Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose government relies on support from pro-Khalistani MP Jagmeet Singh’s NDP, recently faced backlash for mourning Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Canadian House of Commons observed a moment of silence for Nijjar on the anniversary of his death in Surrey, British Columbia, despite his involvement in terrorism.
Nijjar, originally from Jalandhar, Punjab, migrated to Canada in 1996. He was associated with Babbar Khalsa International before joining the Khalistan Tiger Force. He allegedly trained recruits in British Columbia, with plans to target Indian leaders. In 2020, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered an FIR against Nijjar and others under charges including sedition and promoting enmity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Trudeau accused Indian agents of Nijjar’s killing last year but provided no evidence. Nijjar’s death was also mourned by Sikhs for Justice founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, himself designated a terrorist by India. The NIA had placed a ₹10 lakh reward on Nijjar, who was implicated in multiple violent acts, including the 2020 murder of Dera Sacha Sauda follower Manohar Lal and the attack on Hindu priest Pragya Gyan Muni in 2021. Despite his notorious background, Nijjar’s portrayal as a religious leader by Canadian intelligence has sparked significant controversy.
