OTTAWA, Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared that his country was “actively pursuing credible allegations” that the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June was carried out by operatives of the Indian government.
Canada is home to a significant Sikh community, and there are concerns about fringe groups sympathetic to the cause of Khalistan, an independent Sikh state, within the country.
According to some key details regarding the investigation into the murder of the Canadian citizen, on the evening of June 18, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a report of a shooting at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship, in Surrey, British Columbia. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, was found inside a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took charge of the investigation. Two suspects, described as “heavier set males, wearing face coverings,” were reported to have fled the scene on foot, with a possible getaway vehicle waiting nearby. Later, a third suspect was identified, but no arrests have been made.
In July, investigators released information to the public about the suspected route taken by the two suspects after the murder. They also identified the vehicle used as a silver 2008 Toyota Camry.
There were suspicions within the local community that foreign interference may have been involved in the murder of the Sikh separatist leader. IHIT officials emphasized their commitment to uncovering the facts and following the evidence in their investigation.
Prime Minister Trudeau stated that Canada had credible information linking Indian government agents to the murder but did not directly accuse India of involvement. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly used more cautious language, stating that the allegations would be unacceptable “if proven true.”
Relations between Canada and India have been strained this year, with Canada having a significant Sikh population, including those who support the Khalistan separatist demand. Protests in Canada against India have caused tensions.
In June, India’s foreign minister, S Jaishankar, criticized Canada for allowing a parade float depicting the 1984 assassination of then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by Sikh bodyguards, seen as glorification of violence by Sikh separatists.
India has expressed concerns about pro-Khalistan protesters in Canada and has summoned Canada’s High Commissioner over security breaches at India’s diplomatic missions and consulates.
Bilateral trade relations between the two countries are substantial, with a trade value of $100 billion, including $70 billion of Canadian portfolio investment in India. However, ongoing tensions and incidents related to Sikh separatism have strained diplomatic ties between Canada and India.
