Mumbai: Canadian lawmaker and Premier of British Columbia David Eby has said that the intelligence briefing received by him on Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing is an open information briefing.
“The only briefings that I’ve been able to receive were open source briefings, which is information that’s available to the public doing an internet search. Which I find frustrating,” Eby said.
This, Eby said, came despite a briefing with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) director.
“I understand there may need to be reform around the act that governs CSIS in order for them to be able to share this information,” Eby told the media.
“If that’s what’s required, let’s make it happen because the only way that we are going to make traction on this is by the federal government trusting the provincial government with information, and being able to act on it in our local communities,” he added.
Eby said that he “strongly” believed the Justin Trudeau-led government is withholding details that could aid the province in safeguarding vital information on the murder of Khalistani Nijjar, according to CBC News.
In June, two unidentified assailants shot and killed Nijjar, the leader of the outlawed Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
Eby stated, “There has not been good information sharing,” adding Ottawa wanted to ensure the province has the knowledge necessary to protect its citizens.
According to Canada’s Global News, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Friday that his nation agreed with the “credible allegations” that India’s government might have been involved in the murder of Nijjar “weeks ago.”
“Canada has informed India of the reliable allegations that I discussed on Monday. That was done a few weeks ago. We are there to cooperate with India in a positive way. We are hoping that they will cooperate with us so that we can investigate this thoroughly, added Trudeau.
According to sources quoted by the news agency PTI, India has informed its important Western allies and friends of its concerns about the growing activities of anti-Indian groups from Canadian land.
Separately, the spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, Arindam Bagchi, stated that Canada had not given India any specific information regarding the case involving the killing of Nijjar.
“Canada has not provided (us) with any specific information on this case. At a media briefing, he stated, “We are open to looking at any specific material that is offered to us (in this matter).
Following Trudeau’s accusations of a “potential” involvement of Indian operatives in the killing of Nijjar on Canadian soil, relations between India and Canada came under intense strain.
India on Tuesday rejected the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official over the case.
Follow us on Twitter, Google News, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.
