New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has cast doubt on Canada’s assertion of a potential Indian connection to the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Zealand, a member of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance comprising the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, reportedly received intelligence from Canada concerning the Nijjar case. However, during an interview with The Indian Express, Peters expressed skepticism regarding the evidence provided by Canada. When questioned about whether New Zealand had communicated its stance to India, Peters, currently on an official visit to India, stated that he was not directly involved in handling the matter, which was predominantly managed by the previous government.
“Well, I wasn’t here; it was handled by the previous government. But look, sometimes when you’re hearing Five-Eyes information, you’re receiving it and not saying anything. It passes by you. You’re unaware of its value or quality, but you’re glad to have it. You don’t know if it will prove to be substantial or not. But the crucial information that matters… This was mostly managed by the previous government,” Peters remarked.
“As a trained lawyer, I ask, where’s the case? Where’s the evidence? Where’s the current finding? Well, there isn’t one,” he added.
This marks the first instance of a Five-Eyes partner openly questioning Canada’s assertions regarding the Nijjar case. Nijjar, designated a terrorist in India, was fatally shot as he exited a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023, sparking a significant diplomatic dispute between India and Canada.
Last September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made unfounded allegations regarding Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil, which India dismissed as “absurd and motivated.”
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Canada has failed to produce any evidence supporting its claims regarding the killing.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has yet to identify suspects or make arrests in connection with Nijjar’s death.