OTTAWA, Canada: A year following the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, legal proceedings in both Canada and the US are intensifying the focus on India’s involvement in suppressing Sikh separatist movements through targeted killings abroad.
In Canada, four Indian nationals are facing charges related to Nijjar’s murder, with a court hearing scheduled on June 25 to present evidence implicating India in the crime. The anniversary of Nijjar’s death was marked by Sikh activists protesting outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver, accusing the Indian government of orchestrating the assassination.
Additionally, the Canadian Parliament’s tribute to Nijjar further strained relations between Ottawa and New Delhi, prompting India to temporarily withdraw diplomats and suspend visa services for Canadians.
The Khalistan movement, advocating for an independent Sikh state, has persisted among the Sikh diaspora despite waning support within India due to past crackdowns. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement probing India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing has exacerbated tensions, leading to diplomatic friction and stalled trade talks.
In the United States, the extradition of Nikhil Gupta from the Czech Republic marks another critical juncture. Gupta faces charges for allegedly conspiring to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, an accusation vehemently denied by India. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of Indian security agencies’ activities overseas, with Washington monitoring India’s response to ensure accountability.
Gupta’s indictment details his alleged role in planning Pannun’s assassination, orchestrated under the direction of an Indian government official linked to the Central Reserve Police Force. The intricate plot involved undercover US law enforcement, leading to Gupta’s arrest and subsequent plea of not guilty, reinforcing the seriousness of the allegations against Indian state actors.
The repercussions of these cases extend beyond legal boundaries, resonating globally. Australian media has reported on similar incidents involving Indian agents harassing Sikh activists, raising concerns about foreign interference and espionage. Despite YouTube’s censorship of related content in India, allegations persist of covert Indian operations targeting Sikh dissent abroad.
As international pressure mounts, India faces accusations of suppressing dissent through extrajudicial means, complicating its diplomatic relations with Canada, the US, and potentially Australia.
The outcomes of the upcoming legal proceedings in Canada and ongoing investigations in the US will likely influence future bilateral engagements and the global perception of India’s stance on human rights and political dissent.
It is pertinent to note that Kashmiri diaspora also showed solidarity with the Sikh community and strongly condemned Indians brutality against both the communities.
