Canada’s Toronto, home for pro-Khalistan supporters?
On Saturday, in Toronto, a handful of pro-Khalistan supporters gathered across the street from the building housing India’s consulate. The protesters were said to belong to the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Two of the protesters were impounded by the police as they attempted to breach the barricade to attack a pro-India group. Policemen pushed them back as violence broke out, and later they were released without any charges. They held posters of SFJ leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was murdered on June 18, 2023, in British Columbia. Khalistan protesters accused India of being behind the assassination of the SFJ leader. They were also countered by slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Long Live India”.
Several such activities have been taking place in Canada for a long time now. Physical posters also appeared in front of the temple and other places, which demonstrated the “war zone”. Sometime ago this month, the “Khalistan Freedom Rally” portrayed India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and Consul General in Toronto, Apporva Srivastava, as “killers”. There have been various instances that reflect showing solidarity to pro-Khalistan groups is being promoted not only in Canada but also in Australia, Rome, and parts of the UK and the US.
India convened the Canadian envoy in New Delhi on Monday and issued a demarche over the increase in the number of pro-Khalistan activities and elements in Canada in recent years. In recent meetings, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval urged the National Security Adviser of the United Kingdom, Tim Barrow, to take strong action against Khalistan radicals. India needs to request that the UK and US governments take severe action against such activities.
While the spokesman in the US speaks such to escape liability, “The US strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offence,” said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
-Nidhi Kasana
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- Freelance Journalist
- Nidhi Kasana is a dedicated journalist holding a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. She possesses a strong command of the English language and a profound interest in international and political journalism. With an unwavering passion for uncovering the truth and amplifying diverse perspectives, Nidhi aims to make a significant impact in the field.
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