US says it urged India to work with Canada on Nijjar killing case

The US said it has publicly as well as privately urged India to cooperate with Canada in the investigation of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.

US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasised the importance of a thorough investigation into Canada's allegations. "We are deeply concerned by the allegations referenced by (Canadian) Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau. We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners," Miller said on Monday.

"We believe it's critical that Canada's investigation proceeds and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. And we have publicly - and privately - urged the Indian government to cooperate in the Canadian investigation," he said.


In another development, Jim Costa, a member of the US House representing California, expressed concerns regarding the reports surrounding the killing of Nijjar.

"I am very concerned about reports that Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated, and I have requested an official briefing as a member of the House foreign affairs committee. We must fully investigate this crime to determine who should be held accountable," he posted on X.

In Canada, a section of the Sikh community held protests outside Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. In Toronto, demonstrators even went to the extent of burning the Indian flag and hitting a cardboard figure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. About 100 protesters took part in Toronto and nearly 200 in Vancouver, as per reports.

In Ottawa, protesters were seen outside the Indian High Commissioner's office, waving flags that read "Khalistan", which signifies their support for a separate state for Sikhs.