Firstpost – Canada to probe India link to Nijjar’s killing after 3 people arrested, say police

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested Karanpreet Singh, 28, Kamalpreet Singh, 22 and Karan Brar, 22

Firstpost Staff – 04 May 2024. The Canadian Police on Saturday said that they will continue their investigation to find the alleged Indian government link to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

The statement comes hours after the police arrested and charged three Indian nationals over their involvement in the killing of Nijjar in June last year.

“There are separate and distinct investigations ongoing into these matters, certainly not limited to the involvement of the people arrested today, and these efforts include investigating connections to the Government of India,” said Assistant Commissioner David Teboul.

The Assistant Commissioner refused to make comments on the nature of evidence collected by the police or speak about the motive behind Nijjar’s murder.

Nijjar’s murder in Vancouver last year sparked a diplomatic row between India and Canada with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing the Indian government of its involvement in the killing of the Canadian national.

Who are the people arrested by police?

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested Karanpreet Singh – 28 – Kamalpreet Singh – 22 and Karan Brar 22.

The police said that all these men had been living in Edmonton, Alberta at the time of their arrest.

The trio has been booked with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Nijjar was killed by masked gunmen.

However, it is not clear whether the three arrested people are the same people who shot Nijjar.

The police added that Karanpreet, Amarpreet and Karan had been living in Canada for three to five years.

“We welcome the arrests but this does lead to a lot more questions,” said Balpreet Singh, legal counsel and spokesperson for the Canada-based World Sikh Organization advocacy group.

“Those who have been arrested are part of a hit squad but it’s clear that they were directed,” he said by phone.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/hardeep-singh-nijjar-killing-three-arrested-canada13766985-13766985.html

The Pioneer – Maneka Gandhi files nomination

BJP candidate Maneka Gandhi filed her nomination papers from the Sultanpur Lok Sabha seat here on Wednesday.

Gandhi took out a roadshow to reach the collectorate and filed her papers in front of District Election Officer Krittika Jyotsna.

Sultanpur – Panjab – India, NDA ally NISHAD Party president Dr Sanjay Nishad and Apna Dal leader and cabinet minister Ashish Patel were with her at the time of the nomination filing.

After filing her nomination, Gandhi said she will do more work in the next five years than was done in the last five.

She said she wants to provide more houses to the people under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana here.

“We have to take this region ahead. The people living in the area must get all facilities – this has always been my effort and will be in future as well,” she said.

On the opposition’s allegation that the BJP, if voted back to power, will take away the reservation by changing the Constitution, she said no one can end quota.

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2024/india/maneka-gandhi-files-nomination.html

Hindustan Times – Maryam Nawaz reaches out to Sikh pilgrims at Pakistan’s Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara

Maryam, as part of the celebrations of harvest festival of Punjab Baisakhi, welcomed 2.400 Sikhs who are currently visiting Pakistan to attend the festivities.

HT Correspondent

Kartarpur – Panjab – Pakistan, 20 April 2024, Chief minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province Maryam Nawaz on Thursday invoked Punjabi pride, met a group of Sikh pilgrims, mostly from India, and reminded the gathering at the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara that her father Nawaz Sharif said the country should not fight with its neighbours.

Maryam, as part of the first official state-level celebrations of Baisakhi, the harvest festival of Punjab, welcomed some 2,400 Sikhs who are currently visiting Pakistan to attend the festivities.

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur Sahib has the samadhi of the first Sikh master Guru Nanak and Sikh pilgrims from all over visit the place to perform rituals.

Addressing the gathering at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, 130 km northeast of Lahore, Maryam quoted her father and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif as saying, “We should not fight with our neighbours. We need to open our hearts for them.”

Maryam, 50, is considered the political heir of Nawaz Sharif. She was elected as the first woman chief minister in Pakistan in February.

“When I became the chief minister, I received greetings from Punjabi brothers from across the border too. I am a Pakistani, but I am a Panjabi (hardcore Panjabi) too,” she said.

