Indian Nationals Accused of Killing Khalistan Separatist Appear Before Canadian Court

Three Indian nationals accused of killing Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year appeared before a Canadian court on May 7 for the first time to face homicide charges. Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, all residents of Edmonton, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Meanwhile, outside the courthouse, hundreds of local Khalistan supporters waved flags and carried posters supporting Sikh separatism.

The ties between India and Canada have been strained following allegations made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the potential involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing. Despite India’s rebuttals, the Canadian government has not provided evidence or cooperated in the extradition of pro-Khalistan individuals sought by India. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the situation in Canada regarding Nijjar’s killing is mostly due to internal politics and has nothing to do with India. He highlighted the influence of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada and criticized the Canadian government’s lack of action.