KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
23-May-2024
According to a CBC News report, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has warned Hardeep Malik, son of Ripudaman Singh Malik who was acquitted in connection with the Air India bombing of 1985, about potential threats to his life following Ripudaman's murder in 2022. The RCMP is investigating possible Indian government involvement in Ripudaman's assassination, similar to allegations in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite these suspicions, India denies any involvement, and conclusive evidence remains lacking.
21-May-2024
Three Indian nationals, identified as Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, accused of killing Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar appeared in person for the first time in the British Columbia (BC) Provincial Court in Surrey, Canada on May 21. A fourth accused, Amandeep Singh, appeared via video link. The judge ordered them to have no contact with several community members.
21-May-2024
On May 21, three Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh, accused of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, appeared in a Canadian court in Surrey, British Columbia. Outside the courthouse, hundreds of pro-Khalistan supporters carrying Khalistan flags and chanting slogans demonstrated.
15-May-2024
On May 15, Amandeep Singh, the fourth accused in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, made his first appearance in a provincial court in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Singh, already in custody in Ontario on unrelated firearms charges, appeared virtually as a crowd gathered outside to protest India's alleged involvement in Nijjar's death.
14-May-2024
The three Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, accused of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, made their first video appearance in a Canadian court facing homicide charges in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The court session attracted hundreds of Khalistan supporters, who protested with slogans and placards blaming the Indian government for Nijjar's death. Brar and Karanpreet Singh are set to appear again on May 21, while a new date for Kamalpreet Singh's appearance is pending as he is seeking legal representation.
13-May-2024
According to sources, the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was likely due to gang rivalry among Khalistani groups, rather than Indian involvement. This conflict involved Khalistani terror outfits such as the Khalistani Tiger Force (KTF), Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), and Dashmesh Gurudwara Surrey, all reportedly receiving support from Pakistan. Sources also suggest that Pakistani groups spread false propaganda blaming India for Nijjar's death.
12-May-2024
In Canada, Punjabi gangs have become intertwined with pro-Khalistan groups, collaborating to eliminate opponents and seize control of Gurdwaras. This alliance, rooted in the 1990s, saw figures like Bhupinder Singh Johal, alias Bindy, rise to prominence, triggering violent conflicts within the Sikh community. Law enforcement passivity has allowed pro-Khalistan groups to leverage Punjabi organized crime syndicates effectively. Gangs like Los Diablos, led by the Dosanjh brothers, have provided disaffected youth with empowerment, rooted in protest cultures. Meanwhile, neo-fundamentalists, spearheaded by Talwinder Singh Parmar, targeted liberal opponents, fueling further violence. Moderates' attempts to reclaim Gurdwaras often escalated tensions, with gangsters recruited to support various factions. Recent assassinations in Canada highlight the enduring challenge of gang violence and its deep-seated presence in the Punjabi community. The still unresolved assassinations of Tara Singh Hayer and Tarsem Singh Purewal, connected to the Air India Flight 182 bombing, underscore the intricate nexus between gangs and political violence.
11-May-2024
On May 11, members of the Sikh community held the annual Nagar Kirtan Parade to celebrate Vaisakhi, drawing over 100,000 attendees in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The event witnessed a notable presence of Khalistani separatist elements, who waved Khalistan flags in the presence of Calgary police.
11-May-2024
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team of Canada's British Columbia (BC) province on May 11 arrested a fourth suspect, identified as Amandeep Singh, in connection with the June 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Peel, Ontario province, Canada. Amandeep, an Indian national, was apprehended while already in custody of Peel Regional Police in Ontario on unrelated firearms charges.
09-May-2024
According to a report, one of the suspects in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Karan Brar, reportedly entered Canada on a 'study permit' obtained within days through EthicWorks Immigration Services in Bathinda in Punjab.
08-May-2024
Canada's former Defence Minister and current Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Harjit Singh Sajjan, in an interview with CPAC in Toronto on May 8, dismissed recent allegations suggesting that Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau was coerced to meet Sikh activists during his 2018 trip to Punjab, India, as "not accurate." He emphasized the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation concerning individuals in Canada, including himself and his family.
07-May-2024
On May 7, three Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, accused of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, appeared in a Canadian court for the first time via video, facing homicide charges in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The court appearance drew hundreds of Khalistan supporters.
07-May-2024
A report by Al Jazeera suggests that the recent arrests in the killing of Canadian Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been welcomed by Sikh leaders in North America, but concerns persist over allegations of Indian government involvement. While there is some relief over the arrests, questions regarding India's role continue to unsettle the Sikh community, which represents the largest Sikh diaspora outside India.
07-May-2024
Indian envoy to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma, speaking at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations (MCFR) in Canada on May 7, stated that Khalistani advocates for separation from India are crossing a crucial red line, marking it as a national security concern. Verma emphasized that India's destiny is to be decided by its citizens, not by foreigners, in his address.
05-May-2024
On May 5, pro-Khalistan elements in Canada sparked controversy by organizing a 6-km parade in Malton, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario, featuring separatist slogans targeting India. The parade included a float depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi behind bars. Inflammatory speeches were reportedly delivered by individuals such as Paramjit Mand of the Dal Khalsa and Avtar Singh Pannun, identified as a terrorist by Indian security agencies. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also attended the event.
05-May-2024
According to reports, the arrest of three men linked to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has sparked renewed concerns about Indian interference in Canada. Although some Sikh community members support the arrests, they also voice ongoing apprehension about potential reprisals from the Indian government. However, India has denied any role in Nijjar's killing. These arrests come at a time when a report on foreign interference in Canadian elections has been released, underscoring India's attention toward diaspora communities and prompting calls for stronger measures against such interference.
04-May-2024
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau, speaking at a gala celebrating Sikh heritage and culture in Toronto, Ontario, on May 4, reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the rule of law and protecting its citizens following the arrest of three Indian nationals charged with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
04-May-2024
An interim report by Ottawa's commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue alleged India's attempts to influence Canadian politicians on Khalistani separatist issues, citing concerns over interference in the last two federal elections. The report flagged India's interest in Canada's South Asian community and its view of Khalistani sympathizers as a threat. It also mentions China as the primary perpetrator of foreign interference in Canada. India has rejected the allegations, citing concerns over Canada's support for separatists and terrorists. Diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalated following Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau’s accusations of Indian involvement in Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, leading to a reduction in diplomatic presence and visa restrictions.
04-May-2024
According to CBC News, the three Indian men Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar, arrested in connection with the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are believed to be linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
04-May-2024
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, accused the Indian government of instructing the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to order and organize the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He stated that such hit squads operating in Canada pose a significant challenge to national security.