“We wish to speak Panjabi here like the people of Indian Punjab. My grandfather, Mian Sharif, is from Jati Umra, Amritsar. When a Punjabi Indian brought soil of Jati Umra, I placed it on his (grandfather’s) grave,” she said.

Maryam said she made Ramesh Singh Arora the first Sikh minister in her government.

“My father laid the foundation of Kartarpur Corridor in 2013. He also made a Sikh a member of the Panjab Assembly,” she claimed.

She said on the wish of Sikhs, she has ordered the construction of a road at Kartarpur.

The corridor was opened in November 2019 by the then prime minister Imran Khan. Maryam tried to take credit for the corridor by saying her father was keen to open it for Indian Sikhs and he took the initiative by making a local Sikh lawmaker.

Maryam also said that this is the first time that the Baisakhi festival is being celebrated in Pakistan at a government level. “This is my Punjab and we are celebrating all festivals of minority communities such as Holi, Easter, and Baisakhi together,” she said.

At the gurdwara she sat in the sanctum with pilgrims and then had langar with them. Later, she also hugged an old Indian woman who came from Amritsar and exchanged pleasantries.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/maryam-nawaz-reaches-out-to-sikh-pilgrims-at-kartarpur-101713551101508.html

The Tribune – The 20-year-old, who will remain unnamed here in deference to his family’s wishes, was a first-year student of the University of Massachusetts

In a grim first for Indians studying in US colleges and universities, a first-year student took his own life in March while playing, it is understood, a macabre online game of dares called the “Blue Whale Challenge”, which has also been called the “suicide game”.

Washington – USA – 20 April 2024. The 20-year-old, who will remain unnamed here in deference to his family’s wishes, was a first-year student of the University of Massachusetts. He was found dead on 08 March 2024.

Gregg Miliote, a spokesperson for the Bristol County District Attorney said the case is being investigated as “apparent suicide”.

This death was widely reported as a murder in which the student was misidentified as enrolled in Boston University and was said to have been robbed and that the body was found in a car in a jungle.

Gregg Miliote, a spokesperson for the Bristol County District Attorney said the case is being investigated as “apparent suicide”.

This death was widely reported as a murder in which the student was misidentified as enrolled in Boston University and was said to have been robbed and that the body was found in a car in a jungle.

The Boston Globe newspaper subsequently identified the student by name.

But while this agency will not name him in respect of his family’s wishes, the cause of death by suicide while playing this dangerous game which is known to prey on teens and young adults around the world, needs to be reported as a cautionary incident for Indian students and teens in India and abroad and parents.

The “Blue Whale Challenge” is an online game in which participants are given a dare to perform and these dares become increasingly more difficult over 50 steps.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/diaspora/indian-students-death-in-us-possibly-linked-to-blue-whale-challenge-report-612708

The Pioneer – Shivakumar – a corrupt politician does not need his certificate: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

A day after senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar questioned the contribution made by Rajeev Chandrasekhar to the development of Kerala, the BJP leader on Wednesday hit back by saying he does not need the certificate of a “corrupt” politician who is out on bail.

Thiruvananthapuram – Kerala – India, 17 April 2024. Chandrasekhar, who is facing off against Congress’ Shashi Tharoor in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, said ever since he began his poll campaign, he has stated what he will do if he wins and will follow through on that.

He further said in the next couple of days he would be releasing a vision document on bringing development and investment to the southern state.

“Once I become an MP and a minister from here, for the next five years I will work to implement that vision document,” Chandrasekhar, also the Union Minister of State for Information Technology and Electronics, told a TV channel.

Regarding comments by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar against him, Chandrasekhar said everyone knows the Congress leader was “an out on bail and a corrupt politician”.

“I do not require his certificate. Shashi Tharoor can have his certificate. Everyone knows what kind of person Shivakumar is, his politics and his background. So I have nothing to say to him,” the BJP leader said.

Shivakumar, also the Karnataka Congress chief, was in Kerala on Tuesday and at a press conference had questioned what contribution Chandrasekhar had made to Kerala’s development.

