KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
14-Oct-2024
The banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on October 14 issued a new threat against India's High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and released a video showing him being shot. The video depicted an image of Verma riddled with bullets, further escalating the already tense diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
14-Oct-2024
According to sources, on October 14, shortly after a major diplomatic crisis erupted between India and Canada, Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau sought support from United Kingdom (UK) PM Keir Starmer, alleging a 'targeted campaign' by Indian agents, in Ottawa. The crisis followed the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which Canada claimed was orchestrated by the Indian government. While India has dismissed these allegations as baseless, Trudeau has been seeking backing from allies. Pro-Khalistan groups, including the Sikh Federation UK, have called on other nations to stand with Canada. UK officials have taken a more cautious stance, noting that the allegations are still under investigation.
11-Oct-2024
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandrakanth Chandra Arya, on October 11, in Ottawa, raised concerns about attacks on journalists reporting on Khalistani extremism. He cited incidents involving Indian-origin journalists, including assaults on Rishi Nagar, Sameer Kaushal, and Deepak Punj. Arya urged law enforcement to take the matter seriously and act before the situation escalates.
10-Oct-2024
Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA), Nathalie G. Drouin, on October 10 stated that she was uncertain whether India aimed to influence Canadian policy, suggesting instead that New Delhi may be more focused on the pro-Khalistan movement while appearing before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions in Ottawa, Canada. Drouin pointed to Canada’s large Sikh diaspora and the Air India bombing as reasons for India's interest.
10-Oct-2024
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly on October 10 testified before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Ottawa, stating that she had been largely kept in the dark about foreign interference efforts since her appointment in 2021. Joly also described relations with India as 'tense' and criticized India’s lack of cooperation in the investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
10-Oct-2024
On October 10, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to holding Indian officials allegedly responsible for the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar accountable, while testifying before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Ottawa. She highlighted the ongoing investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and emphasized the importance of India’s cooperation in clarifying the incident. Joly also acknowledged the complex and problematic relationship between the two nations, noting that despite the tensions, diplomatic discussions have continued privately.
09-Oct-2024
The Calgary Police Service on October 9 charged an individual, identified as Dilpreet Singh, in connection with the violent assault on radio journalist Rishi Nagar, which occurred on September 29 outside a banquet hall in the Horizon neighbourhood of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Singh, a resident of Alberta, is scheduled to appear in court on November 15.
06-Oct-2024
Punjabi journalist Joginder Bassi, known for his comedic style of journalism on the popular Bassi Show, received a death threat via a message from a Dubai phone number, warning him that his 'end is near' and branding him an 'Indian spy,' in Toronto, Canada. The threat followed Bassi's condemnation of Khalistan supporters who insulted the Indian flag in Canada. Bassi has previously faced threats, including a shooting incident at his home in 2021. He has filed a complaint with Ontario police, who are investigating the matter.
06-Oct-2024
According to sources, Canadian police have identified Jaswinder Singh Grewal, linked to the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), as one of the attackers on radio journalist Rishi Nagar, who was assaulted on September 29 in Calgary, Canada. Nagar, who had spoken out against Khalistani factions, was targeted for refusing to align with their views.
05-Oct-2024
Pro-Khalistani supporters disrupted an event organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) on October 5 and targeted Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya with slogans such as 'Arya is Indian, not Canadian,' 'Arya is Modi’s agent,' and 'Go back, go back' in Calgary, Canada. The protest, organized by the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), also desecrated an Indian flag and displayed offensive posters against Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
05-Oct-2024
According to reports, in a recent incident, Canadian Sikh Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Ruby Sahota was heckled and forced to leave an event organized by Pakistan-origin businessman Tanveer Malik in Brampton, Canada. The harassment occurred after Sahota presented a petition in the Canadian Parliament highlighting human rights violations in Pakistan, particularly by its military.
04-Oct-2024
Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Indo-Pacific at Global Affairs Canada (GAC), stated on October 4 in Ottawa that investigations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were underway, along with diplomatic efforts. He clarified that the potential link to India remains an allegation based on intelligence, with no conclusive findings yet.
04-Oct-2024
Canada’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, while appearing before the foreign interference commission in Ottawa on October 4, reiterated the country's 'absolute' position on respecting India's territorial integrity, affirming that 'there is one India.' Morrison acknowledged ongoing private discussions with India and emphasized that while pro-Khalistan activities are 'awful,' they are considered lawful under Canada's Freedom of Speech laws.
