On the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Canadian Parliament observed a moment of silence in his honor. Nijjar, a known Khalistani terrorist and 'Most Wanted' by the National Investigation Agency, was shot dead in the parking lot of a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. The incident has led to tensions between India and Canada, with the Canadian government alleging India's involvement in the killing. However, India has refuted these allegations as "absurd and motivated."
In an effort to defuse tensions between India and Canada, David Vigneault, the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, reportedly made two discreet visits to India in February and March. During these visits, Vigneault shared information about the investigation into the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which sparked controversy after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested Indian involvement. Weeks after Vigneault's visits, Canada arrested four Indian nationals on charges related to the killing. The case highlights the strained ties between the two countries and the sensitive nature of counterterrorism efforts.
In a shocking incident in Canada's British Columbia province, a 28-year-old Indian-origin man, Yuvraj Goyal, was shot dead in what the police believe to be a targeted killing. The victim's family is in disbelief, with no knowledge of any connections with organised crime. As per reports, Goyal was talking to his mother in India before stepping out of his car and being shot. Four suspects have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the case.
A Sikh separatist's home in Toronto, Canada has been hit by gunfire, just days after shots were fired at the home of another Khalistani supporter in Surrey. The targeted individual, Inderjit Singh Gosal, is a close associate of pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is a designated terrorist in India. The shooting comes amidst rising tension between India and Canada, as both countries have accused the other of interfering in their internal affairs.