For hundreds of thousands of Canadian Sikhs, the allegation of potential involvement by Indian agents in the murder of a prominent leader has created anxiety and fear. On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that there is “credible” evidence linking agents of the Indian government to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh man and Canadian citizen, outside a temple last June. The Indian government has dismissed the accusation as “absurd,” leading to a deterioration in trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Canada is home to the second largest Sikh population outside of India, with nearly 772,000 Sikhs residing in the country. The majority of them live in just four cities – Brampton, Ont., Surrey, B.C., Calgary, and Edmonton.
The responses from the mayors of these cities have varied, ranging from calls for the federal government to ensure the safety of their constituents to silence. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed concerns raised by members of a local gurdwara who fear being targeted due to their presence on potential lists. The Brampton City Council unanimously voted to send letters to various authorities, urging them to prioritize the safety of all Canadians in places of worship and offering support to the prime minister and federal government.
Brampton, with over 163,000 Sikh residents, is considered the largest Sikh hub in the country. Patrick Brown, who has had close ties with India, visited the country 21 times and received support from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his former political campaigns. However, requests for an interview with Brown to inquire about his last conversation with Modi and his message for the Indian prime minister regarding Trudeau’s allegation went unanswered.
Surrey, B.C., home to 154,000 Sikhs, is the next largest Sikh community in Canada and where Nijjar was fatally shot. Mayor Brenda Locke did not respond to inquiries, but she posted a statement on X expressing confidence in law enforcement agencies’ ability to safeguard Canadian democracy and ensure citizen safety during the investigation. Following this incident, it is crucial for mayors of cities with significant Sikh populations, like Calgary and Edmonton, to publicly acknowledge the situation and provide support to the Sikh community.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek did not respond to interview requests, and a spokesperson for Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi reported his busy schedule. Spokesperson Balpreet Singh of the World Sikh Organization of Canada emphasized the need for mayors to publicly address the issue and ensure support for Sikhs within their cities. He highlighted that discussions between elected officials and the community are necessary, particularly for Sohi and Gondek, given their personal connections to India. Singh appreciated Brampton’s proactive approach and encouraged security agencies to prioritize the safety of individuals.
In conclusion, the allegation of Indian government involvement in a Sikh leader’s murder has raised concerns among Canadian Sikhs, prompting discussions among mayors of cities with large Sikh populations. The responses have ranged from calls for safety to silence, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue and supporting the Sikh community.
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