Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed on Monday that there are credible allegations connecting the Indian government to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent Sikh leader. Trudeau stated that Canadian security agencies have been actively investigating this potential link and his government will do everything necessary to ensure that the perpetrators of this murder are held accountable.
Nijjar, a respected Sikh figure in British Columbia, was tragically shot in his truck in June by two unidentified assailants wearing masks outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, BC. This incident has deeply shocked and angered the extensive Sikh community in Canada, which currently comprises hundreds of thousands of individuals.
India designated Niijar as a terrorist threat a few years ago, identifying him as a member of a separatist movement advocating for Sikhism.
During the G20 summit, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau vehemently expressed his concerns to the Indian government's top intelligence and security officials. He personally conveyed these concerns to Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing that any involvement of a foreign government in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian territory is a direct infringement on their sovereignty. Trudeau addressed this matter as being of utmost gravity during his speech in parliament.
Canadian police have not made any arrests related to Niijar's murder. However, in an August update, the police released a statement stating that they are currently investigating three potential suspects and have also provided a description of a possible getaway vehicle. They have reached out to the High Commission of India in Ottawa for a comment, but there has been no response received by CNN.