Taking stern action against Canada, Bharat is mulling to
approach the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over Ottawa’s inaction against
terror funding operations on its soil despite New Delhi having shared “credible
and clinching” evidence with it umpteen times.
Bharat is planning to share a “dossier of the old and
new evidence” with the Paris-based watchdog, which oversees the implementation
of legal, regulatory and operational measures to control money laundering and
terror financing, reported The Sunday Guardian citing diplomatic sources.
“Canada acquiescing to India’s demand to reduce its
diplomatic strength by 41 is not enough as India’s key concern is about funding
and shielding of Khalistanis on Canadian soil,” a source said, adding,
“diplomats, security and probe agency officials have been asked to collect
relevant evidence to be shared with the FATF.”
“The core issue in India’s relationship with Canada is
the safe space that terrorists and criminal elements have secured in that
country,” stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi
recently.
The statement clearly highlighted Bharat’s major
concern and priority in the relationship between New Delhi and Ottawa.
“With Canada seeking to divert the focus from the core
issue of Khalistani elements having a free run on its soil, India has no other
option but to report Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s inaction against
pro-Khalistan elements in his country to FATF. India is, therefore, planning to
collect evidence of terror funding and financing emanating from Canada and
present it to FATF,” a person aware of the development informed The Sunday
Guardian.
It is alleged that the Trudeau Government is attempting
to sidetrack the attention of the global community from the main issue of
terror activities by accusing Bharat of escalation and violating the Vienna
Convention regarding Canadian diplomatic presence.
In fact, Bharat immediately refuted Canada’s
allegations, explaining its position powerfully. At the same time, the Indian Government
decided to ensure that the core issue of terror funding on Canadian soil is not
relegated to the background.
“Terrorism is being funded and supported by our
western neighbour Pakistan, but the issue of safe havens and places to operate
are being provided abroad, including in Canada,” said Baghchi.
“Now, the Indian Government wants the focus to be
shifted back to this core issue. Officials have been asked to raise it at every
appropriate forum including FATF. In this context, evidence shared with Canada
in the past will matter,” a source said.
Recently, former Director General of the National
Investigation Agency (NIA) YC Modi had revealed that the agency shared multiple
inputs about Khalistani militants on Canadian soil with Ottawa, but there was
no action by the Trudeau Government.
Officials say that the Canadian government never
helped India whenever New Delhi tried to deport or extradite any terrorist or
militant from Canada. “This is also another fact that needs to be shared with
the FATF,” an official added.
“India would mount pressure on FATF to be tough on
Canada in the background of all these details,” a source said.
NE Watch Desk
