Advocacy group urges Canada to designate Khalistani groups as terrorist entities after killing of Nancy Grewal
Ottawa — The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) has called on the Canadian government to designate Khalistani extremist groups as terrorist organizations following the killing of Nancy Grewal, a Canadian citizen and vocal critic of Khalistani separatist groups.
Grewal, 45, was stabbed to death at her residence on March 3. According to reports, emergency services responded to a call shortly before 9:30 p.m., when paramedics from Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services found her suffering from multiple severe stab wounds. She was taken to a hospital but later died from her injuries.
In a statement released Friday, the Hindu Canadian Foundation strongly condemned what it described as the “targetted murder” and warned authorities about what it called the growing threat posed by Canada-based Khalistani extremists.
“Nancy Grewal was a courageous and outspoken critic of Khalistani extremists who have gained influence within political systems and enjoy protection from certain media outlets. Her murder must serve as a wake-up call for Canadians and political leaders. These homegrown extremist khalistani networks must be confronted with urgency and resolve,” the group said.
Citing media reports, the organization suggested the killing may have been carried out by Khalistani extremists and urged Canadian authorities to formally designate the networks and affiliated organizations as terrorist entities.
“The killing of a Canadian citizen in broad daylight underscores the seriousness of this issue. Multiple shadow organisations continue to shield CBKE-aligned individuals and politicians, enabling their activities and providing them with cover,” the statement added.
The group also noted that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has previously identified Khalistani extremism as a domestic security concern and called for all associated organizations and individuals to be formally listed as terrorist entities.
HCF urged the LaSalle Police Service and Windsor Police to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into Grewal’s killing and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“Investigators must consider the strong likelihood supported by media reports and Nancy’s earlier complaints that she had previously been targetted by Khalistani groups,” the statement said.
The organization also called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and national political leaders, including Pierre Poilievre, to ensure that their political caucuses do not include individuals connected to or sympathetic toward extremist groups.
Another advocacy group, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), also condemned the killing, describing it as part of what it called a broader pattern of intimidation against critics of extremist movements.
According to CoHNA, individuals who challenge extremist narratives in Canada — including journalists, community leaders and public officials — have increasingly faced harassment, threats and violence.
“The list of those targetted for speaking truth to power in Canada is growing, and every act of violence that goes unaddressed serves to further embolden those who seek to suppress democratic dissent through brutality. In this erosion of democratic values, the price is paid by peace-loving residents who wish live normal Canadian lives,” the group said. (Source: IANS)
