CANADIAN PM EXPELS INDIAN DIPLOMAT OVER KILLING OF SIKH MAN

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, that the country was expelling an Indian diplomat in connection with the killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik, a Sikh man who was exonerated in the 1985 Air India bombing.

Trudeau cited "credible information" that suggested that foreign actors may have been involved in the killing, and said that the expulsion of the diplomat was a "necessary step" to protect Canada's national security.

Trudeau said that it is the government's responsibility to protect its citizens and national security. He also said that expelling the diplomat is a necessary step to fulfill that responsibility.

The Indian government has denied any involvement in the killing, and has called the expulsion of the diplomat "unjustified."

"We are deeply disappointed by the Canadian government's decision to expel an Indian diplomat," the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. "This decision is based on unsubstantiated allegations and is completely unjustified."

The killing of Malik has raised tensions between Canada and India, and has sparked concerns about the safety of the Sikh community in Canada.

Malik was shot and killed on July 14, 2023, while sitting in his car outside his home in Surrey, British Columbia. He was one of two men who were acquitted in the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 329 people, including 280 Canadians.

The killing of Malik has shaken the Sikh community in Canada, and has raised concerns about the safety of its members.

"We are deeply saddened and concerned by the killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik," said Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party and the first Sikh to lead a major federal political party in Canada. "This is a senseless act of violence that has left a scar on the Sikh community."

The investigation into Malik's killing is ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached about the involvement of any foreign actors.

Background on the Air India Bombing

The Air India bombing was the deadliest act of terrorism in Canadian history. On June 23, 1985, a bomb exploded on Air India Flight 182 causing death of all 329 people on board. The flight was en route from Toronto to Mumbai, India, with a stopover in London, England.

A second bomb exploded the same day at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, Japan, killing two baggage handlers and injuring four others. The bomb was intended to target Air India Flight 301, but it exploded prematurely before the flight could board.

Inderjit Singh Reyat was convicted of conspiracy and manslaughter in connection with the Air India bombing. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2010, but was released on parole in 2016.

Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri were acquitted of all charges in connection with the bombing in 2005.

The Air India bombing remains a contentious issue in Canada. The families of the victims have long accused the Canadian government of failing to prevent the attack and of covering up its own incompetence.

Implications of the Expulsion of the Indian Diplomat

The expulsion of the Indian diplomat is a significant development in relations between Canada and India. It is the first time that Canada has expelled an Indian diplomat since 1979.

The expulsion of the diplomat is likely to further strain relations between the two countries. It is also likely to raise concerns about the safety of Canadians in India.

The investigation into Malik's killing is ongoing, and it is not clear what role, if any, foreign actors played. However, the expulsion of the Indian diplomat suggests that the Canadian government is taking the allegations of foreign involvement seriously.

The expulsion of the diplomat is also a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in Canada. The Air India bombing was a devastating tragedy, and it is important to remember the victims and their families.