Khalistani Group Threatens Indian Consulate Siege in Vancouver Over Nijjar Killing

Khalistani Group Threatens Siege of Indian Consulate in Canada Following Nijjar Killing

A US-based Khalistani terrorist group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has announced a 12-hour “siege” of the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, Canada, scheduled for September 18. The protest is being planned over the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canada-based Khalistani leader. A provocative SFJ poster showed Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, in the crosshairs, escalating concerns about the safety of Indian diplomats abroad.

SFJ’s Allegations
The banned separatist outfit, prohibited in India since 2019, accused Indian missions in Canada of conducting a surveillance network against Khalistani supporters. The poster described Patnaik as the “new face of Hindutva terror in Canada,” reflecting SFJ’s longstanding hostility toward Indian diplomats in the country.

SFJ claimed the planned siege is intended as a symbolic protest against “state-backed espionage and intimidation” of Khalistan activists on Canadian soil. The statement referred to Nijjar as a martyr and urged supporters to participate in the historic demonstration.

Background: Nijjar Killing and India-Canada Tensions
Nijjar was shot dead in June 2023 outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, allegedly due to rivalries among Sikh gangs. His death triggered a major diplomatic row between India and Canada, with then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau citing “credible allegations” of Indian involvement. India dismissed the claims as politically motivated and baseless.

The controversy led to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions and the temporary suspension of visa services. Trudeau later clarified that his statement was based on an intelligence tip-off, without conclusive evidence.

Diplomatic Thaw at Risk
In June 2025, high commissioners from India and Canada were appointed following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, at the G7 summit. While relations were showing signs of improvement, the SFJ threat to the Indian consulate could disrupt efforts to normalise ties.

SFJ also alleged that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provided witness protection to one of its leaders, Inderjeet Gosal, citing Indian intelligence interference—a claim that remains unverified but contributes to the group’s narrative of foreign meddling.

Challenges for Canada
The protest poses a complex challenge for Canadian authorities: balancing democratic freedoms, including the right to peaceful protest, while ensuring the security of foreign diplomats and preventing extremist threats.

The situation underscores the fragile nature of India-Canada relations and the continuing risks posed by separatist groups operating abroad.