As British Columbia’s Sikh community remembers the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the focus is on the alleged involvement of an Indian gang in his death. Nijjar, who was the president of a local gurdwara, was killed two years ago, and the case has sparked protests and calls for justice.
Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with the murder, but those believed to be behind the plot are still at large. This has angered many in the Sikh community. Moninder Singh from the Sikh Federation Canada expressed frustration, stating that India should not be allowed to operate freely while harming Canadians on their own soil.
Recently, B.C. Premier David Eby urged the federal government to classify the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization. This request comes amid tensions between Canada and India, particularly after a report from Canada’s spy agency linked the Indian government to organized crime in Canada. The report highlights concerns about India’s alleged involvement in violent activities within South Asian communities across the country.
Experts suggest that the Bishnoi gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi—who is currently in prison—has been used by the Indian government to carry out violent acts while maintaining a level of deniability. The gang has been implicated in various crimes, including extortion and murder, and is believed to be behind a recent killing of a businessman in Ontario.
Sikh groups are calling for more than just a terrorist designation for the gang. They want a public inquiry into India’s actions and an end to intelligence sharing between Canada and India. They believe the Indian government is using gangs like Bishnoi’s to instigate violence and maintain control over the Sikh community in Canada.
The situation is seen as a crisis by many, with reports of widespread extortion attempts targeting businesses across the country. Balpreet Singh from the World Sikh Organization emphasized that the gang’s influence reaches high levels within the Indian government, calling for targeted sanctions against those involved.
As the community continues to seek justice for Nijjar and safety from gang violence, the need for a thorough investigation and accountability remains pressing.