#Hardeep Singh

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Alternate headline: India admits to assassinating Hardeep Singh Nijjar and not feeling bad about it (?)

Either way, kinda sus.

[aelloposchrysopterus]

HEY DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ASSASSINATION OF A PROMINENT SIKH LEADER IN CANADA AND WHY THIS MATTERS?

I generally don't like to write current events-y stuff here, but since I'm not seeing any people talking about this in my corner of this hellsite, I figured I might as well.

DISCLAIMER: For the record, I'm part Punjabi, raised culturally Sikh in the United States, I don't actively practice Sikhism, and I'm writing this assuming a non-Sikh, non-Desi audience that knows little to nothing about Indian politics. I am trying to be as factually accurate as possible but if certain information is incorrect, I will correct this post because a) this is an ongoing issue so the information I have right now may not turn out to be correct and b) my memory is fallible and while I did try to fact-check the background information I remembered, many of these historical events have accounts that differ drastically from each other, so it is difficult to establish a definite truth. This post was written and last updated 25 September 2023.

So, the basic facts of what happened:

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on 18 June 2023. He was a proponent of the Khalistan movement. In the past week or so, Canadian government officials have accused India of orchestrating his assassination.

Khalistan? What's That and Why Does It Matter?

Like quite a few things in Desi politics, the idea of Khalistan can be traced back to the Partition. At the heart of the Partition, the idea was that Pakistan is for the Muslims and India is for the Hindus.

However, India is not exclusively populated by Hindus, no matter how hard Modi and the BJP* try to make it a Hindu-only nation through their Hindu nationalist policies. Among other religious minority groups, many Sikhs had to made the new India their home, because of the religious persecution they would face in Pakistan. The Radcliffe Line (the line of partition) runs right through Punjab, the ancestral homeland of, among others, most Sikhs. In Punjab, during the Partition, Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims carried out sectarian violence against each other.

What this means is that a lot of Sikhs were displace from their homeland and subjected to discrimination and violence based on their religion in both Pakistan and India. As a result, some members of the Sikh community started calling for a new nation to be carved out of the Punjab regions in Pakistan and India. This new nation was to be a Sikh nation, much like Pakistan for the Muslims and India for the Hindus, and it was to be called Khalistan.

(Little bit of anecdotal trivia: apparently identifying as Punjabi first and Indian second when describing ethnic background is more common among Punjabi Sikhs, due to Sikh efforts to show their connection to Punjabi in an attempt to make Khalistan a Sikh nation in the Punjabi region.)

Needless to say, the Indian government did not and does not like the idea of a Sikh nation and sees the idea of it as a terrorist threat.

*Bharatiya Janata Party, the Hindu nationalist party currently ruling over most of India.

Operation Blue Star and Indira Gandhi

As part of this rising call for a Sikh nation, Sikh militant groups sprung up. Indira Gandhi's government wanted to arrest one of the most prominent leaders of a Sikh militant movement. However, he and his supporters were holed up in the holiest site in Sikhism, the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

On one of the holiest days in Sikhism, the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, the Indian military began their attack on the Golden Temple, known as Operation Blue Star. Long story short, Sikh pilgrims were killed during both the fighting and in extrajudicial killings by the military afterwards.

In anger at how Gandhi's government had carried out Operation Blue Star, two of her Sikh bodyguards assassinated her. Anti-Sikh pogroms then occurred, with independent estimates of the number of Sikhs killed ranging from 8,000 to 17,000.

This only made tensions between the Sikh community and the Indian government worse; I see this as a defining moment in how the government of India responds to the Khalistan movement and both Sikh extremist violence and peaceful support.

Oh and did I mention yet that the Indian government has outlawed the Khalistan movement?

The law that does this dates back to 1967, by the way.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar

And so now we come to the story of the recently-assassinated Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Due to Khalistani activism being outlawed in India, many Khalistani activists have settled abroad. This includes Nijjar, who became a Canadian citizen in 2007 and had first come to Canada to apply for asylum after having been arrested by the Indian police in connection with his pro-Khalistan stance. He continued his Sikh and Khalistani activism in Canada until he was killed in the parking lot of the gurdwara he belonged to by two masked gunmen.

The Canadian government recently alleged that the Indian government war involved in the killing of Nijjar, but has not yet provided firm evidence.

Why Does This Matter?

