NZ Reaffirms Position on Hardeep Singh Nijjar Amid Minister’s Comments Confusion
The Government of New Zealand has moved swiftly to clarify its stance regarding the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan figure whose killing has sparked international attention and diplomatic scrutiny. Doubts arose following an interview with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, published in an Indian outlet on Wednesday.
In response to queries raised, a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry in Wellington emphasized that New Zealand’s position on the allegations surrounding Nijjar’s death remains unchanged. The spokesperson stated, “New Zealand’s position on the allegations remains unchanged – if they are proven correct, then that would be of serious concern.”
However, the spokesperson also highlighted the importance of allowing the ongoing criminal investigation to run its course before drawing clear conclusions. This statement underscores the government’s commitment to due process and the rule of law.
Recent media reports had suggested confusion over Peters’ comments, prompting New Zealand to reach out to the Canadian Government and clarify the situation. An unnamed Canadian official confirmed that Wellington had assured Ottawa that Peters’ remarks were taken out of context and did not reflect New Zealand’s official position.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Peters had expressed skepticism regarding the case, questioning the lack of concrete evidence. He noted that the matter had been primarily handled by the previous government, highlighting the complexity of the investigation.
Peters’ comments garnered attention not only due to their content but also because they came from a leader of a Five Eyes nation. The Five Eyes alliance, comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, collaborates on intelligence sharing and security matters.
The killing of Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani separatist and organizer for the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has strained bilateral relations between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s acknowledgment of “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the murder further escalated tensions.
Despite Canada’s requests for cooperation from New Delhi, India has indicated that no specific or relevant information has been provided regarding the investigation. Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Trudeau government is frustrated by the lack of progress in the case.
As diplomatic efforts continue to address the complexities surrounding Nijjar’s death, New Zealand’s reaffirmation of its position underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and respect for legal processes in resolving such sensitive matters on the international stage.
Also read: https://newseense.com/major-cheese-recall-sparks-health-concerns-across-multiple-states/
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