In the wake of the brutal killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a significant Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) leader in Canada, the FBI alerted three American Sikh nationals about potential threats to their lives.
According to The Guardian, the diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi escalated. Nijjar’s assassination, purportedly executed by India, occurred in June outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada. This event later found a mention in Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s speech in the House of Commons, emphasizing Indian involvement.
Pritpal Singh, coordinator for the US Sikh Caucus Committee, acknowledged that he and two associates received this warning shortly after Nijjar’s death. The FBI, basing their concerns on intelligence reports, also provided Singh with specific safety guidelines, as mentioned in the Intercept.
Diplomatic Fallout between Canada and India
The growing suspicions have strained relations between Canada and India. Both nations have demanded senior diplomats from the opposing side to exit their respective countries. India’s expulsion directive, as stated by its foreign ministry, stemmed from apprehensions about Canadian diplomats meddling in India’s internal affairs. Additionally, India ceased processing visa applications from Canada, citing “security threats”. PM Trudeau, however, insisted that his government wasn’t aiming to stir trouble despite hinting at Indian agents’ involvement in Nijjar’s murder.
Concerns for Sikh Leaders Abroad
These allegations have heightened worries about the security of Sikh leaders overseas who champion an independent state. Describing the situation, Singh told The Guardian, “Transnational repression not only threatens individuals but also undermines our democratic institutions and challenges the national security and sovereignty of the US.” Another individual who received a warning was Amarjit Singh, a journalist based in New York. He revealed that the FBI advised him against travelling and prioritising his safety, especially after the public disclosure of Canada’s findings about Nijjar’s murder.
Nijjar’s Assassination: Unveiling Details
Recent details about Nijjar’s assassination, as reported by the Washington Post, disclosed that his murder was meticulously planned, involving at least six men, two vehicles, and 34 bullet shots. Moninder Singh, representing the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, was among those warned about potential threats in 2022. Although not provided with specific details or protection, Singh inferred that the threats possibly originated from India due to their activist stances. He remarked that while Trudeau’s statements were appreciable, they seemed belated.
