Canada’s public safety minister is remaining tight-lipped over reports a Surrey man is running a terrorist camp in B.C.’s Lower Mainland.
A report in the Times of India alleges that Sikh Hareep Nijjar has taken over as operation head of the Khalistan terror force, and is using a camp near Mission to plan attacks in India.
Nijjar has lived in Surrey since 1995 and is a Canadian citizen, according to the story. He currently runs a plumbing business out of his home.
The report also suggests Nijjar is recruiting Sikh youth to carry out the missions, and Punjab officials alerted the Canadian government in a bid to seek out extradition.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said although he won’t comment on specific security allegations, the government closely follows activity that could threaten Canadians.
The report claims that Nijjar is wanted in connection to a 2007 terror attack, where six people were killed in an explosion at a cinema.
It also says that Indian officials asked the RCMP to track Nijjar in 2015, and that he has been training young men to shoot high powered weapons at a gun range.
The RCMP said it is aware of the media report. Nijjar is not currently facing any charges in Canada.
"The RCMP monitors all potential threats but we are not in a position to speak to specific allegations, threats or ongoing investigations," Staff Sgt. Rob Vermeulen, a force spokesman in B.C., told The Canadian Press.
"As always we encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to their local police agency for assessment and follow-up."
Neighbours describe Nijjar and his family as pleasant, and say they are stunned by the allegations.
