Resolution In Protest of Bhai Nijjar's Assassination

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American Student Organizations Pass Resolution to Hold India Accountable for Killing of Canadian Sikh Activist 

On September 18, 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while speaking in the Canadian House of Commons stated, "Canadian agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar." It has been confirmed these allegations are backed by U.S. intelligence. If true, such an act is clearly a violation of international law and the territorial sovereignty of an integral American ally.

Shaheed Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a citizen of Canada since 2007, deserving of every right to due process afforded under the Canadian Constitution. He was a loving father who ran a plumbing business in the city of Surrey, B.C., an area well-known for its large Sikh presence. He was also the President of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, and helped organize peaceful referendums to measure international support for the Khalistan movement. These referendums are protected speech in Canada, a concept foreign to the Government of India. In what appears to be retaliation for exercising his right to self-determination, Bhai Hardeep Singh was shot by masked gunmen outside the gurdwara he led on Father's Day, June 18, 2023.

He leaves behind two sons, and an ocean of mourners. What is important to note is that even if India is cleared of allegations that they directly participated in his killing, it is undeniable that Indian government action endangered Bhai Hardeep Singh's life. In July 2022, the National Investigation Agency of India declared him a "wanted" terrorist with charges thus far unsubstantiated. In doing so they offered a cash reward of one million rupees for information while also publishing his home address.

It is impossible to view Bhai Hardeep Singh's murder as an isolated incident, especially in light of news that credible threats were made to Sikh activists in America following Bhai Hardeep Singh's killing. The Government of India has a prolonged history of interference in the Sikh diaspora's affairs, particularly in Sikh activism following the 1984 Sikh Genocide and the subsequent years of state terror in Punjab. From the ongoing surveillance of Sikh groups, to the continued arrest without trial of Jagtar Singh Johal it is clear such interference will not stop as long as Sikhs continue to raise their voices against the Indian Government.

Therefore, we, the undersigned Sikh college organizations of America, hereby support a thorough investigation into all allegations surrounding the murder of Bhai Hardeep Singh. We think it clear that for Prime Minister Trudeau to state he wants to see "a number of people thrown in jail," there must be at least some evidence linking the Government of India to this killing.

We appreciate the Prime Minister's unequivocal stance in pursuit of justice and hereby call upon our elected and appointed officials, including but not limited to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, members of the Senate and House Committees on Foreign Affairs, members of the Senate and House India Caucuses, and especially members of Sikh Congressional Caucus to affirm the Prime Minister's statement that even the threat of incidents like the killing of Bhai Hardeep Singh is an "unacceptable violation of our sovereignty."

We also hereby request American law enforcement and national security agencies to be on high alert for any indication of threat to Sikhs in America, particularly those who may be engaged in Sikh political advocacy and activism. We ask our University leaders, administrators, and faculty to remain cognizant of the inherent threat Sikhs face by simply engaging in speech critical of Indian authorities, and to take whatever measures necessary to counter the encroachment of the Government of India upon our college campuses. 

In light of these allegations, we lastly demand that Indian government officials and diplomats be barred from every American college campus, and echo the Canadian Muslim Council's demand to ban the affiliated members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the far-right paramilitary wing of India's ruling party.

If Prime Minister Trudeau's allegations are proven true, Sikhs that are or have been politically active in North America are at a high risk. Students have a high degree of political involvement in the Sikh community. Until the time these allegations are resolved, the invitation and presence of such figures can only be seen as clear disregard for the safety and security of Sikh students.

(September 27th, 2023)

Attached below is the ASUSF Senate Resolution passed by the Associated Students representative body: 'Resolution to Protect Sikh Activists on Campus in Light of Recent Assassination of Prominent Leader'