Petition by B.C. Sikhs calls for federal probe into Gurdwara leader’s killing | 24CA News
Some members of B.C.’s Sikh group care calling for a federal investigation into the killing of a distinguished temple chief.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, president of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara was shot and killed within the temple’s parking zone on the night of June 18.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is main the probe into what they’ve described as a “targeted” killing, however has up to now not launched any data on a doable motive.
Members of the Sikh group have since launched an E-Petition calling on the federal authorities to “launch an investigation to get to the bottom of Nijjar’s murder,” together with allegations the slaying could also be linked to overseas interference.
“Nijjar was an upright, god fearing, law abiding and peaceful member of the Canadian Sikh community with no involvement in any criminal activity, he served his community with dedication and tirelessly as President of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara and Chief Coordinator of Canadian Chapter of Global Khalistan Referendum,” the petition states.
“Nijjar’s assassination has not only caused irreparable loss to the Sikh community but it has also raised serious concerns which warrant immediate and utmost attention of the Canadian Government at the highest level.”
Manpreet Singh is amongst these supporting the petition.
“There is fear in the community, they really want to know who (was) behind it,” he informed Global News.
“He’s a great figure for the community … if he’s not safe here, then who is safe?”
Gurdwara secretary Gurmeet Singh Toor mentioned an investigation is important to get solutions for the group.
He mentioned Nijjar, who was a vocal supporter of a referendum for an unbiased Sikh state of Khalistan, was a goal of character assassination and “fake news” from Indian authorities.
“From long time the Indian government has made so many allegations on him. And on his character, like he’s a terrorist,” he mentioned.
“He was very vocal and well known (to) all the world’s Sikhs.”
Months after Nijjar travelled to the U.N. in June 2014, the Indian authorities issued an arrest warrant for him by Interpol’s National Central Bureau in New Delhi, describing him as a “mastermind/active member” of the Khalistan Tiger Force militant group in relation to a 2007 bombing.
A second Interpol discover in 2016 additionally accused him of being the “mastermind and key conspirator of many terrorist acts in India.”
The Indian authorities has additionally claimed he was a part of a conspiracy to homicide a Hindu priest, and in July 2022 provided a reward equal to CAD$16,000 for his arrest.
Singh Toor mentioned regardless of the eye of the Indian authorities, Nijjar continued to advocate for Khalistan, human rights and minority rights in his nation of origin.
Nijjar had repeatedly professed his innocence to the terrorism allegations, together with in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau through which he known as the accusations “factually baseless and fabricated.” He had dmitted to supporting Sikh separatism, however denied involvement in any violent acts.
Prior to his dying, Nijjar had reportedly expressed considerations about threats he was receiving, associated to his political activism, criticizing the federal government of India and supporting Sikh separatism.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada has additionally requested for an investigation into whether or not India had a job within the killing.
Surrey-Newton Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal sponsored the E-Petition, one thing he mentioned he would do for his constituents on any points besides these focusing on the LGBTQ2 group or a lady’s proper to an abortion.
But he mentioned he did really feel a private connection provided that the incident occurred at a Sikh temple.
“Its very close to my faith. It happened at the place of worship that I have faith in … this should not happen in any religious organization,” he mentioned.
“I can tell you our government and our minister is very much concerned. Particularly, a killing happened in a place of worship … every Canadian, irrespective of what their religious background is, they should be able to worship their faith safely in their places of worship.”
Homicide investigators say the 45-year-old gurdwara president and plumber died of a number of gunshot wounds suffered whereas he was inside a car within the temple’s parking zone.
Investigators consider he was attacked by two “heavier-set” and mask-clad males, who fled the scene on foot southbound on 122 Street, doubtlessly to a ready getaway car.
The murder crew has declined to verify or deny any threats towards Nijjar previous to his dying, however has mentioned it might examine the stories and liaise with intelligence and different police businesses as essential.
The E-Petition has gathered near 1,000 signatures up to now, surpassing the five hundred essential for presentation to the House of Commons.
Once it closes on Aug. 3, the federal government can have 45 days to reply.
— with information from Stewart Bell and Elizabeth McSheffrey
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
