KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
17-Nov-2023
According to reports, the Khalistan referendum event organized by Sikh For Justice (SFJ) has been exposed as a deceptive ploy to strengthen the financial resources of the banned terrorist organization. Intelligence agencies reveal that participants were coerced into donating money during the referendum, with Khalistan supporters exaggerating the number of participants. The referendum, perceived as a sham, aims to create an anti-India atmosphere in Canada and gather funds for terrorist activities, despite a lack of genuine interest and support from the Sikh community in Canada.
16-Nov-2023
A 28-year-old Sikh man, identified as Jagraj Singh alias Raj, was shot dead by two masked men in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada on November 16. Raj, who worked as a security guard, had been in Canada for three months on a student visa. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
16-Nov-2023
According to a report by The National Telegraph (TNT), the Khalistan referendum organized by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on September 11 was a 'farce' and a show of force by Khalistani elements. The low turnout forced SFJ to call for a revote on October 29. While SFJ claims 100,000 participants, reports suggest only 5,000-7,000 people showed up, a minuscule minority of Surrey's 154,000 Sikh population. The voting process lacked transparency, with concerns raised about voter security and the absence of proper identification checks. The referendum, aimed at mobilizing Khalistan sympathizers, is seen as a mockery with no international significance.
15-Nov-2023
The Pro-Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on November 15 targeted Indian Consulate officials, disrupting a life certificate distribution camp in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Khalistani extremists gathered outside the venue, forcing the evacuation of authorities under police protection. The Indian government has raised concerns with Canada, demanding security assurances and vowing not to grant asylum to members of the Khalistani movement.
15-Nov-2023
The Pro-Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on November 15 released posters threatening to shut down routine life certificate camps organized by the Indian consulate that are scheduled to be held on November 18 and 19 in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and on November 19 in the Metro Vancouver region in Canada.
13-Nov-2023
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on November 13 offered a USD 100,000 reward for the arrest of Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, accusing him of fabricating a terror threat against Air India. Pannun's threat follows a statement by Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau, seeking collaboration with India in the investigation of the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
12-Nov-2023
The Edmonton Police on November 12 released video and images of suspects connected to the shooting deaths of Harpreet Singh Uppal, an Indian-origin Sikh alleged to be a high-level gang member, and his 11-year-old son in Edmonton, Alberta province, Canada. Uppal, associated with the Brothers Keeper gang, was facing drug-related charges.
12-Nov-2023
On November 12, a mob led by Khalistani radicals gate-crashed a Diwali celebration in Canada, throwing stones and trash at the celebrating Hindu crowd at Westwood Mall in Brampton, Ontario. Peel Regional Police are investigating the incident, and the City of Mississauga is collaborating on necessary actions. This incident follows India's recent recommendation to Canada to strengthen its framework against the misuse of freedom of expression that may incite violence and address hate crimes.
12-Nov-2023
Indian Consul General in Vancouver, Manish, faced a security scare on November 12 as Sikh activists cornered and heckled him in Abbotsford in the British Columbia province of Canada. A video circulating on social media shows the diplomat's car surrounded by protesters holding Khalistan flags, with police present but not taking active countermeasures. The activists shouted accusations about the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, demanding accountability from the Indian government.
12-Nov-2023
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on November 12 reiterated his claim that Canada reached out to India regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, asserting Canada's commitment to the rule of law, in Ottawa in Canada. Trudeau mentioned seeking cooperation from allies, including the United States (US), in investigating the matter. He criticized India for violating the Vienna Convention, claiming the expulsion of Canadian diplomats was a response to suspicions of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing.
12-Nov-2023
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on November 12 extended Diwali greetings, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness in Ottawa, Canada. He acknowledged the contributions of Canadians from Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities. Additionally, Trudeau wished Sikhs a happy Bandi Chhor Divas, emphasizing the values of selflessness and generosity inspired by the story of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Trudeau highlighted the significance of coming together as a society to achieve peace, freedom, and community.
11-Nov-2023
The former Premier of the Canadian province of British Columbia, Christy Clark, on November 11 warned that Canada stands to lose if a trade agreement with India is not secured amid bilateral tensions. While addressing the media in Toronto, she emphasized that the delay affects Canadian workers, the economy, and prosperity growth in the country. She highlighted the risk that India could potentially find similar high-value products elsewhere in the world.
