Title: Sikh Temple President’s Assassination Raises Tensions between Canada and India
Subtitle: Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau links the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar to the Indian government
Date: [Date]
In a shocking incident that has highlighted the long-standing tensions between the Sikh community and the Indian government, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the president of a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, was assassinated outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara. Nijjar, known for his involvement in the separatist Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh state in India’s Punjab region, was shot and killed by three armed men on June 18.
Although no arrests have been made yet, Nijjar’s family and friends have pointed fingers at the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who vehemently denies any involvement. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent statement to the House of Commons, revealed that investigators were pursuing “credible allegations” linking Nijjar’s killing to Indian government agents. This claim has escalated tensions between the two countries, resulting in the expulsion of top diplomats from both sides.
Nijjar, a Canadian citizen originally from India, was leading the Khalistan movement in Canada, drawing attention from Indian security services. In 2022, India’s National Investigation Agency accused him of plotting the murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab and labeled him a “fugitive terrorist.” The Indian government even published Nijjar’s home address in Surrey and offered a reward for information leading to his arrest.
Nijjar’s family and friends maintain that he advocated for a peaceful and democratic approach to achieving a Sikh homeland. Before his death, he was organizing a referendum among the Sikh diaspora to gauge support for Khalistan, which reportedly attracted over 100,000 participants. However, Canadian security agencies had been aware of threats to Nijjar’s safety for more than a year, raising questions about the adequacy of his protection.
The Canadian authorities have faced criticism for their failure to ensure Nijjar’s safety. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police declined to comment on whether they warned Nijjar about threats or provided him with protection. Nijjar’s lawyer and family friends claim that he had been warned by Canadian authorities, but without specific details.
Witnesses to the shooting described the assailants as heavily built men wearing masks, who had been waiting in the area for at least an hour before the attack. Police stated that the men fled the scene in a 2008 Toyota Camry, driven by a third suspect. Despite ongoing investigations, no arrests have been made thus far.
Nijjar’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the local Sikh community. Prayer vigils and demonstrations have been held, with mourners demanding justice and chanting slogans supporting the Khalistan movement. The assassination has reignited debate about India’s treatment of Sikh minorities and strained relations between Canada and India.
As the investigation continues, the international community will closely watch the events unfold, hoping for a resolution that addresses the concerns of both the Sikh diaspora and the Indian government.