High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with five other officials, will receive enhanced security upon their return to India at the end of this week due to potential threats from pro-Khalistan groups. A source indicated that other Indian diplomats and officials recently in Canada would also be afforded this security. Verma and Siddhartha Nath, India’s Consul General to Toronto, are deemed the most vulnerable. Nath assumed his role at the Toronto Consulate last August, two months after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has offered $500,000 to track Verma. SFJ’s general counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, announced this budget to monitor Verma’s movements even after his expulsion from Canada, aiming to bring him to justice for his alleged involvement in Nijjar’s death. SFJ has been urging the Canadian Prime Minister to investigate and expel Verma.
Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey, BC, on June 18 last year. Three months later, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed in the House of Commons that there were credible allegations linking Indian agents to the murder.
Sanjay Verma in the eyes of Indians
is a distinguished Indian diplomat who has served for nearly four decades in several countries.
While in the eyes of the Canadian government, Sanjay Verma is actually the kingpin of an international crime syndicate within which several gangs pic.twitter.com/AIHAVhzBV7
— Exxtra cricketer (@Extracricketer) October 15, 2024
India plans to scrutinise Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards issued to Canadians of Indian origin, particularly those suspected of supporting pro-Khalistan activities. However, it is unlikely to halt visa issuance for Canadian citizens, unlike the temporary freeze following Trudeau’s statement last year.
On Monday, Trudeau stated that his government issued a “deportation notice” to the six Indian officials to disrupt criminal activities that pose a threat to public safety in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Sanjay Kumar Verma getting enhanced security in India?
Due to potential threats from pro-Khalistan groups.
Who are the two most vulnerable Indian diplomats returning from Canada?
Sanjay Kumar Verma and Siddhartha Nath.
What has SFJ offered to track Sanjay Kumar Verma?
SFJ has offered $500,000.
Why is India scrutinizing OCI cards issued to Canadians of Indian origin?
To identify those suspected of supporting pro-Khalistan activities.
What action has Canada taken against the six Indian officials?
Canada issued a ‘deportation notice’ to disrupt their alleged criminal activities.