“Khalistan Supporters Exist, But Don’t Represent All Sikhs,” says Trudeau Amid India Tensions

GG News Bureau
Ottawa, 9th Nov. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada, clarifying, however, that they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. Trudeau made this statement during a Diwali event at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, where he also noted the presence of pro-Modi supporters in Canada, adding that they don’t represent all Hindu Canadians.

The acknowledgment comes amidst a tense standoff between India and Canada, ignited by the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani activist, outside a British Columbia gurdwara in June 2023. Trudeau’s accusation that India might have been involved sparked a diplomatic uproar, with India firmly denying any role.

Trudeau’s remarks follow recent unrest in Canada, where a clash erupted at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton. Videos circulating on social media depicted Khalistani protesters, some wielding flags and poles, clashing with attendees of a consular event. The violent scenes prompted swift condemnation from Prime Minister Trudeau, who stressed Canadians’ right to practice their faith peacefully. “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely,” Trudeau wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India also issued a statement condemning the disruption, calling for the safety of Indian nationals. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized anti-India elements for the attack, emphasizing that India’s consulate had nonetheless issued over 1,000 life certificates to applicants.

India has refuted Trudeau’s allegations regarding Nijjar’s murder, viewing them as politically motivated. Indian officials argue that Trudeau’s government has failed to address pro-Khalistan sentiment, while Canada claims to have intelligence, though no hard evidence, linking India to Nijjar’s death. Trudeau admitted in a public inquiry that Canada’s allegations were based on intelligence rather than concrete proof, stating that Canada refrained from airing the allegations during the September 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, hoping to work with Indian security agencies.

India has labeled the allegations as “preposterous” and accused Canada of providing a platform for extremist separatists. With each country asserting its stance, the diplomatic impasse appears far from resolution, straining relations and affecting the Indian diaspora in Canada.