Not lax on immigration: Canada minister counters Jaishankar on arrests

'We are not lax. The Indian foreign minister, S Jaishankar, is entitled to his opinion,' said Canada Immigration Minister Marc Miller. (Photo: Reuters and PTI)

Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has responded to criticisms from India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, regarding the arrest of three Indian nationals in connection to the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case. Jaishankar accused Canada of having lax immigration policies, allowing individuals with criminal links to enter the country. In contrast, Miller defended Canada's immigration system, asserting that it is not lenient and emphasizing the country's commitment to stringent immigration protocols.

Jaishankar further criticized Canada for allegedly harboring individuals with connections to organized crime and accused some individuals in Canada of having 'pro-Pakistan leanings' and forming a politically influential lobby. Miller refrained from providing specific details about the visa status of the accused due to the ongoing police investigation, directing inquiries to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The arrests of the three Indian nationals are linked to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Canada's Surrey in June 2023. The Indian Prime Minister had previously alleged Indian involvement in the killing, a claim denied by the Indian Foreign Ministry.

The three Indian nationals charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy are scheduled to appear in Surrey provincial court. Their chances of getting bail depend on their lawyers' arguments, with potential consequences including deportation if found guilty.