Urgent: Bold Congressional Move to Regulate Intelligence Agencies Sparks Nationwide Relief
Canada Issues Warning to Remaining Indian Diplomats Amid Growing Tensions
In a recent development, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has cautioned over a dozen Indian diplomats still in the country to adhere to local laws, following the expulsion of six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner in Ottawa. This warning comes amid escalating tensions between India and Canada, centered around the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani separatist leader, in June 2023. Canada has accused India of involvement in the assassination, a claim India vehemently denies, criticizing Canada for supporting extremist elements.
In response to the strained relations, India has recalled several of its diplomats, citing safety concerns, and accused Canada of creating an environment of extremism and violence. This diplomatic fallout has impacted trade, immigration, and diplomatic engagements, with no immediate resolution in sight. Both nations remain firm in their stances, significantly affecting bilateral cooperation and raising concerns for the Indian diaspora in Canada.
In a related context, Manish Tewari, a Congress MP from Chandigarh, has renewed calls for parliamentary oversight of India’s intelligence agencies. Highlighting the ongoing disputes as a backdrop, Tewari advocated for the Intelligence Services (Powers and Regulation) Bill, 2024, which he has introduced multiple times since 2011. The proposed legislation aims to provide a legal framework and oversee the activities of agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau, the Research and Analysis Wing, and the National Technical Research Organisation. Tewari’s bill also calls for a National Intelligence and Security Oversight Committee and an Intelligence Ombudsman to ensure accountability.
The diplomatic tensions, combined with calls for enhanced oversight of intelligence agencies in India, underscore a critical moment in international relations and governance, as both countries grapple with the fallout from these allegations.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/10/20/cong-pushes-for-law-to-regulate-intel-agencies/
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