Slain Sikh leader’s son wants Canada to take further action against India
The son of a prominent Sikh leader is urging the Canadian government to take further actions against India after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death may have been the result of foreign interference.
At a memorial outside the Guru Nank Sikh Gurwara Monday night, Balraj Nijjar said Trudeau's statement Monday confirmed something the Sikh community had suspected since his father's slaying.
“It’s more frustrating for me that something like this could happen in within Canada just because someone is using the right of freedom of speech just speaking out (about) what happened in India,” the son told reporters.
On June 18, Hardeep was gunned down by two masked individuals outside the gurdwara after evening prayer.
“My hope now is that Justin Trudeau and Canada take a proper stand against India as this is not just an issue that involves one local, random Sikh that was killed. He was a Sikh that represented the entire community. He was a Sikh and president of the gurdwara where he was shot and killed at,” Balraj said.
Harjeet, 45, was a Khalistani and supported the creation of a separate, independent Sikh state.
His son made a Canadian comparison to help the public understand the gravity of the killing.
“We need to put pressure on India. You can’t just come to a foreign country and kill a citizen who’s speaking against you. That’s like saying someone from Quebec wants a separate country and Canada kills them, that’s just silencing the matter, but it’s not right,” he said.
The Indian government has denied the allegations, calling them “absurd and motivated.”
“Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The inaction of the Canadian Government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern,” it said in a statement.
Canada has expelled a top Indian diplomat and in retaliation, India has expelled its Canadian counterpart.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. This was the reaction
Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
WATCH Infectious disease expert warns measles 'a very real threat'
A Canadian epidemiologist is warning the measles presents a 'very real threat' to public health if Canada doesn't maintain a high vaccination rate.
Judge considers dismissing indictment against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer
A New Mexico judge is considering Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss a grand jury indictment against him at a virtual court hearing Friday.
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.
With today's high rates, should you consider an interest-free halal mortgage?
A halal mortgage complies with the Islamic religious, or Shariah, law, which forbids the use of 'riba' (interest). Here's what mortgage experts say those considering 'no-interest' halal mortgages should know.