Obviously, as a culturally Sikh person, it matters to me because this assassination is part of a legacy of violence targeting my community due to perceived associations with terrorism. (Yes, there are some Sikh extremists and terrorists, but the overwhelming majority of Sikhs are neither extremists nor terrorists.)

But this has ramifications that everyone should care about.

Canada and India have recently done tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions due to the Canadian government's allegations

The US may also get dragged into this because Canada alleged that American intelligence gave them some information necessary to prove the involvement of the India government

The UK may also get dragged into this because they, too, have a sizeable Punjabi Sikh community that includes multiple MPs and the government has historically had strong relationships with both Canada and India

Despite the BJP's involvement in anti-Muslim violence, Modi and his government still enjoy a cozy relationship with many Western nations; this may start to change, although change is unlikely as Western governments see being allied with India as key to countering Chinese influence

If India is proven to be behind the assassination, this could be bad for other Khalistani activists in the Sikh diaspora because it means the Indian government could potentially target and kill them, too

This is important. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and this isn't an isolated incident. I know I probably didn't do a great job explaining this, but it's hard to summarize about 550 years of oppression and violence and politics and culture and how that has manifested over the past 80 years, leading to the murder of a prominent leader in the Sikh diaspora.

For further reading on this, I'd suggest this BBC article, which includes information on some other Khalistani activists recently killed.

Anyhow, I'll keep trying to follow the news on this and update this post as needed, likely through reblogs.

[memenewsdotcom]

#India #Canada tensions rise

[a-punchline-on-duct-tape]

the fact that khalistan activists are literally being labeled as terrorists when they are being MURDERED just for wanting a separate country makes me feel sick

and the fact NOBODY is speaking about this is so horrible

[divinum-pacis]

A woman is consoled as people mourn Sikh community leader and temple president Hardeep Singh Nijjar during Antim Darshan, the first part of day-long funeral services for him, in Surrey, British Columbia, Sunday, June 25, 2023. Nijjar was gunned down in his vehicle while leaving the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib parking lot. The September 2023 accusation by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that India may have been behind the assassination of Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, has raised several complex questions about the nature of Sikh activism in the North American diaspora. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

[guyoftheego]

[krishna1124]

Canada Alleges Modi’s Knowledge of Nijjar Killing Amid Strained Ties

Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalate as Canadian media claims Prime Minister Modi was aware of a campaign targeting Sikh activists, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and damaging to bilateral relations. The accusations follow Nijjar's controversial 2023 killing in Vancouver, linked to the Khalistan separatist movement. Both nations have since expelled diplomats, signaling further deterioration in their relationship.

[todayworldnews2k21]

'Ludicrous': MEA Dismisses Canadian Report Alleging PM Modi Was Aware Of Nijjar Murder Plot

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday strongly dismissed a Canadian report wherein the country’s official alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of a plot to kill pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Calling the claims “ludicrous,” the MEA said such assertions further damage the already strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada.   “We do not…

[head-post]

Canada’s PM condemns violence at Hindu temple near Toronto

Leaders of Canada’s three major federal parties have condemned the violent clashes that erupted on Sunday during a visit by Indian consulate officials to a Hindu temple in Brampton, a suburb of Toronto.

Peel Regional Police said Sunday that a protest had broken out at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, and unverified videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators holding pro-Khalistan placards, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

The videos show fist fights and people hitting each other with sticks in an area adjacent to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report said.

Speaking to website X, Trudeau thanked local authorities for their swift response to protect the community and investigate the incident. Trudeau wrote on X on Monday:

The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa also issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack by “anti-Indian” elements on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton.

The incident disrupted a consular event organised jointly by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian Consulate. In a statement, the High Commission said:

We have seen violent disruption today (November 3), orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto.

Peel Regional Police said Sunday afternoon that they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir and had increased their presence at the temple to maintain public order and security.

Police did not provide further details about the social media videos, what happened or whether any complaints had been filed.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence, writing on website X on Sunday afternoon, saying the perpetrators should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Relations between the two countries soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last September claimed “possible” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who Indian authorities consider an extremist.

New Delhi dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and said Canada was allowing pro-Khalistan elements to operate with impunity on Canadian soil.

