THE Conservative Party said in a statement on Friday in reaction to arrests announced by the RCMP in the murder of Khalistan advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar: “The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar is an extremely serious crime. Any foreign interference, particularly the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, is unacceptable.
“We are glad that there have finally been arrests that will bring some justice for Mr. Nijjar’s family and community. Those responsible should face the full consequences of their crimes, and the government’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies must relentlessly pursue any other person or entity that was involved in this murder so that they can be held accountable and brought to justice.
“We wish the government was able to foil this plot and stop this murder from happening in the first place, as was the case in the United States. This only further demonstrates that the government must take further action to protect our country, including by immediately implementing a foreign influence registry.
“Conservatives will continue to fight any foreign interference, from any country, and put an end to any attempts by foreign governments to target our country and our people.”
PREMIER David Eby issued the following statement:
“The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has shaken the Sikh community in British Columbia, the larger South Asian community, and Canadians across the country.
“There is disbelief and anger in the community in addition to the terrible loss being felt by Mr. Nijjar’s family and loved ones.
“I hope that today’s announcement of charges against three individuals is an important step towards justice for his family and accountability to the whole community.
“On behalf of all British Columbians thank you to police and the RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation Team for their months of diligent work. I understand the investigation doesn’t end here and is ongoing.
“We will support this process however we can, as these criminal proceedings continue.”
FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued the following statement:
“Today’s RCMP’s update on the case of the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar is disturbing.
“We now know for certain that the Indian government hired assassins to murder a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil—at a place of worship.
“Today three arrests were made. Let me be clear—any Indian agent or state actor that ordered, planned or carried out this murder must be exposed and met with the full force of Canadian law.
“For Canada, democracy and free speech, there must be justice for Hardeep Singh Nijjar and his family.”
SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke said in a statement: “The brazen murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar at a sacred place of worship was horrifying, cowardly and deplorable. This crime has understandably left Surrey’s Sikh community on edge.
“Today, the RCMP have announced three people have been charged in connection to Mr. Nijjar’s murder. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, CFSEU, Edmonton Police Service and Surrey RCMP for their unwavering pursuit in bringing those responsible for the killing of Mr. Nijjar to justice. During this uncertain time of policing in Surrey, the RCMP’s professionalism and dedication have never been in question.
“I also want to echo the comments made by Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, Officer in Charge of the Surrey RCMP, who recognized the community for their support and patience throughout the investigation. I am grateful for the strength and unity that has been demonstrated by all who have been affected by this heinous crime. Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the victim.
“I also would like to urge the Federal Government to take every opportunity to determine if there was foreign government involvement in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. That question needs to be answered given the circumstances surrounding Mr. Nijjar’s murder.”
MORE TO COME
