Ottawa, Canada – Pro-Khalistan Canadian Sikhs are set to gather at Parliament Hill on 25 February for a “Justice & Accountability” rally, demanding full transparency in the assassination of Shaheed Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The call for action follows strong remarks by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel for Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who alleged that shielding information implicating India’s ruling establishment in Nijjar’s killing undermines Canadian sovereignty and due process.
Allegations and Political Fallout
The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar sent shockwaves across Canada and beyond after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly stated that Canadian security agencies had credible intelligence linking agents connected to the Government of India to the killing.
According to statements made at the time, assessments by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) formed the basis of Canada’s position.
However, critics now allege that the current government under Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking to suppress certain evidence in court proceedings, arguing that disclosure could be “injurious to international relations and national security.”
For many in the Sikh community, the phrase “international relations” points directly to Canada’s diplomatic ties with India — the same government publicly accused of involvement.
“Modi — the Killer” and “Carney — the Shielder”
Rally organizers have framed their protest slogans starkly, labeling Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Modi — the Killer” and accusing Carney of acting as “the Shielder” by allegedly blocking full disclosure of evidence.
These claims reflect deep frustration among sections of the Sikh diaspora who believe that justice risks being compromised for the sake of diplomatic normalization between Ottawa and New Delhi.
Sovereignty and Accountability
Organizers argue that any attempt to withhold evidence to preserve diplomatic ties would weaken due process and set a dangerous precedent — suggesting that foreign governments could operate on Canadian soil without full accountability.
“If Ottawa keeps evidence off the trial record in order to stabilize relations with New Delhi, it raises a serious public question: Is diplomatic normalization taking priority over full legal accountability?” Pannun stated.
Supporters of the rally maintain that Canada owes its citizens justice regardless of geopolitical consequences. They view the case as a test of Canada’s sovereignty, legal integrity, and commitment to the rule of law.
A Community Watching Closely
While expressing continued faith in Canada’s courts and institutions, organizers warned that confidence is eroding. They argue that transparency in the legal process is essential not only for the Sikh community but for all Canadians concerned about foreign interference and national sovereignty.
“If Canada fails to uphold accountability, the Sikh tradition teaches us that justice must still be pursued with resilience and unwavering resolve,” Pannun said.
The 25 February rally at Parliament Hill is expected to draw members of the Sikh community from across Canada, calling for what organizers describe as a clear and uncompromised path to justice in the Nijjar assassination case.