Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged for the first time the presence of Pro-Khalistani Sikh separatists in Canada. His acknowledgment comes as India has accused Trudeau of protecting pro-Khalistani elements in the country.
Speaking at Diwali celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Trudeau acknowledged that a basis of Khalistan support existed in Canada but emphasized that it does not reflect the Sikh community as a whole.
The death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist, outside a gurdwara in British Columbia in June 2023 strained relations between the two countries. Trudeau’s subsequent suggestion that India may have been involved sparked a diplomatic uproar.
At the Diwali ceremony, he stated, “There are many proponents of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. Similarly, Modi supporters in Canada do not speak for all Hindu Canadians.
Trudeau’s admission came only days after a violent confrontation broke out outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, between pro-Khalistan demonstrators and believers.
Video video showed chaotic scenes as protesters, some carrying Khalistani flags, assaulted temple visitors, resulting in physical altercations with fists and poles. Trudeau criticized the event, highlighting Canadians’ right to freely exercise their faith, and complimented local authorities for their quick response.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs raised grave worries over the safety of its nationals in Canada, describing the disruption outside the temple as an act of anti-India sentiment.
“Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants,” said MEA spokeswoman Randhir Jaiswal.
Canada has accused India of participation in Nijjar’s death but has failed to present conclusive evidence. Last month, Trudeau acknowledged that the claims were based on information rather than evidence.
He claimed that Canadian authorities had been briefed by their intelligence, with information from Five Eyes allies, implying Indian spies were involved, though no conclusive evidence has emerged.
In response, India denied the charges, accusing Canada of providing a haven for pro-Khalistan radicals who threaten India’s security. The Indian government has frequently asked Canada to act against these groups but claims its demands have gone unanswered.
The escalating hostilities have widened a long-standing divide between the two countries. Following Nijjar’s murder, Canadian police proposed the participation of six Indian officials, which India denounced as “preposterous.”
Last month, New Delhi issued a robust reply to charges that India’s High Commissioner to Canada was a person of interest, highlighting Canada’s failure to present evidence despite repeated requests.
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