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Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a significant figure in the Khalistan movement, was tragically killed in an incident shrouded in controversy and theories about his murder. Nijjar was a divisive character, known for his active role in the separatist Khalistan movement.
Despite the arrests, the case continues to be mired in speculation about who might have orchestrated Nijjar’s murder. Pro-Khalistan elements and certain media outlets were quick to attribute the incident to India. However, these claims are unfounded, with details of the investigation remaining confidential and no concrete evidence to support such allegations.
The possibility of a gang-related killing, however, should not be discounted, paralleling a separate high-profile case involving a Khalistan separatist. On July 14, 2022, Ripudaman Singh Malik, a former Khalistan separatist who had also been controversial within the movement, was shot dead near his office in Surrey, Canada. Before his untimely demise, Malik had accused Nijjar and another individual, Boyle, of actions that violated the Sikh community’s principles and traditions (Sikh maryada). While Nijjar refuted these accusations, he was also implicated in Malik’s murder. Malik’s death was speculated to be the result of internal conflicts within the Khalistan movement, gang-related activity, or Gurdwara politics, suggesting a pattern that could also be applicable to Nijjar’s assassination.
These incidents reflect the volatile and often violent nature of Khalistan separatist groups in Canada, a country that has become a hub for such activities outside India. These killings have prompted fears of further violence and their potential impact on the broader Sikh community in Canada.
As the investigation into Nijjar’s murder unfolds, authorities must avoid hasty conclusions. The involvement of Canadian law enforcement and the judicial system should ensure a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and uphold peace and security within the affected communities.
