WASHINGTON — Canada’s allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah are “concerning,” the United States said on Wednesday, noting that it would continue to consult Ottawa on the issue.
“The allegations made by the government of Canada are concerning, and we will continue to consult with the Canadian government about those allegations,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference, reports PTI.
Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison members of the national security committee of the Canadian Parliament confirmed leaked Washington Post reports alleging that Shah was behind the campaign of targeting Khalistani separatists in Canada.
In response to a question, Morrison said he had “confirmed” Shah’s name to The Washington Post. “The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person,” he said.
Morrison did not say how Canada knew of Shah’s alleged involvement.
Drouin, Trudeau’s national security and intelligence adviser, told the Commons public safety committee on Tuesday that she did not require Trudeau’s authorisation for the leak and insisted no classified intelligence was provided to the US publication the day before Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats on Thanksgiving Day on October 13.
On October 14, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme stated that “India was involved in the killing of three people, but he only identified the slaying of Nijjar.”
During his news conference, Commissioner Duheme said “eight people have been charged with murder and 22 with extortion. Four Indian nationals have been charged in the killing of Nijjar outside a Sikh temple.”
Four Indian nationals living in Canada were charged with Niijar’s murder and are awaiting trial.
