Three Indian Nationals Charged with Murder of Khalistan Separatist in Canada
Three Indian nationals residing in Edmonton, Canada, have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The incident has strained relations between Canada and India.
Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, appeared in court via video on Tuesday to acknowledge the charges. They agreed to have their cases adjourned to May 21st to consult with their lawyers.
The prosecution requested a no-contact order for the accused, prohibiting them from communicating with seven individuals, including Nijjar's son and other Khalistan supporters.
The three men are currently in custody and their lawyers are expected to apply for bail. If released, they could face deportation hearings.
Hundreds of Khalistan supporters gathered outside the courthouse, waving flags and carrying posters in support of Sikh separatism.
Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey on June 18, 2023. The indictment alleges the conspiracy unfolded between May 1, 2023, and the date of Nijjar's killing.
The alleged hitmen are suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and violence. India has rejected comments by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the killing, stating that the remarks illustrate the political space given to separatism and extremism in Canada.
The presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada has long frustrated India, which designated Nijjar a "terrorist." The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating potential connections between the arrested men and Indian officials.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has attributed the incident to internal politics in Canada, stating that pro-Khalistan groups have created a lobby and become a vote bank. He has accused Canada of not cooperating with India's extradition requests and engaging in vote bank politics.