concerned Canadian authorities, who have assured me of my security."
Verma is due to visit the province of British Columbia and plans to stop in the capital Victoria, as well as in Vancouver and Surrey. On Friday, he is scheduled to meet with Surrey’s Mayor Brenda Locke and also with the Surrey Board of Trade.
India-Canada Row Over Extremists
Diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa turned sour after Canada accused India of being involved in the killing of SFJ leading figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down last year.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the House of Commons on September 18 that there were “credible allegations” of a link between Indian government agents and the killing. India dismissed Canada's allegations as absurd and politically motivated.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the House of Commons on September 18 that there were “credible allegations” of a link between Indian government agents and the killing. India dismissed Canada's allegations as absurd and politically motivated.
Trudeau's comments were followed by pro-Khalistan groups threatening Indian diplomats in Canada. The Indian Embassy in Ottawa was also attacked, while supporters graffitied Hindu places of worship with slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.