NEW DELHI: Canada-based pro-Khalistan leader and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in the Punjabis-dominated Surrey city of British Columbia province. Nijjar was the president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. He was associated with the separatist organisation, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which is banned in India. He had played a key role in organising the Khalistan referendum in Brampton City.
Who Was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Canada-based Nijjar was the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Nijjar was earlier declared a 'wanted terrorist' by the Indian government, due to his involvement in various acts of violence and subversive activities. Nijjar's name also appeared in a list released by the Indian government, naming 40 other designated terrorists.
EAM S Jaishankar also referred to Nijjar's involvement in the attack on Indian Consulates and said that the RAW and NIA are investigating the matter. and the Indian government has given a free hand to both agencies.
The National Investigation Agency had earlier filed a chargesheet against Nijjar for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror attacks. India had asked Canadian authorities to take action against Nijjar for his alleged involvement in terrorist acts in Punjab.
In 20022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) declared a reward of Rs 10 lakh on fugitive Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He was accused of conspiring to kill a Hindu priest in Punjab's Jalandhar.
"Hardeep Singh Nijjar is wanted by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the conspiracy hatched by Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), operating under him, to kill a Hindu priest at Jalandhar," read an official statement by the investigative agency.
"Canada-based Hardeep Singh Nijjar is promoting the secessionist and violent agenda of Sikhs for Justice in India," the NIA statement said. The conspiracy to kill the priest was hatched by the Nijjar-led Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), the NIA concluded.