09-Nov-2023
An alleged gangster, identified as Harpreet Singh Uppal, and his 11-year-old son were fatally shot outside a gas station in Edmonton in Alberta province of Canada, believed to be a result of gang-related violence with suspected ties to Khalistani groups. Uppal, described as a high-level figure in organized crime, faced criminal charges, including cocaine smuggling. This incident adds to a series of gang war-related killings in Canada involving Punjab-origin gangs with connections to Khalistanis and Pakistan's Inter Service-Intelligence (ISI). It contributes to existing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over Khalistani activities.
09-Nov-2023
According to sources, the Canadian federal government is downplaying a recent warning from the British government, which suggests a high likelihood of a terrorist attack in Canada. Canada's national threat level remains medium, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refrained from commenting on the British warning, even though Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), issued threats urging travellers not to fly Air India on November 19, 2023.
09-Nov-2023
Laura Scaffidi, the press secretary to Canada’s transport minister, on November 9 stated that the Canadian government and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are investigating a potential terror threat issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. This threat is related to a video circulating online, warning against traveling on Air India on November 19 in Ottawa, Canada.
09-Nov-2023
Canada's Transport Minister, Pablo Rodriguez, on November 9 announced that Canada is investigating 'threats' against Air India. This follows a video posted by Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who urged a boycott of the airline on November 19 via a post on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. Canada has reportedly increased security measures for Air India flights.
06-Nov-2023
Indo-Canadian Sikh poet Rupi Kaur on November 6 announced that she had declined an invitation to a Diwali event hosted by the United States (US) President Joe Biden's administration due to their response to the situation in Gaza. Kaur expressed her concern over the administration's support for the current situation in Gaza and the high civilian death toll. She called for accountability and urged the South Asian community not to be tokenized by the government's actions. Kaur also encouraged her followers to sign petitions, join boycotts, and attend protests in support of a ceasefire in Gaza.
05-Nov-2023
On November 5, a ceremony at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, honoured Private Buckam Singh, a Sikh military hero and one of nine Sikh soldiers who served in the Canadian Armed Forces during World War I.
05-Nov-2023
Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, on November 5 stated that Indian officials have requested increased security measures for Air India flights due to threats, after Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a warning, advising people to avoid flying with Air India on and after November 19, citing potential danger to their lives. Verma emphasized that Indian authorities intend to address this threat with Canadian authorities, given that Air India operates several flights between India and Canada. He highlighted that the threat violates the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation Operations. This threat echoes the tragic bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985 by Khalistani terrorists, which remains the worst act of terrorism in Canadian history.
04-Nov-2023
India's High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, expressed concerns on November 4 in an interview with the Globe and Mail that the Canadian police probe into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has been tainted by high-level official statements alleging Indian involvement. He stressed that Canada has not provided concrete evidence to support its claims.
04-Nov-2023
According to reports, despite strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, along with rising job scarcity, high rental costs, and uncertainty regarding study visas, many Indian students aspire to settle abroad, particularly in Canada. The enrolment for the 2024 intake in Canadian colleges has been completed, and students are willing to accept entry-level jobs for the first few years in Canada, valuing the dignity of labour and opportunities for financial growth. The demand for education and job opportunities in Canada remains strong, with students and parents willing to make significant financial investments for a secure future abroad.
03-Nov-2023
The Edmonton police, on November 3, arrested a Punjab-origin man identified as Randhir Singh Gill and recovered 40.5 kg of cocaine with a street value of USD 1.8 million in Edmonton, in the Alberta province of Canada. This represents the largest single-location cocaine confiscation in the history of the Edmonton police. Randhir is expected to appear in court on November 8.
02-Nov-2023
Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), on November 2 remembered the 1984 Sikh riots as a 'Sikh genocide'. He also called for the banning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its Canadian affiliates. This move sparked criticism for what some consider disinformation. His mention of allegations involving government agents in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, further underscores his pro-Khalistan stance and alleged influence on Canadian policy regarding Khalistani activities.
01-Nov-2023
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Melissa Lantsman tabled a petition in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Canada, on November 1, calling for the recognition of Hinduphobia. The petition, supported by 80 organizations, aims to define Hinduphobia, raise awareness, and address systemic discrimination, citing increased attacks against the Hindu community in their places of worship. The issue gained prominence due to incidents such as temple desecrations and a viral video targeting Canadian Hindus.
31-Oct-2023
On October 31, controversial Canada-based rapper Shubh addressed the viral hoodie controversy from his recent concert in an Instagram post, explaining that various items, including clothes and jewellery, were thrown at him during the performance, making it impossible for him to see what was on them. Shubh had recently faced criticism for flaunting a hoodie that appeared to glorify the assassins of former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, drawing condemnation from actor Kangana Ranaut. He urged people to stop spreading hate and negativity.