Three Indians accused of killing Khalistan separatist Nijjar appear before Canadian court

NEW DELHI: Three Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, appeared before a Canadian court via video on Tuesday to face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. The suspects, believed to be part of an alleged hit squad, were arrested in Edmonton on Friday.
The court proceedings took place at the Surrey Provincial Court in British Columbia, with hundreds of local Khalistan supporters gathering both inside and outside the courthouse.The accused agreed to have the proceedings conducted in English and acknowledged their understanding of the charges against them.
The indictments allege that the conspiracy to murder Nijjar unfolded in Surrey and Edmonton between May 1, 2023, and the date of his killing on June 18, 2023. The alleged hitmen had entered Canada over the past five years and were suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and violence.
India has rejected recent comments by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the killing of Nijjar, saying that they illustrate the political space given to separatism, extremism, and violence in Canada. The presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada has long been a source of frustration for India, which had designated Nijjar a "terrorist."
External affairs minister S Jaishankar attributed the current situation in Canada to their internal politics and vote bank considerations, with some parties relying on pro-Khalistan leaders for support.
“Canada did not give any proof. They do not share any evidence with us in certain cases, police agencies also do not cooperate with us. It is their political compulsion in Canada to blame India. As elections are coming in Canada, they indulge in vote bank politics,” the minister said.
He emphasized that India has repeatedly urged Canada not to provide visas, legitimacy, or political space to such individuals, as it causes problems for both countries and their relationship.
(With inputs from agencies)