Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent Sikh leader and advocate for Khalistan, the movement for an independent Sikh state. Born in Punjab, India, Nijjar emigrated to Canada in 1997, where he eventually settled in Surrey, British Columbia, and ran a plumbing business. He became an influential figure within the Sikh community, participating in various humanitarian efforts and advocating for Sikh rights on international platforms.
Nijjar's life was marked by controversy, largely due to his association with the Khalistan Tiger Force, which the Indian government designated as a terrorist group. He was accused of being involved in militant activities and was the subject of two Interpol red notices at the behest of India. Despite these allegations, Nijjar maintained his innocence, claiming the accusations were politically motivated.
In June 2023, Nijjar was tragically killed outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. His death has been a focal point of diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, with allegations suggesting involvement of Indian government agents in his assassination. The investigation into his murder is ongoing, with Canadian authorities probing potential links to Indian operatives (Wikipedia) (Global News) (Global News).
