Canadian police have charged three individuals with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to court documents cited by Canadian media. Nijjar, aged 45, was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver known for its significant Sikh population. The arrests come in the wake of recent concerns expressed by the White House regarding the alleged involvement of the Indian intelligence service in assassination plots in both Canada and the United States.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously announced that Canadian authorities were investigating allegations linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s murder. However, New Delhi dismissed these claims as “absurd.” The suspects, all reported to be Indian nationals, were apprehended by Canadian law enforcement. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are scheduled to provide further details on the case later today.
The presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada has long been a source of frustration for the Indian government, which labeled Nijjar a “terrorist.” Last year, U.S. authorities revealed that an Indian government official had directed a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist and dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada.
Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, responsible for overseeing Canadian law enforcement agencies, did not explicitly confirm the arrests but acknowledged that the investigation into Nijjar’s murder remains an active police operation. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the suspects had been identified in Canada several months ago and had been under close surveillance.
2 Responses
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” – Benjamin Franklin
This quote resonates with the post because it highlights the importance of seeking justice for all, regardless of one’s personal connection or affiliation with the victim. In this case, the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, may not directly impact everyone, but it is crucial to recognize the significance of seeking justice for all individuals. It emphasizes the need for society
Did you know that Sikhs make up a significant portion of Canada’s population? According to the 2016 Canadian Census, there are approximately 500,000 Sikhs living in Canada, making it one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India. This highlights the cultural diversity and inclusivity of Canada.