**Indian Envoy Denies Involvement in Sikh Leader's Murder Amid Diplomatic Dispute**

OTTAWA – Sanjay Kumar Verma, the High Commissioner of India to Canada, firmly denied any involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar during a recent interview. Verma, who was expelled from Canada last Monday along with five other Indian diplomats, has criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for destabilizing the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The accusations, according to Canadian authorities, link Verma and other diplomats to the assassination of Nijjar, who was killed outside a cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. Verma stated in an interview with CTV's “Question Period” that the allegations are politically motivated and lack concrete evidence. "Nothing at all," Verma responded when asked about his involvement in Nijjar's murder.

This diplomatic rift has led to both countries expelling each other's diplomats in a series of tit-for-tat moves. Canada has accused India of targeting Indian dissidents on its soil, while India has called these allegations baseless and politically motivated.

Canada is home to the largest Sikh population outside their native Punjab state in India. Following the murder of Nijjar and the allegations from Trudeau, there have been heightened tensions, with Sikh groups demanding the closure of Indian consulates in Canada. Kuljeet Singh, spokesperson for Sikhs for Justice, emphasized that India poses a threat to Canada's sovereignty and freedoms. “We believe India remains a threat to Canada's sovereignty, Canada's freedom of speech, and Canada's freedom of expression,” Singh stated.

Demonstrators, such as Bisman Dhillon, have echoed similar sentiments, accusing India of trying to impose its values on Canada. The issue continues to spark protests and calls for action from both the public and advocacy groups.

India has consistently denied any involvement in the killing of Nijjar and has criticized Canada for allegedly providing a safe haven for Sikh separatists. As both nations grapple with the fallout from these accusations, the future of their diplomatic relationship remains uncertain.