OTTAWA: The World Sikh Organization (WSO) has expressed its lack of surprise at the recent revelation of credible links between the government of India and the June assassination of a Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Speaking during a press conference on Parliament Hill, WSO board member Mukhbir Singh highlighted that India has a history of targeting Sikh communities abroad, emphasizing the need for accountability and action.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement on Monday, during a session in the House of Commons, regarding Canadian security agencies pursuing credible leads connecting Nijjar’s murder to the Indian government, sparked shock and concern among Canadians. However, Singh noted that this revelation was met with a sense of inevitability within the Sikh community.
Singh stated, “For decades, India has targeted Sikhs in Canada with espionage, disinformation, and now murder. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement yesterday that agents of the government of India are suspected of having been involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar may have shocked many Canadians, but it was no surprise to the Sikh community.”
Trudeau, in his statement, revealed that Canada had expressed its deep concerns to high-ranking intelligence and security officials of the Indian government during the G20 summit. He also personally conveyed these concerns to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Brutal Murder of Sikh Leader
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, tragically gunned down in the parking lot of the Surrey, B.C., temple where he served as president, was a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement within the Sikh community. He played a significant role in organizing a non-binding referendum aimed at establishing a Sikh homeland in India.
In the months leading up to his untimely death, Nijjar had frequently spoken about threats made against him. His murder has raised concerns about the safety and security of Sikh activists abroad and has brought to the forefront the need for transparency, accountability, and action regarding allegations of government involvement.
The WSO’s call for action underscores the urgency of addressing these issues and ensuring the safety of Sikh communities worldwide. As investigations into the assassination continue, the Sikh community, along with Canadian authorities, remains committed to seeking justice and uncovering the truth behind Nijjar’s murder.
