Canada Relations Deteriorate With Murder of Canadian Sikh Activist
In June, a 45-year-old Canadian plumber named Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed while in his vehicle. The murder took place outside a Sikh temple in a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia. To his supporters Mr. Nijjar was an activist who was a pillar of the community and peacefully advocated for Sikh independence. The Canadian citizen was a proponent for the creation of an independent sovereign state carved out of India – called Khalistan. Sikhs represent 2% of India’s population and some within the Sikh community champion the cause of a separate homeland for Sikhs in South Asia.
What happened in Canada?
Instructors: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos
News Articles
Who was Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
BBC NEWS
October 2, 2023
Who was Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar? – BBC News
India tells Canada to withdraw dozens of diplomatic staff
FINANCIAL TIMES
October 2, 2023
India tells Canada to withdraw dozens of diplomatic staff | Financial Times (ft.com)
India-Canada ties fray in dispute over Sikh separatist killing
REUTERS
October 3, 2023
India-Canada ties fray in dispute over Sikh separatist killing | Reuters
Western intelligence led to Canada accusing India of Sikh activist’s assassination, US Ambassador says
CNN
September 24, 2023
India’s foreign minister says he briefed US officials on Canada row
ALJAZEERA
September 29, 2023
India’s foreign minister says he briefed US officials on Canada row | Politics News | Al Jazeera
‘Very messy’: India-Canada row over Sikh killing causes diplomatic shock waves
THE GUARDIAN
September 22, 2023
The US can best serve the India-Canada dispute by staying out of it
THE HILL
September 27, 2023
The US can best serve the India-Canada dispute by staying out of it | The Hill
If Canada is to be believed, India has gone rogue
POLITICO
September 27, 2023
If Canada is to be believed, India has gone rogue – POLITICO
Assessment
Writing: What is the significance of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder?
Debate: Is it justified to kill someone if they are a suspected terrorist?
Poll: Should the U.S. continue to partner with India if it turns out Prime Minister Modi’s government was behind the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications of division between India and Canada?
News Quiz
True/False
Sikhs are a religious minority in India and represent 2% of the country’s population. (T/F)
The Indian government considers Hardeep Singh Nijjar a patriot. (T/F)
The U.S. views India as a strategic partner and hopes to strengthen ties to help counter China. (T/F)
Multiple Choice
Hardeep Singh Nijjar advocated for the creation of what independent state?
- Kurdistan.
- Tibet.
- Khalistan.
- Catalonia.
Which of the following countries is not a member of “Five Eyes”?
- Ireland.
- United States.
- United Kingdom.
- New Zealand.
All the following is true concerning recent actions taken by India and Canada towards one another EXCEPT.
- Both have expelled senior diplomats.
- India has suspended issuing new visas for Canadians.
- Canada deployed warships to India.
- Trade talks between the two have been halted.
