Ottawa, February 22: Canadian media’s portrayal of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar as a “Sikh leader” has been deemed a dangerous distortion of facts, according to a recent report. The report highlights that the presentation of such narratives can have long-term implications on public opinion and policy in a world divided by identity politics.
According to a report by ‘Khalsa Vox,’ Nijjar, who was killed in Surrey, Canada, in June 2023, has been internationally recognized as a designated terrorist and a key figure in violent conspiracies linked to radical Khalistani organizations. Despite this, a recent report from ‘Global News Canada’ referred to him as a “B.C. Sikh leader.”
The report argues that this is not merely a play on words but an attempt to obscure the truth. It claims that such representations insult the victims of terrorism and set a dangerous precedent by presenting extremists as community representatives.
Furthermore, the report states that this framing limits the understanding of Nijjar’s alleged violent activities and complex geopolitical contexts to a narrow view of victimhood. It also accuses the media of portraying him solely as an advocate for Sikh rights, despite allegations of his connections with Pakistan’s ISI and involvement in training camps, which could push youth in diaspora communities towards radicalization.
The report warns that if the media continues to present individuals connected to terrorism as “leaders” based on cultural identity, it could weaken the global fight against extremism, whether it manifests as Islamist, far-right, or separatist violence.
Additionally, it notes that the voices of victims of violence attributed to organizations allegedly linked to Nijjar, such as the Khalistan Tiger Force, are marginalized in this narrative. The report also calls for a reminder of events like Sikh extremism and the Air India tragedy in Canada’s history as cautionary tales.
It urges the media to prioritize factual reporting and clearly outline any individual’s terrorist designations and activities. The report also calls on governments to adopt consistent standards based on evidence and to act beyond political pressures.