Read more HERE

[newshawkers]

कनाडा के मंत्री ने लगाया अमित शाह पर आरोप

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Canadian police said they arrested three suspects Friday in the slaying of a Sikh separatist leader last June that become the center of a diplomatic spat with India, and are investigating possible ties between the detainees and the Indian government. Three Indian nationals in their 20s identified as Kamalpreet Singh, Karan Brar and Karampreet Singh were arrested in Edmonton, Alberta on Friday morning in the slaying of 45-year-old Hardeep Singh Nijjar by masked gunmen outside Vancouver, police said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sparked a diplomatic feud with India in September when he said that there were “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the slaying of Nijjar. India had accused Nijjar of links to terrorism, but angrily denied involvement in the slaying. In response to the allegatio ns, India told Canada last year to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country. Tensions remain but have somewhat eased since.

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[rightnewshindi]

खालिस्तानी आतंकी हरदीप सिंह निज्जर का डेथ सर्टिफिकेट नहीं दे रहा कनाडा, जानें किस बात का है डर

Delhi News: खालिस्तान समर्थक आतंकवादी हरदीप सिंह निज्जर की हत्या को लेकर कनाडा लगाता�� झूठ बोल रहा है। पहले उसने बिना कोई सबूत दिए भारत पर निज्जर की हत्या करवाने का आरोप लगाया। इसके बाद जब भारतीय जांच एजेंसी एनआईए ने हाल ही में कनाडा से उसके मृत्यु प्रमाणपत्र की मांग की तो वह भी देने से इनकार कर दिया। आपको बता दें कि हरदीप सिंह निज्जर भारतीय मूल का कनाडाई नागरिक था। जून में उसकी हत्या कर दी गई।…

[trendynewsnow]

The Assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar: A Warning and a Diplomatic Crisis

A Chilling Warning On a warm July night two years ago, Moninder Singh received a disturbing message from special federal agents who arrived at his home in British Columbia: “You are being formally warned that there is an imminent threat to your life. Avoid public spaces. Enhance security at home.” This ominous alert was enough to send shivers down his spine. The first person he reached out to was…

[connectingsocial]

Who is Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who became a prominent figure in the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada, was accused by the Indian government of various criminal activities related to separatism and terrorism. India claimed that Nijjar was involved in organizing and financing violent acts to further the cause of an independent Khalistan. Here are the key criminal accusations tied to him:

1. Terrorist Designation by India (2020)

In 2020, India officially declared Hardeep Singh Nijjar a "terrorist" under its Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This designation was based on accusations that Nijjar had connections to banned militant organizations advocating for the violent secession of Punjab from India to create a Khalistan state.

2. Alleged Involvement in Bomb Plots

The Indian government accused Nijjar of being involved in plotting bomb attacks within India, specifically targeting key locations in Punjab. These plans, according to Indian intelligence agencies, were designed to create unrest and provoke violence to further the separatist agenda.

3. Links to Militant Groups

Indian authorities alleged that Nijjar had close ties with various Khalistani militant outfits, particularly the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). He was accused of recruiting individuals for these groups, organizing their training, and planning attacks against Indian targets. The Indian government also claimed that Nijjar was coordinating with other separatist leaders in Pakistan to destabilize the Indian state.

4. Involvement in Funding and Radicalization

Nijjar was accused of using his position in Canada to fund and radicalize individuals in support of the Khalistan movement. According to Indian officials, he was involved in raising money through local Sikh organizations and temples in Canada to finance militant operations in Punjab. These operations allegedly included training camps for young recruits.

5. Mastermind of Targeted Killings

Indian security agencies alleged that Nijjar masterminded several targeted killings in India, aimed at eliminating individuals opposed to the Khalistan movement or those working against the separatist cause. These killings were described as part of a broader campaign to instill fear and push for Khalistan’s creation through violence.

6. Interference in Indian Politics

India also accused Nijjar of being part of a larger network of Khalistan sympathizers in Canada who sought to interfere with Indian politics by promoting anti-India sentiment abroad. He was charged with using Canadian soil to propagate propaganda, organise anti-India rallies, and disrupt diplomatic efforts between the two countries.

[news-buzz]

Canada-India tensions spark journey considerations amongst Indian diaspora - Nationwide Information Buzz

As tensions escalate between India and Canada, some within the Indian diaspora say they’re involved about how the state of affairs would possibly have an effect on journey between the 2 nations. The federal authorities expelled six Indian diplomats on Monday after the RCMP mentioned it had credible proof that Indian brokers performed a task in violent crimes on Canadian soil, together with…