THIS is with reference to the report ‘Indian envoy expelled as PM Trudeau links Delhi to Sikh leader’s death’ (Sept 19). One hopes that the incident marks the beginning of a process which will expose to the world the true face of India as an international terrorist country.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed the fear that India might have been involved in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was a Canadian national. Though allegations at present, there must have been evidence credible enough for Canada to go public with the matter and to expel a diplomat associated with the Indian mission in Canada. Trudeau has said in as many words that Canadian intelligence has identified a link between Hardeep’s death and the Indian government, and, according to him, the matter had been raised with his Indian counterpart during the recent G20 meeting.

The fig leaf of tit-for-tat expulsion of a Canadian diplomat in New Delhi is not really working for India as it knows for sure that Canada would not have gone ahead with its plan had the West not stood firmly behind it.

India, the so-called largest democracy of the world, has been involved in severe human rights violations for long. Severe concerns have been raised in India about a string of violations related to freedom of expression. Journalists, activists and citizens have faced threats, harassment and even violence for expressing their views that happen to be critical of government policies.

The attitude of India with its neighbours has always been a matter of alarm across the region. Its interference in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal as well as its conflict with Pakistan are not hidden from the world. India has been engaged in spying activities and has been hosting and facilitating terrorism inside Pakistan. With the recent incident in Canada, it is clear that India acknowledges no boundaries when it comes to spreading state terrorism.

Abdul Basit Alvi
Muzaffarabad

Published in Dawn, September 23th, 2023