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Hardeep Singh Nijjar · Surrey, BC
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Hardeep Singh Nijjar was born in 1977 in Bharsinghpur, Punjab, India. He immigrated to Canada in 1997 and built a life of service, work, and community in Surrey, British Columbia. He became a licensed plumber, a devoted father, and one of the most respected community leaders in the Sikh diaspora.
As president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey — one of the largest Sikh temples in North America — he expanded the gurdwara's community services and guided thousands of families. He was accessible, humble, and devoted to the Sikh principles of sewa (selfless service).
"He was not a violent man. He was a peaceful man who served his community with his whole heart."
— Congregant, Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, SurreyNijjar was the Canadian coordinator of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a human rights organization advocating for a referendum on Sikh self-determination in Punjab. In 2020, the Indian government designated him a "terrorist" under the UAPA — a designation his lawyers, the WSO, and civil liberties groups called politically motivated and unsubstantiated. He was never charged with any offence in Canada.
On June 18, 2023, Nijjar was shot and killed in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. In September 2023, PM Trudeau told Parliament there were "credible allegations" of Indian government involvement in his killing — the first such accusation ever made publicly by a Western leader against India. Three men were charged with first-degree murder in May 2024.
Read Full BiographyMultiple overlapping crises require urgent public attention and government accountability.
Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar are charged with first-degree murder. Preliminary hearings are ongoing in BC Supreme Court. Evidence includes alleged links to a criminal network with foreign government connections.
Follow updates →Canada expelled six Indian diplomats in October 2024 after India refused RCMP cooperation. India retaliated. Allies including the US, UK, and Australia have expressed concern. Bilateral relations remain severely strained.
Read more →Nijjar's assassination is part of a documented pattern of alleged Indian government operations targeting Sikh activists in Canada, the US, and UK. NSICOP is reviewing these allegations.
View resources →The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians is investigating foreign interference in Canadian affairs, including the targeting of diaspora communities. Advocates demand full public disclosure.
Learn more →Nijjar was the Canadian coordinator for Sikhs for Justice's Khalistan Referendum — a lawful political campaign in Canada. His assassination was directly linked to this advocacy work, according to investigators.
Khalistan Movement →Following the assassination, Canadian Sikh leaders have reported ongoing surveillance, intimidation, and threats. The government has been called upon to provide enhanced protection for community members.
Take action →Nijjar is shot and killed in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Surrey, BC.
PM Trudeau tells Parliament there are "credible allegations" of Indian government involvement in Nijjar's murder.
RCMP confirms it is investigating connections between the killing, organized crime, and the Indian government.
RCMP arrests Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar — charged with first-degree murder.
Canada expels six Indian diplomats including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma. India retaliates in kind.
Preliminary hearings ongoing in BC Supreme Court. Community demands full accountability, including for those who ordered the killing.
The killing of Shaheed Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar has profound implications for society and the pursuit of justice in Canada.
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The international response to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar underscores the global demand for justice and human rights.
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The tragic killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar raises questions about the rule of law and its application in Canada.
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