Thousands mark anniversary of Sikh leader’s killing at Surrey gurdwara
Posted June 17, 2024 9:28 am.
Last Updated June 17, 2024 11:04 am.
Thousands of people are gathered together Sunday at the site where a Surrey Sikh leader was gunned down to mark the anniversary of his death last year.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a high-profile pro-Khalistan activist, was shot and killed in broad daylight outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on June 18, 2023.
Many paid their respects to Nijjar at the gurdwara, where he was the president and a vocal advocate for an independent Sikh state in India.
His death sparked outrage in the Sikh community and set off a wave of protests and rallies from local communities against diplomats from India.
Four Indian nationals are now facing charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder related to Nijjar’s death.
Last September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed there was credible intelligence linking the Indian government to this killing. India continues to deny any involvement in his death.
Nijjar was a key organizer of unofficial referendums for an independent Sikh state in India and was regarded by India’s government as a terrorist.
