Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed concerns within Canada’s Sikh community following the recent arrest of three men linked to the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver last year, which had previously escalated tensions between Canada and India.
During a Sikh heritage and culture gala in Toronto, Trudeau recognized the community’s unease, stating many might feel “uneasy, and perhaps even frightened.” He emphasized the importance of trust in the justice system.
Trudeau reassured attendees of Canada’s dedication to the rule of law, highlighting the independence of its justice system and the nation’s commitment to protecting all citizens.
The three suspects, Indian nationals aged 22 and 28, face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy. They were identified as the alleged shooter, driver, and lookout during the attack on Nijjar.
Police are still investigating the suspects’ possible connections to the Indian government and if others were involved in the crime.
Nijjar, a proponent of a separate Sikh state known as Khalistan, had been a target of the Indian authorities, accused of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. He was assassinated on June 18, 2023, by masked individuals in a Vancouver suburb.
Read: Canadian Police Arrest Three in Connection with Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s Assassination
Following credible allegations of Indian intelligence involvement in the killing, Trudeau expelled an Indian official, prompting a series of retaliatory actions from New Delhi, including visa restrictions and diplomatic expulsions.
Nijjar’s case gained further international attention when, in November, the US Justice Department charged an Indian citizen in the Czech Republic with planning a similar assassination on American soil.
