Sikhs for Justice holds day-long Sept. 18 protest outside Indian Consulate in Vancouver over Nijjar killing and safety concerns for activists.
Protest Marks Key Anniversary
A pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), launched a day-long protest on Thursday, Sept. 18, outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver. The demonstration coincides with the two-year anniversary of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement alleging “credible” intelligence that linked Indian government agents to the 2023 murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Voices from the Movement
SFJ General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said the action, which the group calls a “siege of the Indian Terror House,” is aimed at both remembrance and resistance. The protest is scheduled to run until 8 p.m. outside the consulate.
Nijjar’s Death Remains Central
Nijjar, 45, was shot and killed on June 18, 2023, in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., where he served as temple president. Four men — Amandeep Singh, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh — face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy in connection with the killing. Nijjar was a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement, advocating for an independent Sikh homeland.
Political Fallout and Accusations
On Sept. 18, 2023, Trudeau told Parliament that Canadian security agencies were investigating credible allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s death. The remarks triggered a sharp diplomatic rift between Ottawa and New Delhi. Trudeau later accused India of violating Canada’s sovereignty and international law through alleged targeting of Canadian citizens with murder and coercion.
Letter to the Prime Minister
Alongside the protest, SFJ sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney urging the federal government to explain how it will protect pro-Khalistan Canadians. The group alleges activists continue to face threats tied to their advocacy for a Khalistan referendum.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
The RCMP previously described warnings to Canadians about potential threats linked to Indian officials as an “extraordinary” measure. Security around Thursday’s protest remained visible but calm as demonstrators gathered near the consulate. Authorities have not reported any incidents.
Wider Implications
The protest underscores the ongoing tension between Canada and India over Nijjar’s killing and its aftermath. For Sikh Canadians, the event is both a commemoration of Nijjar and a call for Ottawa to ensure their safety and right to political advocacy. For Canada’s government, it raises difficult questions about diplomacy, community trust, and national security.
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