He had also said Chandrasekhar was morally obligated to resign as a minister before contesting the elections.

Shivakumar had also claimed there was no BJP or Modi wave in the country and asserted that the INDIA bloc will form the government at the Centre.

The Karnataka Congress chief had taken part in the roadshows of Tharoor and KPCC chief K Sudhakaran in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, respectively.

The Lok Sabha elections will be held in Kerala on April 26 and the results will be declared on 04 June.

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2024/top-stories/shivakumar–a-corrupt-politician–don-t-need-his-certificate–rajeev-chandrasekhar.html

Geo News – PM Shehbaz, President Zardari felicitate Sikh community on Baisakhi

Web Desk – 14 April 2024. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday felicitated the Sikh community which is celebrating Baisakhi – the ancient harvest festival which holds key significance in Sikhism and also marks the beginning of the new year.

“I extend my heartiest greetings to the Sikh community all over the world and in Pakistan on the occasion of the colourful festival of Baisakhi,” PM Shehbaz said in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Highlighting Baisakhi’s importance as a symbol of the spring season and embodies love, affection and happiness, the premier said that the festival adds to Pakistan’s religious diversity which reflects a “beautiful blend of different faiths and cultures”.

“I want to send you all a message of love, peace and love. Let’s play our part in creating a peaceful world together,” the prime minister said.

Furthermore, the PM reassured that both federal and provincial governments are providing all the relevant and necessary facilities to the Sikh pilgrims who reached Pakistan from all over the world.

Meanwhile, President Zardari also congratulated the Sikh community and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment towards the protection of minorities and their rights.

“Pakistan will take all possible steps to facilitate the Sikh community – as it is determined to protect minorities and their rights,” the statement from the President House read.

As many as 2400 Sikh pilgrims from India crossed into Pakistan via Wagah Border to participate in Khalsa Janam Day and Baisakhi celebrations, The News reported on Sunday.

Each year, thousands of Sikhs visit Hassan Abdal, which is also the birthplace of Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak, to celebrate Baisakhi.

The main event of Vaisakhi Mela will be held on Sunday (today) at Gurdwara Panja Sahib and the Sikh pilgrims will return to India after completing their 10-day pilgrimage on 22 April the publication added citing an Evacuee Trust Property Board (EPTB) spokesperson.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/539109-pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-felicitate-sikh-community-on-baisakhi

The Tribune – Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader shot dead at shop in Punjab’s Nangal

Vikas Bagga was shot in the head from a close range by two unidentified assailants

Tribune News Service

Nangal – Panjab – 13 April 2024, Vikas Bagga, president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Nangal unit, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at his shop on Saturday.

Bagga was shot in the head from a close range by two unidentified persons at his confectionery shop on the Railway road here.

He was taken to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Heavy police force led by DSP Ajay Kumar and a team of forensic experts have reached the spot. DSP Kumar said prima facie it seemed a country-made weapon was used to kill Bagga.

When contacted, Ropar SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana said the police have started investigation in the case and it is early to comment on the motive behind the murder.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/vishwa-hindu-parishad-leader-shot-dead-at-shop-in-punjabs-nangal-610448

The Print – Punjab: SUV tries to intentionally hit car of SDM who was out patrolling to check illegal mining

The SUV allegedly chased the SDM’s car and attempted to hit the vehicle twice at a high speed but the official narrowly escaped, they said.

Ambala – Panjab – India, 07 April 2024. A suspicious SUV car allegedly attempted to intentionally hit the car of the Naraingarh sub-divisional magistrate here while he was patrolling to check for any illegal mining activities in the area, officials said on Sunday.

The occupants of the SUV, suspected to be connected to the mining mafia, fled from the spot.The incident took place at 1 am on the intervening night of March 27-28, and an FIR was lodged in the matter on Saturday, police added.

Notably, two such inspections and raids have been carried out recently to check illegal mining in the rivers of Naraingarh area.

