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The arrest of Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dalla, a prominent Khalistani terrorist, in Canada has sparked renewed attention on the issue of cross-border terrorism and the complex relationship between India and Canada. Dalla, a close associate of the slain Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was apprehended by Canadian authorities for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident in Milton, Ontario, on October 28, 2024. This arrest follows a similar one just a week prior, where Inderjeet Gosal, another Nijjar associate and the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) coordinator for Canada, was detained on charges of assault with a weapon during a violent demonstration at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.
Dalla's arrest highlights the ongoing challenges India faces in combating the activities of Khalistani separatists operating from Canadian soil. He is considered one of India's most wanted criminals and was linked to several violent acts, including the murder of Congress leader Baljinder Singh Balli in Punjab's Moga district in September 2024. His alleged involvement in the Milton shootout further underscores the threat posed by these elements operating within Canadian borders.
The arrest of Dalla and Gosal, both prominent figures in the Khalistani movement, has brought renewed attention to the tensions between India and Canada. These tensions escalated in September 2023 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of potentially being involved in Nijjar's killing, accusations that New Delhi vehemently denied. India has consistently maintained that Canada's tolerance for pro-Khalistan groups operating with impunity within its borders is a major point of contention in the bilateral relationship.
The recent arrests are likely to further strain the relationship between the two countries. India has repeatedly called upon Canada to crack down on these groups and extradite individuals wanted for crimes in India. The arrest of Dalla and Gosal could be seen as a step in the right direction, but the continued presence of other individuals linked to Khalistani separatism in Canada raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Canadian security measures.