Canada’s Parliament observed a moment of silence in the House of Commons on Tuesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent figure associated with the Khalistan movement. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was killed in a targeted shooting outside a Gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whose name appeared on a list of 40 designated terrorists released by the Indian government, had a controversial history. Four Indian nationals—Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—have been accused of his murder.
The incident has strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India, with Canada suggesting possible involvement of the Indian government in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination. Despite this, recent developments indicate a potential thaw in bilateral ties. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held discussions on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. PM Justin Trudeau expressed optimism about engaging with the new Indian government, highlighting opportunities in economic and national security cooperation.
Who Was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Hardeep Singh Nijjar moved to Canada in 1997 using a fake passport. His initial refugee claim was denied, and subsequent attempts at immigration sponsorship through marriage were also rejected. Despite these setbacks, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to Hardeep Singh Nijjar as a Canadian national following his death.
According to security agencies, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was actively involved in recruiting and training individuals for KTF, a banned terrorist organization. He was also associated with the separatist group Sikhs for Justice, which organized a Khalistan referendum on September 10.
India had long expressed concerns about Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s activities. In 2018, former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh handed a list of wanted individuals, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar, to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. By 2022, the Punjab police sought Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s extradition for his alleged involvement in spreading terrorism in the state.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was implicated in several serious crimes, including the 2017 Ludhiana blast that resulted in six fatalities and 42 injuries. Additionally, he was linked to a bomb blast near a temple in Patiala, for which the Punjab police registered a case against him.
The solemn moment in Canada’s Parliament underscores the complexity of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s legacy and the ongoing challenges in Canada-India relations. As both nations navigate these diplomatic waters, the broader implications for international cooperation and security remain to be seen.
