Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made headlines for all the wrong reasons, as he continues to defend and support the notorious terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar by blaming India for Nijjar’s death. This ill-advised stance by Trudeau has not only strained relations between Canada and India but has also raised serious questions about Canada’s commitment to combating terrorism.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a self-proclaimed Canadian citizen, found refuge in Canada under dubious circumstances back in 1997. His refugee claim was rejected, and he resorted to using a fake passport to gain entry. Undeterred by the denial, Nijjar then married a woman in an attempt to secure immigration sponsorship, only to face another rejection. Despite all this, Trudeau shockingly referred to Nijjar as a “Canadian” in the House of Commons, a claim that flies in the face of the facts and the law.
The real issue at hand, however, is not Nijjar’s immigration status but his undeniable ties to terrorism. India designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020, and for good reason. Security agencies have long been aware of Nijjar’s active involvement in recruiting and training individuals for the banned terrorist outfit, Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Additionally, he was a prominent member of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a separatist group that organized a so-called Khalistan referendum in 2020.
India had repeatedly communicated its concerns about Nijjar’s involvement in terrorist activities. In 2018, former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh handed over a list of wanted individuals to Trudeau, which included Nijjar’s name. In 2022, the Punjab Police sought Nijjar’s extradition due to his involvement in spreading terrorism within the state.
Nijjar’s list of alleged crimes is long and horrifying. He was wanted in connection with the 2007 Ludhiana blast that killed six people and injured 42 others. In 2010, the Punjab Police filed a case against him for his alleged role in a bomb blast near a temple in Patiala. He was also accused of targeting Hindu leaders and conspiring to kill them in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Look Out Circulars and Red Corner Notices were issued against him in 2015 and 2016, further underscoring his criminal activities.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) even probed Nijjar’s involvement in the killing of RSS leaders in Punjab. Most recently, in 2022, the NIA declared a Rs 10 lakh reward on Nijjar for conspiring to murder a Hindu priest in Punjab’s Jalandhar.
In light of these damning allegations and extensive evidence pointing to Nijjar’s involvement in terrorism, it is nothing short of astonishing that Prime Minister Trudeau would defend him and even suggest that there might be a link between the Indian government and Nijjar’s death. Such baseless accusations not only undermine Canada’s credibility but also endanger the country’s relationship with India, a crucial international partner.
Trudeau’s actions in this matter are a slap in the face to the countless victims of terrorism and a disservice to the principles of justice and international cooperation. Canada must rethink its position and distance itself from individuals like Nijjar, who pose a clear threat to global security. It is imperative that Canada prioritize its role as a responsible member of the international community and cease its unwarranted support for terrorists like Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The future of Canada-India ties, as well as Canada’s reputation on the world stage, depends on it.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
