Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) Responds to Allegations of Indian Government Involvement in Assassination of Canadian Sikh Leader

September 19, 2023 – New York, NY – Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) is deeply concerned about the startling allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the alleged involvement of the Indian government in the assassination of a Sikh Canadian citizen, and what these allegations may imply for dissidents and critics of the current Indian government living abroad

"Like the entire world, we too are taken aback by these revelations. If Canada's claims are substantiated, it is  a profound and deeply troubling development." said Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director of HfHR. "We have persistently highlighted the erosion of democracy, and persecution of dissenters under India’s Hindu nationalist PM Narendra Modi, and time and time again we have seen targeted campaigns of hate, harassment, and death threats against those who speak out about the situation in India, even from abroad. These latest revelations by the Canadian government amplify our anxieties about the safety of minority communities and rights advocates beyond Indian shores, and underscore the need for the international community to prioritize human rights in its relationship with India."

This revelation arrived on Ganesha Chaturthi, a day observed by Hindus for new beginnings. "It's a poignant reminder of how Hindu nationalism contradicts our core Hindu values of non-violence and radical inclusiveness," Viswanath pointed out.

Reiterating concerns about both transnational repression and digital censorship, she emphasized, "This situation, combined with credible proof of critics being silenced on social media platforms, deepens our unease regarding the Indian government's endeavors to muffle its overseas critics, encompassing members of HfHR and our coalition partners. While we acknowledge that hate speech must never be condoned, upholding freedom of expression is paramount. We urge global governments to follow PM Trudeau's lead, ensuring a thorough examination of the Indian government's attempts to suppress voices beyond its territory."

HfHR urges for complete transparency and collaboration from the Indian government in this investigation and hopes for a just resolution to uphold the values of democracy and human rights.