In a shocking attack that has intensified concerns over the safety of pro-Khalistan activists, a close aide of the slain extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in California. On August 11, Satinder Pal Singh Raju, an active member of the outlawed secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), was ambushed while traveling in a pick-up truck on a California highway. According to Hindustan Times, reports indicate that four to five bullets struck the vehicle, but Raju miraculously survived the assault.

Satinder Pal Singh Raju is widely regarded as a key figure within the Khalistan movement, having played a significant role in organizing the controversial Khalistan Referendum in Calgary, Canada. According to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of SFJ, Raju “survived a deadly ambush” and went on to accuse the Indian government of orchestrating the attack as part of a broader strategy of “transnational repression to violently suppress the global Khalistan Referendum campaign.”

US and Canadian authorities probe attacks

The timing of this attack has sparked widespread speculation and fear within pro-Khalistan circles, particularly given a similar incident just a day earlier in Canada. The residence of Raghbir Nijjar, a former president of the Guru Nanak Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, was targeted in a shooting incident. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) found evidence consistent with a shooting and attempted arson at the scene. This temple was notably led by Hardeep Singh Nijjar until his assassination last year, an event that sent shockwaves through the global Sikh community.

The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 marked a turning point for the Khalistan movement, as it reignited tensions between pro-Khalistan activists and Indian authorities. Following Nijjar’s death, Raju went underground, resurfacing only in October to lead the organization of the 2023 Khalistan Referendum across several Canadian cities. This campaign has been a flashpoint in Indo-Canadian relations, with India expressing strong opposition to the referendum, which it views as a threat to its territorial integrity.

The wider impact of the Khalistan movement

The Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh state in India, has been a source of tension between India and several Western countries with significant Sikh populations. The Indian government has long accused pro-Khalistan activists of being involved in terrorism and has sought international cooperation to curtail their activities. However, groups like SFJ, which has been banned in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), continue to garner support among some sections of the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

This latest attack on Raju is part of a troubling pattern of violence against pro-Khalistan figures. The incident underscores the ongoing conflict between those advocating for Khalistan and those opposing the movement. The involvement of international actors and the possibility of foreign governments being implicated in these violent acts have added a complex layer to an already contentious issue.

International ramifications

The international ramifications of the Khalistan movement are significant, with the Indian government increasingly concerned about the influence of these groups on global public opinion and their potential to destabilize India’s internal security. The attacks on Raju and Raghbir Nijjar’s home are being closely watched by international observers, particularly in the context of Canada-India relations, which have been strained over the Khalistan issue.

US authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with the shooting, and investigations are ongoing. The lack of concrete leads has left many in the pro-Khalistan community anxious about future attacks. Meanwhile, the Indian government has denied any involvement in the violence, dismissing the accusations as baseless propaganda by the SFJ.

As the Khalistan movement continues to evolve, the safety of its leaders and activists remains a contentious issue, with the potential for further incidents of violence casting a shadow over the campaign. The incidents in California and Canada highlight the risks faced by those involved in the movement, as well as the broader geopolitical implications of the Khalistan issue.

  California, Canada, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Guru Nanak Sikh temple, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Khalistan Referendum, Raghbir Nijjar, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Satinder Pal Singh Raju, Sikhs For Justice, Surrey