Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a startling statement on Monday, asserting that there are "credible allegations" linking the government of India to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent Sikh leader.
Trudeau stated, "Over the past few weeks, Canadian security agencies have actively pursued credible allegations suggesting a potential connection between agents of the Indian government and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. My government is committed to taking all necessary steps to hold the perpetrators of this murder accountable."
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a well-known Sikh leader in British Columbia, met a tragic end in June when he was fatally shot in his truck by two masked assailants outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, BC. His murder sent shockwaves through the substantial Sikh community in Canada, which now boasts hundreds of thousands of members.
Several years ago, India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist threat, citing his involvement in a Sikh separatist movement.
Trudeau emphasized Canada's deep concerns to the highest intelligence and security authorities in the Indian government. He disclosed that during the recent G20 summit, he personally conveyed these concerns to Prime Minister Modi in unequivocal terms. Trudeau firmly stated that any foreign government's involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil constitutes an unacceptable violation of sovereignty, terming it an "extremely serious matter" during his parliamentary address.
Despite the passage of time, Canadian law enforcement has yet to make any arrests in connection with Nijjar's murder. In an August update, the police revealed that they were actively investigating three potential suspects and had issued a description of a possible getaway vehicle, appealing to the public for assistance in their ongoing investigation.