‘False info’: Indian Army on news about Sikh officials being replaced after Nijjar killing

In a statement issued on September 20, the Indian Army addressed the proliferation of supposed fake messages on social media about Sikh security personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan being replaced following the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, cautioning against false information aimed at "spreading rumours & hate-mongering". The army added, “Safeguard yourselves against such fake news.”

#FakeNewsAlert#Beware

Fake messages are being spread on social media by inimical agents about soldiers of #IndianArmy, spreading rumours & hate-mongering.

Safeguard yourselves against such fake news. #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/7q1icOPXdm

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 19, 2023

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) also conducted a fact-check, debunking a claim that Sikh security personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan had been replaced following the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The PIB affirmed that this assertion was entirely false and fabricated, stating that no such decisions had been made. PIB stated in a statement, "This claim is fake and shared with the intention to create disharmony. No such decisions have been taken.”

Claim: Following Sikh leader Hardeep Singh's assassination, Sikh security personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan have been replaced & Army is denying leave to Sikh soldiers#PIBFactCheck

This claim is Fake & shared with intention to create disharmony

No such decisions have been taken pic.twitter.com/wF6bLOXrKK

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 19, 2023

The situation escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a startling allegation against India on Monday, implicating the Indian government in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a wanted Khalistani terrorist. Addressing the Canadian Parliament, Trudeau suggested potential links between the Indian government and the assassination of Nijjar. This accusation led to a diplomatic fallout, resulting in a top-level Indian diplomat being expelled, and subsequently, in a reactive move, India expelled Canadian diplomat Olivier Sylvestere, who was the Canadian intelligence agency station chief in India, and asked him to leave the country within five days.

Nijjar, the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), had been on the Indian government's wanted list for his association with violent activities and his ties to the banned separatist organisation, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Nijjar was gunned down in Surrey, Canada, by two armed assailants. The Indian government had previously urged Canadian authorities to take action against him, given his extensive track record of terrorist activities in Punjab. Nijjar's name was prominently featured among the list of designated terrorists released by the Indian government in 2020.

Responding to Trudeau's allegations, India categorically rejected the claims, deeming them 'absurd and motivated'. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasised India's unwavering commitment to the rule of law and refuted any involvement in acts of violence in Canada. Furthermore, in the same MEA statement, the Indian government expressed concern over Canada's perceived inaction against Khalistani terrorists and extremists who have found refuge within its borders. The MEA called for decisive legal action against individuals and groups threatening India's sovereignty and integrity.