Canada: Protests possible in Vancouver, B.C., and Toronto, Ont., over coming days after late June 18 killing of Punjabi activist

Event

Protests are possible over the coming days in the Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario, areas after the late June 18 killing of Hardeep Singh Najjar, a controversial activist. Two unknown assailants shot Najjar in his car in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in the Vancouver area, at approximately 20:30. Police have deployed to the area and closed access to the gurdwara, where over 100 people gathered to demonstrate.

Najjar was the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, head of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) separatist group, and was involved in the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) activist group. The government of India designated Najjar a terrorist for involvement in separatist activities and allegedly conspiring to kill a Hindu priest.

A heightened security presence and localized transit disruptions are likely near the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara over the coming hours as police investigate the incident. Large demonstrations are possible in the coming days by members of the Sikh and Punjabi communities in the Vancouver, British Columbia, area, particularly Surrey, as well as in the Toronto, Ontario, area, particularly Brampton. Demonstrations are particularly likely near Sikh gurdwaras and Indian consulates. A heightened security presence is likely near protest sites and Hindu temples. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible. Clashes are also possible.

Context

The killing of Najjar occurs in the midst of heightened tensions between elements of the Canadian Sikh and Punjabi community and the government of India. The Vancouver and Toronto areas, particularly Surrey, British Columbia, and Brampton, Ontario, contain sizeable populations of Punjabi Sikhs; some members of this community support the "Khalistan" movement, calling for the independence of the Indian state of Punjab. On June 8, Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on the Canadian government to apologize for the presence of a parade float in Brampton that allegedly positively depicted the 1984 killing of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. On March 25, the Indian government summoned the Canadian High Commissioner in India to discuss protests outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver in support of Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh, who was wanted in India.

Advice

Avoid protests as a precaution. Strictly heed the directives of authorities. Monitor local news sources for further information; if protests occur, plan on localized transit and business disruptions.