Pro-Khalistan Float at Toronto Parade Displays Modi Effigy in Chains
Image Source: Hindustan Times
Pro-Khalistan elements in Canada sparked controversy on Sunday at a Khalsa Day parade in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where a float prominently featured an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in chains and in a cage. The parade, held in Malton, GTA, was accompanied by participants holding Khalistan pennants and shouting separatist slogans.
The provocative display was organized by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and was seen as a response to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent comments emphasizing Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and the justice system. Trudeau’s remarks came after three Indian nationals were arrested in connection with the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, last year.
The Vaisakhi parade incident follows Trudeau’s address at another similar celebration in Toronto, where pro-Khalistan and anti-India slogans were raised. SFJ has announced plans to convene a ‘Citizens Court of Canada’ in Vancouver on June 18, the anniversary of Nijjar’s death, to accuse India of violent repression of pro-Khalistan Sikhs.
This is not the first time such provocations have occurred. Last year, on June 4, a float depicting the assassination of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was part of a martyrdom day event in Brampton, GTA, marking the anniversary of Operation Bluestar in 1984. The operation was conducted to flush out separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his supporters from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, leading to Gandhi’s assassination later that year.
The incidents highlight the ongoing tensions between pro-Khalistan elements in Canada and the Indian government, raising concerns about the impact of such displays on bilateral relations.
Team Profile
- News Writer & Columnist
- Nikhil Rastogi, a dynamic Journalist and Media enthusiast with a strong foundation in journalism. After graduating in Mass Communication from the Institute of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, he is currently pursuing his Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication from University of Lucknow. His passion for storytelling is evident from his regular contribution of informative articles to various media outlets. He has also contributed as a writer and journalist for reputed media organisations like Amar Ujala, Jansatta and The Pioneer.
Latest entries
Hindi6 January 2025पेपर लीक के शिकंजे में भारत का भविष्य
Hindi28 December 2024अनैतिक पत्रकारिता का जिम्मेदार कौन?
Editorial28 November 2024रोटी, कपड़ा और मकान से ऊपर “वो”
English11 May 2024Tragedy Strikes as Flash Floods Claim 50 Lives in Baghlan, Afghanistan
