The assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada has sparked controversy and accusations from the pro-Khalistan secessionist group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). In a video statement, SFJ General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claimed that Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), acting under the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was responsible for Nijjar’s killing.
The Assassination: Hardeep Singh Nijjar Found Dead in Canada
On Sunday night, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh campaigner and SFJ’s Canada leader, was discovered with gunshot wounds in his pickup truck in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple in Surrey, British Columbia. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Sikh community and raised concerns about the motives behind the assassination.
SFJ Accuses Modi, RAW, and Associates
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the General Counsel of SFJ, squarely placed the blame on RAW, Prime Minister Modi, and his close associates Amit Shah and Ajit Doval. Pannun accused them of orchestrating the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was the incharge of the Khalistan Referendum in Canada. SFJ has been advocating for Punjab’s liberation through peaceful means, but Pannun warned of repercussions and vowed to seek justice under international law for ordering the killing of pro-Khalistan Sikhs.
Canadian Police Investigation and Statements
Canadian police have taken up the investigation into the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While releasing Nijjar’s identity, the police emphasized their commitment to uncovering the facts and following the evidence. Timothy Pierotti of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team acknowledged the speculation surrounding the motive but urged patience until more concrete information is obtained.
SFJ Highlights Threats and Targeted Shootings
The World Sikh Organisation of Canada revealed that Hardeep Singh Nijjar had been warned by Canada’s spy agency about threats against his life. They described his assassination as a targeted shooting, citing the killings or suspicious deaths of other prominent Khalistan activists, including Avtar Singh Khanda in Britain and Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Lahore. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety and security of Sikh campaigners advocating for Khalistan.
Previous Allegations and Inclusion in Wanted List
Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s name had previously been included in a wanted list provided by former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to India in 2018. Nijjar played a significant role in organizing the Khalistan referendum in Brampton, Ontario, last year, where a large number of Sikhs gathered to vote in favor of Khalistan, garnering international attention.
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The allegations made by the Sikhs For Justice group against RAW and Prime Minister Modi are serious and require a thorough investigation to establish the truth. As the Canadian police diligently pursue the case, it is crucial for both India and Canada to cooperate and exchange information to shed light on this assassination and bring the perpetrators to justice. The tragic loss of Hardeep Singh Nijjar further exacerbates tensions surrounding the Khalistan movement. It is essential to prioritize a peaceful resolution, addressing the concerns of the Sikh community constructively, and fostering harmonious coexistence between India and its Sikh population.
