Hardeep Singh Nijjar: The Khalistan Figure in the India-Canada Standoff

Canada has taken the significant step of expelling a high-ranking Indian diplomat amidst an ongoing investigation into the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed "credible allegations of a potential link" between Indian government agents and the assassination of the Khalistani militant.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar met a tragic end on June 18, having been gunned down outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia. Trudeau, addressing the Canadian parliament, asserted that any involvement of a foreign government in the murder of a Canadian citizen within Canadian borders is an infringement on their sovereignty.

Canada has been diligently collaborating with its international allies in investigating the case, and this expulsion comes at a time when relations between Canada and India are strained due to the surge in pro-Khalistan activities within Canada.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar's background sheds light on his involvement in extremist activities:

1. Nijjar was associated with the banned Indian separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and held the position of 'Number 2' after Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He originally hailed from Jalandhar's Bharsingh Pura village and relocated to Canada in 1996.
2. In Canada, he initially worked as a plumber, but his financial standing significantly improved in recent years, primarily due to his engagement in pro-Khalistan activities.
3. Nijjar's association with terrorism began with his membership in Babbar Khalsa International, led by Jagtar Singh Tara. He later established his own group, Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), and played a pivotal role in identifying, connecting, training, and financing Khalistani cells in India, leading to over 10 FIRs against him.
4. In 2014, Nijjar orchestrated the assassination of self-proclaimed spiritual leader Baba Bhaniara. In 2015, he conducted a training camp in Canada to instruct Mandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who was subsequently sent to Punjab with the mission of targeting Shiv Sena leaders. Mandeep was arrested in June 2016.
5. In November 2020, Nijjar collaborated with fellow criminal Arsh Dalla, who was also residing abroad. Together, they were involved in the murder of Manohar Lal, a follower of the Dera Sacha Sauda, in 2021, which occurred at Lal's office in Bhagta Bhai Ka, Bathinda.

The expulsion of the Indian diplomat underscores the gravity of the situation and its potential impact on diplomatic relations between Canada and India, as both countries navigate the complex dynamics surrounding this case.

Also Read: Trudeau Suggests India’s Involvement in the Death of Canadian Sikh Hardeep Nijjar

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