Sikh leaders in North America have welcomed recent arrests in the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Montreal, Canada. However, allegations of Indian government involvement continue to raise questions and concerns within the Sikh community. Canadian police revealed that three Indian nationals were arrested for their role in Nijjar’s June murder in British Columbia. The investigation into Nijjar’s death is ongoing, with authorities looking into potential ties to the Indian government.
Moninder Singh, a spokesman for the BC Gurdwaras Council, expressed some relief at the arrests but emphasized the looming question of Indian state involvement in Nijjar’s killing. With Canada being home to the largest Sikh diaspora outside of India, concerns about foreign interference and assassination plots are prevalent among the community.
The tensions between Canada and India escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested a potential link between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s assassination. India vehemently denied any involvement, accusing Nijjar of terrorism instead. The Khalistan movement, advocating for a separate Sikh state in Punjab, remains a contentious issue between the Sikh community and the Indian government.
Reports of threats against prominent Sikh leaders in Canada and the United States have further strained relations between the countries. The involvement of Indian officials in alleged assassination plots targeting Sikh activists abroad has raised concerns about extrajudicial killings and suppression of dissenting voices.
Sikh leaders like Pritpal Singh have demanded accountability for these threats and called for justice against those involved in such schemes. Despite India denying any involvement in the alleged plots, reports of foreign interference activities in Canada have prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Sikh community continues to advocate for improved legislation to address instances of transnational repression and protect their members from threats and violence. As the investigation into Nijjar’s killing unfolds, the Sikh diaspora remains vigilant in seeking justice and transparency in the face of foreign interference.