June 19, 2023: In a significant development, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an individual previously wanted by the Indian government for his alleged involvement in acts of violence and subversive activities, was shot dead in a targeted incident in Canada's Surrey.
Nijjar, the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and head of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib, was gunned down by two unidentified individuals within the premises of the Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey. The 46-year-old, originally from Bhar Singh Pura village in Jalandhar, was known for his active participation in operationalizing, networking, training, and providing financial support to members of the KTF, as stated by the Union government. He was also implicated in a case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Nijjar had ties with Sikh for Justice and had recently traveled to Australia for a referendum voting.
During investigations, it was revealed that Nijjar had made inflammatory statements, shared objectionable content, and disseminated photos and videos through social media platforms with the intention of inciting insurrection. A document from the NIA indicated that the gathered evidence substantiated his involvement in promoting sedition and insurrection, as well as attempting to create disharmony among various communities in India.
Nijjar's name had been included in the wanted list presented by the former Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the latter's visit to India in 2018. He was also facing charges in multiple cases being investigated by the Punjab Police, which led to the issuance of a red corner notice against him.
In 2020, the Punjab government seized approximately 11 kanal and 13.5 marlas of land owned by Nijjar in his native village of Bhar Singapura, located in the Phillaur subdivision of Jalandhar district. Although Nijjar's family had migrated from the village long ago, his parents occasionally visited before the lockdown, according to a villager.
It's worth noting that Nijjar had not been seen in the village for several years, as per accounts from the local residents.
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