Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has suggested that agents from the Indian government might have been involved in the death of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, recent reports indicate his death may have been due to conflicts between criminal gangs.
On Friday, May 3, Canadian authorities arrested three individuals believed to be part of a hit squad involved in the murder of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police identified the suspects as 28-year-old Karanpreet Singh, 22-year-old Kamalpreet Singh, and 22-year-old Karan Brar.
“At the moment, we’re examining any potential connections they may have to the Indian government,” RCMP Superintendent Mandeep Mooker stated during a press conference.
The suspects in the hit squad allegedly took on different roles such as shooters, drivers, and lookouts during the assassination of Nijjar. They were captured earlier in the day during police raids across at least two provinces.
According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the individuals arrested are connected to the imprisoned Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, suggesting that Nijjar’s murder may have been the result of a gang feud. Police investigations reveal that the three entered Canada on student visas.
Nijjar, aged 45, was fatally shot on June 18, 2023, just after evening prayers at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey.
Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has responded to the detention of three Indian nationals connected to Nijjar’s murder in Canada last June.
“Some individuals may have been arrested, and there might have been investigations, but the reality is that numerous gang members and individuals with organized crime connections from Punjab have found refuge in Canada,” Jaishankar stated during a press interaction in Bhubaneswar on the evening of Saturday, May 4.
Jaishankar mentioned that New Delhi has consistently alerted Canada about the risks of admitting criminals into their country.
Jaishankar pointed out that welcoming individuals with questionable and negative backgrounds for political reasons can lead to complications. He noted that in some instances, these individuals have caused problems in their own countries due to their political activities, according to a report by Sputnik, a Russian media outlet.
In the midst of his comments, it was mentioned by Jaishankar that India finds pro-Khalistan activism in Canada to be a significant issue.
Jaishankar pointed out that the main issue isn’t in the US right now, but rather in Canada. He explained that the political parties currently in power in Canada have, to some extent, legitimized extremism and separatism under the guise of free speech. This has given advocates of violence a platform that they otherwise might not have.
Pro-Khalistan extremists have convinced Canadian politicians that supporting their cause could help them gain the entire community’s backing, Jaishankar remarked.
He explained that these politicians believe that by pandering to these individuals, they can secure community support.
Furthermore, he expressed deep concerns about the recent attacks and threats targeting Indian diplomatic missions, diplomats, and interests in Canada, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
He conveyed to the Canadian foreign minister the importance of considering their reaction if similar incidents were to happen to their diplomats, embassy, or flag. “We have to keep our position strong,” he emphasized.
Former Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), told Sputnik that India is the largest provider of immigrants to Canada. He noted that the rise in Sikh immigrants who carry their Khalistani activism with them is a concern for both social harmony in Canada and the country’s friendly relations with India.
Bernier criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, accusing them of engaging in “ethnic pandering” to supporters of pro-Khalistan terrorism.
In a statement to Sputnik, it was observed that Canadian politics appears to be increasingly leaning toward ethnic pandering. Mainstream politicians, including Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre, were highlighted for wearing ethnic garb, making targeted promises, and speaking foreign languages at events like the Khalsa Day event in Toronto on Sunday the 28th April , aiming to attract specific ethnic groups.
This commentary was provided by Maxime Bernier, underscoring his concern about current political trends.
He directly criticized Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Trudeau’s coalition partner, who also attended the contentious events in Toronto.
Bernier criticized Singh for his past reluctance to denounce the terrorists responsible for the 1985 Air India bombing, which resulted in the deaths of 329 people.
He pointed out Singh’s connections with individuals sympathetic to the Khalistani cause, questioning his suitability as the leader of a major Canadian political party. Bernier highlighted that Singh, who is Sikh, gained significant support from the Sikh community during his leadership campaign, suggesting that his associations could compromise his leadership.