In a surprising turn of events, New Zealand, part of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance, has raised doubts regarding India's alleged role in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Winston Peters, New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister, expressed skepticism about the evidence put forth by Canada during an interview with The Indian Express.
"As a trained lawyer, I'm inclined to ask: where's the case? Where's the evidence? Where's the concrete finding?" remarked Peters during his official visit to India. His comments stand in contrast to the stance taken by other Five Eyes partners—Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia—who have supported the investigation into Nijjar's demise.
Recent reports from Canada-based CBC News highlighted a purported video depicting Nijjar being shot by armed individuals. The footage shows Nijjar leaving a Gurdwara in his grey Dodge Ram pickup truck. However, as he attempts to exit the premises, a white sedan blocks his path. Subsequently, two men emerge and shoot Nijjar before fleeing in a silver Toyota Camry.
Eyewitnesses, who were playing soccer nearby at the time, disclosed that they rushed towards the scene upon hearing gunshots and even attempted to pursue the assailants. Despite nearly nine months passing since the incident, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have yet to name any suspects or make arrests in connection with Nijjar's killing.
Nijjar's death has sparked a significant diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. While India's National Investigation Agency designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020, Canada has accused India of orchestrating his murder on Canadian soil. India, however, vehemently denies these allegations, labeling them as "absurd and politically motivated."
The Ministry of External Affairs in India has stated that Canada has failed to provide any substantial evidence supporting its claims regarding Nijjar's death. Furthermore, India has cautioned Canada against harboring Khalistani supporters within its borders who espouse anti-India sentiments.