03-Oct-2024
Daniel Bordman, a senior correspondent at The National Telegraph, stated in a conversation with India Today that Canada's immigration system is "completely broken and predatory in nature." He explained that Indian students, who are now facing the brunt of new immigration laws, are being exploited by Khalistani groups to advance their separatist agenda. Bordman noted that these extremist groups are taking advantage of vulnerable students, offering them legal protection in exchange for attending rallies and supporting their cause amid Canada's economic and housing crisis.
03-Oct-2024
The Deputy Chairman of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Mark Flynn, revealed in Ottawa, Canada, on October 3, that Canadian law enforcement is conducting separate investigations into alleged foreign interference by India, distinct from the probe into the 2023 killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He appeared before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions. Flynn acknowledged that India has raised concerns over Khalistani extremism but noted that what India defines as an offense may not always align with Canadian law.
01-Oct-2024
The trial of four Indian nationals accused in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was adjourned for the fifth time at Surrey Provincial Court in Surrey, Canada, on October 1. The adjournment was due to the prosecution requiring more time for disclosure. The next hearing is scheduled for November 21. The four accused — Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh — remain in custody, facing charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
29-Sep-2024
Indo-Canadian newsperson and news director of Red FM Calgary, Rishi Nagar, was attacked by two unidentified individuals in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on September 29. Nagar said that he believes the assailants were pro-Khalistan elements upset over a report involving arrests at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Cultural Centre. Calgary Police are investigating the assault, which was captured on CCTV.
28-Sep-2024
Recently, a video went viral showing pro-Palestinian supporters defacing and attacking a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh during a protest in Brampton, Canada. The act sparked widespread outrage and anger among the public.
27-Sep-2024
A year after Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's claim of Indian intelligence involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has yet to provide any evidence. Trudeau's unsubstantiated allegations have damaged India-Canada relations, polarized the Indian diaspora, and radicalized sections of the Sikh community. As Trudeau’s government faces the possibility of collapse by February 2025, questions arise regarding whether he should apologize to India for these actions.
26-Sep-2024
A recent poll conducted by Maru Public Opinion for CityNews found that one in five people in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary consider crime and policing to be the top issues in their cities, Canada. Drug-related crime was the main concern in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, while gun crime topped the list in Toronto. The poll also highlighted widespread concerns about police response times and bail reform, with over 85% of respondents across the cities feeling that too many repeat violent offenders are being granted bail.
26-Sep-2024
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya, while addressing the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa on September 26, criticized a petition seeking a new inquiry into the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, calling it a promotion of 'conspiracy theories' by Khalistani extremists. He reaffirmed that two Canadian inquiries had already found Sikh extremists responsible for the tragic attack, which killed 329 people.
26-Sep-2024
On September 26, a report released by the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), a unit within Global Affairs Canada, revealed that media outlets aligned with Indian Prime Minister (PM) Modi targeted Canadian PM Justin Trudeau following his claim linking India to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The report highlighted similar narratives discrediting Trudeau and Canada while depicting the country as isolated within the G7.
25-Sep-2024
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on September 25 survived a vote of no confidence in his minority Liberal government, with Members of Parliament (MPs) voting 211 to 120 against the Conservative motion in Ottawa, Canada. While Trudeau remains in power, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre vowed to continue efforts to topple the government, capitalizing on the breakdown of the Liberal-New Democratic Party (NDP) coalition.
20-Sep-2024
A recently released report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) flagged India and China for alleged interference in Canada’s domestic politics by influencing diaspora communities and supporting pro-Government of India (GoI) candidates with illicit funding and disinformation campaigns. The report also claimed that India is actively involved in undermining support for the Khalistan movement and views its supporters as a threat to domestic stability. Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma denied these allegations and demanded evidence from Canada.
14-Sep-2024
Tarlochan Singh, former chairman of India’s National Commission for Minorities, recently urged the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, and Sikh Members of Parliament (MPs) from Canada to address Quebec’s Bill 21, which bans public servants in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols, including turbans. Singh emphasized that Sikh MPs should follow the example of Sikhs in the United Kingdom (UK), who successfully amended similar laws to protect Sikh symbols, and called for efforts to have the law revisited and amended.