On the complaint of the SDM’s security guard, Naraingarh Police registered a case on 06 April against the owner and driver of the SUV under various IPC sections, including obstruction in government work and attempt to murder.

According to the FIR, SDM Yash Jaluka, his security guard and three others, including the driver, were patrolling in their private car when an SUV started following them.

They tried to stop the SUV near the bridge of Toka Sahib Gurudwara village, but the occupants of the SUV tried to intentionally hit their car at a high speed and later fled from the spot, it said.

Nearly two years ago, a deputy superintendent of police-rank officer Surender Singh was allegedly run over by a dumper truck during a raid against illegal stone mining in Nuh district.

A little over a year ago, some members of suspected mining mafia allegedly attacked a police team in the Bapoli area of Panipat

https://theprint.in/india/punjab-suv-tries-to-intentionally-hit-car-of-sdm-who-was-out-patrolling-to-check-illegal-mining/2031819

Eastern Eye – India finds involvement of rogue officials in Pannun assassination plot

New Delhi has submitted the findings of the government-appointed investigation panel to the US

Pramod Thomas

New Delhi – India, 22 March 2024. An Indian investigation has found that rogue officials, not authorised by the government, were involved in a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader in the USA, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.

The report, citing unnamed senior officials, said at least one person directly involved in the alleged plot is employed by the Indian government but is no longer working for India’s foreign spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing.

New Delhi has submitted the findings of the government-appointed investigation panel to US authorities, the report said.

India’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters on the report, which said India had not started any criminal action against the individual.

The US is demanding a criminal prosecution of the persons involved, the report said. India set up the investigation panel after US authorities thwarted the plot and issued a warning to India over concerns that the government was involved.

The US Justice Department said in November that an Indian government official directed the unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual citizen of the USA and Canada.

India’s foreign ministry spokesperson had expressed concern at the time that an Indian government official was linked to the plot, saying “this is also contrary to government policy.”

The alleged plot came to light in November, two months after Canada cited “credible” allegations linking Indian agents to the June murder of another Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb. India has rejected those claims.

India finds involvement of rogue officials in Pannun assassination plot

The Tribune – With BJP on ‘poaching’ spree, Punjab Congress in a fix over choosing Lok Sabha candidates

Now focusing on those with no ED or Vigilance case against them

Rajmeet Singh

Chandigarh – Panjab, 28 March 2024. With the BJP on a poaching spree in the state, the Congress leadership is in a fix over the choice of candidates.

Tweaking their selection criteria, the state leadership is now trying to focus on the potential candidates who do not have any chequered past or are not vulnerable to poaching.

Wary of any more defections, Punjab affairs in-charge Devendra Yadav is camping in Chandigarh to monitor the situation.

Trying to decode the strategy and the perception game of the BJP, party leadership is now focusing on candidates who do have any Enforcement Directorate (ED) or vigilance case against them, so that there is no chance of arm twisting them.

The party cites the case of Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, who had a vigilance case pending against him.

The party has lost two leaders to the BJP. While Jalandhar MP Sushil Rinku left the party to join the AAP and then BJP, Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu, a third generation Congressmen has also joined the BJP.

Two other leaders Dr Chebbewal and Gurpreet GP have joined the AAP. Party leaders feel Dr Chabbewal could also be made to join BJP.

While Gilzian is a prominent OBC leader, Ashu is a prominent Hindu face who can be fielded from Ludhiana. The tallest Dalit leader with the party is former CM Channi, who can be fielded from any of the four reserved seats – Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.

“Before the BJP tries to arm twist or woo any OBC or Dalit leader, we have to act,” said a senior PPCC leader.

Admitting that the BJP strategy was a cause of worry, PPCC chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said the perception game of the BJP and polarisation of votes would fail as the deserters have lost their credibility.

It has been seen that the voting trend in Punjab does not go with the national trend as in the 2019 parliamentary elections.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/with-bjp-on-poaching-spree-congress-in-a-fix-over-choosing-ls-candidates-605062