Canada says no threat to Capt, closes probe

Chandigarh, July 23

Citing non-availability of “sufficient evidence”, the Canadian government has told New Delhi that there is no threat to Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and has concluded its investigation into the matter.

In a communication to the Indian authorities, Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development has stated that the investigation had been conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

According to sources, the Canadian authorities said that the RCMP investigation has determined that there is no evidence of direct physical threat made towards Capt Amarinder.

It further stated that there was “not sufficient evidence” to file criminal charges or proceed against anyone. The Canadian government said that in view of the findings, the investigation had been concluded.

The Indian High Commission in Canada had lodged a “formal complaint” to Global Affairs-Canada (Canada’s foreign office) in April following a threat publicly issued to the Punjab CM by pro-Khalistan elements during a Vaisakhi Day event in British Columbia’s Surrey city.

The threat was part of the hate speeches made by Sikh radicals operating out of Canada. Videos of the Vaisakhi Parade on April 22 were sent to the Canadian foreign ministry as proof.

Indian authorities had also objected to the public display of Khalistan floats with images of terrorists, pictures of AK-47s and photographs of former and serving Army and police officers who are on the hit-list of Sikh radicals.

MEA sources said the Canadian authorities were cautioned about the “anti-India propaganda” and the Canadian foreign ministry, responding to the early warning, said it would take “necessary action”. However, the Khalistani elements were allowed to have a free run and even issued threats on loudspeakers to Capt Amarinder.

The CM had yesterday again stressed the need for Canada to rein in the radical elements, who were “trying to use Canadian soil to spread strife and divisiveness in India”. He raised the issue with Jalandhar-born Canadian MP Rameshwar Singh Sangha, who met him in New Delhi. IANS