The Canadian Sikh community was rocked almost a year ago by the tragic death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent leader who was gunned down in British Columbia. His close friend Moninder Singh, who had known Nijjar for 15 years, still feels the loss deeply.
Recently, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police made a significant breakthrough in the case by laying murder charges against three Indian men in connection with Nijjar’s death. This development has raised questions about possible ties to the Indian government, especially after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously suggested Indian government involvement in the assassination.
Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the B.C. Gurdwaras Council, expressed mixed emotions about the arrests, calling them “bittersweet.” While he is relieved that the investigation is progressing, he emphasized that it raises many unanswered questions.
Nijjar was known for advocating for the creation of Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland separate from India. His death has shed light on the issue of foreign interference in Canadian affairs, particularly from India. Sikh Canadian leaders are now calling for a separate inquiry to address Indian interference more effectively.
Despite the loss of Nijjar, his friend Moninder Singh believes that his death has united the community and galvanized them to stand against fear. Nijjar’s legacy lives on as a symbol of strength and resilience for the Sikh community in Canada.