The tragic killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a notable Sikh leader in Canada, has prompted a high-powered inquiry by the national security agencies, as per the declaration made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The investigation targets the substantiated reports suggesting the involvement of the “agents of the government of India” in the assassination that occurred in British Columbia in June.
Prime Minister Trudeau, while addressing the House of Commons, remarked that the security agencies of Canada have spent the preceding weeks intensively examining the potential links connecting Indian governmental agents to the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau framed the issue as a matter of extreme gravity.
The prime minister expressed his expectation that India would unequivocally confirm its stance against extra-judicial operations in foreign countries as consistent with international law. He urged the Indian government to extend their full cooperation in the ongoing investigation.
In a related development, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Melanie Joly, declared the expulsion of a central Indian diplomat, identified as Pavan Kumar Rai, head of Canadian operations for India’s foreign intelligence agency. Canada anticipates that India will engage fully and help uncover the truth behind this incident.
Nijjar had been an enduring advocate of the Khalistan movement, lobbying for an independent homeland for Sikhs in India’s Punjab region, and the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara. His murder outside the temple sparked widespread protests from the Sikh community across Canada.
The turbulent diplomatic relations between India and Canada surfaced again during Trudeau’s recent visit to India to attend the G20 summit. Trudeau affirmed that he personally raised the allegations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Denying any foreign government’s involvement in the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, Trudeau described such actions as unacceptable violations of Canada’s sovereignty.
In a poignant speech, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh acknowledged the deep and devastating impacts of this shocking news on Canadians. He emphasized the need for truth and justice and urged governments worldwide to uphold these ideals, even in the face of attempts to suppress them.
In the international arena, Trudeau also discussed the issue with U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the G20 summit. The United States expressed its deep concern over the allegations and supports the investigation to ensure justice.
Additionally, the federal government is looking into alleged foreign interference in Canada, following previous reports of possible Chinese involvement in Canadian democracy. Trudeau’s national security advisor singled out nations like China, Russia, Iran, and India for potential interference.
Among Canada’s Sikh community, the largest outside India, there is a rising demand for concrete measures to hold India accountable. Groups like Sikhs for Justice and community leaders are planning protests outside the Indian High Commission and consulates across Canada.
