Canada Arrests Wanted Khalistani Terrorist Arshdeep Gill in Firearms Case

In a significant development, Canadian authorities have arrested Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, a 28-year-old man wanted in India on suspicion of murder, extortion, and terror financing, in connection with a firearms charge. This move comes after a shootout in Milton, Ontario, where Gill and another man were apprehended.

Arshdeep Singh Gill, a.k.a. Arsh Dalla, is believed to be an associate of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who was killed in Vancouver in 2023. India had accused several individuals, including Nijjar, of being involved in anti-India activities, leading to a diplomatic standoff with Canada. In response, India had asked Canada to withdraw its ambassador and diplomats, resulting in a tit-for-tat move by Canada expelling six Indian diplomats.

Gill has been linked to the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), an organization that has been involved in violent crimes, including the assassination of a Congress leader in India. He has also been accused of exertsion, targeted killings, and spreading disturbance in the public peace in Punjab. Additionally, Gill is accused of maintaining an international network across multiple countries, including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and has connections with terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.

In a previous extradition request in July 2023, Canada declined India's request citing lack of evidence. However, after the recent shootout, Gill was detained and now India has sought his extradition, highlighting his crimes and terror links. The arrest of Gill is seen as a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.

The Canadian authorities have acknowledged that Gill's arrest has come amid a diplomatic standoff with the Canadian government, which alleged Indian government agents' role in Nijjar's assassination, a claim denied by India. Gill's network is reportedly active on social media, where he has been recruiting young people for terror activities.

The arrest of Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, in Canada marks a new development in the ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and extremism across borders. As the case unfolds, the international community will closely monitor the extradition proceedings and the broader implications for India-Canada relations.