KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
14-Jan-2024
Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller revealed in an interview with CTV News that the Canadian government is contemplating capping the number of international students due to a 'disconcerting' housing crisis. Miller expressed concern about the current volume, which stands at around 900,000 international students, including a significant number of Sikh and Indian students. He emphasized that this issue requires a conversation with provinces to effectively manage the influx. India, a major source of international students in Canada, particularly Sikhs, is facing increasing financial requirements and potential caps. This development may impact the trend of Indian students seeking higher education and jobs in Canada.
11-Jan-2024
Police in at least six Canadian cities, including Abbotsford, Surrey, West Vancouver, White Rock, Edmonton, and Peel Region in Ontario, are investigating a series of extortion cases targeting the South Asian community, specifically individuals of Indian origin. The extortion attempts involve demanding CAD 2 million in "protection money" from South Asian business owners, with threats of violence if not paid within a month. The tactics are similar across cities and are potentially linked to Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, accused by the Indian government of terrorist activities and alleged ties to the Khalistani movement.
10-Jan-2024
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on January 10 arrested and charged Sukhwinder Dhanju, a 35-year-old Indo-Canadian truck driver from Brampton, for attempting to smuggle 233 kg of cocaine at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge port of entry, in Niagara-on-the Lake, in Ontario province of Canada, the agencies declared through a press release. Dhanju faces charges of importation of cocaine and possession for trafficking, with a court hearing scheduled for February 2.
07-Jan-2024
Attorney General of British Columbia, Niki Sharma, on January 7 pledged additional funding for local law enforcement to address gang-related violence in Indo-Canadian communities, while speaking at a community forum in Surrey in the British Columbia province of Canada. The forum, attended by 700-800 people, discussed concerns of drive-by shootings and extortion calls. A memorandum presented to leaders, including Sharma, calls for increased police patrols in high-risk areas, responding to incidents reported in Metro Vancouver, Greater Toronto Area, and Edmonton. The forum also addressed the previous targeting of a temple by pro-Khalistan elements, with recent incidents including posters and firing incidents.
07-Jan-2024
Violence erupted during a protest at Gurdwara Sahib Boulevard on January 7, resulting in at least two injuries in northeast Calgary, Alberta province, Canada. Calgary police responded to a fight involving 50 to 100 people and had received earlier calls about disturbances between protesters and the gurdwara occupants. The protest, organized by Gurpartap Baidwan, aimed to oppose the temple's elected leadership committee, alleging bylaw violations and misconduct.
06-Jan-2024
On January 6, a forum hosted by the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society drew 700 attendees, including politicians and law enforcement officials, to address growing concerns about an extortion racket targeting South Asian businesses across Canada, particularly in Surrey, British Columbia. Since October, businesses have reported receiving threats via calls, WhatsApp, and letters. The forum aimed to encourage victims to report extortions, discuss the modus operandi and address delays in the judicial system of British Columbia. Authorities assured an active pursuit of extortionists, with ongoing investigations.
05-Jan-2024
The Edmonton Police Service reported that extortion attempts targeting Indo-Canadian businesses have spread from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Metro Vancouver to the province of Alberta in Canada, leading to at least 18 investigations since October 2023. Perpetrators escalate violence, including drive-by shootings and arson, if victims fail to pay. The Edmonton Police Service reported a series of arson attempts, and six individuals have been arrested for shooting and arson incidents connected to the extortion series. These crimes highlight concerns over transnational gangs with potential links to India operating in Canada, such as the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The Indian government recently declared Satinderjeet Singh, alias Goldy Brar, a central figure in the gang, a terrorist.
05-Jan-2024
The Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are collaborating with other jurisdictions to address a series of recent extortion attempts targeting Indian businesses in Surrey, White Rock, Abbotsford, West Vancouver, Edmonton, and Ontario's Peel regions of Canada. The extortion tactics, resembling those used by gangs in India, involve letters demanding payment for 'protection from future violence.
05-Jan-2024
The Surrey detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on January 5 stated that they have identified the vehicle linked to the shooting at the residence of the son of Satish Kumar, the president of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, in Surrey, Canada. The RCMP's General Investigation Unit has identified a blue Mitsubishi Mirage GT or SE hatchback, model years 2017-2019, as a vehicle of interest. There has been an increase in violence and defacing of Hindu shrines in Canada in recent times.
31-Dec-2023
India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma stated in an interview with Hindustan Times that India's approach to Canada concerning allegations of a link between Indian agents and the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has always been collaborative. He emphasized concerns about Canada allowing its soil to be used for secessionism. Despite the Nijjar case, he highlighted positive aspects in trade, investment, immigration, and people-to-people relationships between India and Canada.
29-Dec-2023
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir President Satish Kumar, the father of Aman Kumar, whose house was the target of a drive-in firing incident, in Surrey, British Columbia province, Canada on December 29, suggested the involvement of either extortionists or Khalistan supporters. The police have yet to identify the perpetrators. The incident has raised concerns within the Indian community, particularly among Hindus opposed to the Khalistan ideology. Hindu temples in Canada have faced repeated aggression from Khalistani elements, posing a threat to safety. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are investigating the incident to determine the motive.
28-Dec-2023
The Indian High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, affirmed India's commitment to examine any 'specific and relevant information' provided by Canada, in response to Canadian law enforcement's identification of two suspects related to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The murder had previously strained India-Canada relations when Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau hinted at a possible connection between Indian agents and the killing.
27-Dec-2023
On December 27, the son of the president of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Satish Kumar’s house was targeted in a shooting incident in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. No injuries were reported, but there was bullet hole damage. The incident's motive is yet to be determined. While there's no confirmed link to threats against Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Hindu temples in Canada have faced attacks in recent years by Pro-Khalistani extremists, sparking concerns about hate crimes against the Hindu-Canadian community.
27-Dec-2023
According to a report by the Globe and the Mail, two suspects believed to have fatally shot Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in British Columbia (BC) province in Canada, are reportedly under police surveillance and expected to be arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the coming weeks.
22-Dec-2023
According to reports, Canada is facing mounting pressure to provide evidence supporting allegations of India's involvement in the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia (BC), Canada. Former BC Premier Ujjal Dosanjh urged Canada to present proof, drawing parallels with United States (US) prosecutors who linked an Indian government official to a plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader. In September, Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau claimed credible intelligence linking India to Nijjar's killing, prompting a denial by the Indian government. Trudeau expressed the intention to reveal evidence in due course, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation in this high-profile case.
20-Dec-2023
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau, in an interview with CBC in Canada on December 20, expressed an evolving understanding in India regarding collaboration instead of confrontation after the United States (US) indictment. He noted that the indictment has led to a more sober tone in the Indian government. However, India had earlier dismissed Trudeau's claims as 'absurd' and established a probe committee to investigate the allegations. Despite strained ties following Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in a Khalistani separatist's killing, he emphasized Canada's commitment to standing up for human rights, safety, and the rule of law while seeking to advance trade and the Indo-Pacific strategy.
19-Dec-2023
A group of Khalistan supporters on December 19 staged a protest outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, Canada, raising slogans against Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and attacking External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar along with Indian diplomats
18-Dec-2023
A Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, is increasing security due to discriminatory comments on social media about a 55-foot-tall Lord Hanuman statue scheduled for unveiling in April. The controversy aligns with rising anti-immigration sentiments and Hinduphobia in Brampton, a city known for pro-Khalistan activities. Despite concerns, the temple asserts that the statue adheres to regulations and is funded by donations.
15-Dec-2023
Canada is set to unveil a 55-foot statue of Hanuman in April 2024, the tallest depiction of a Hindu deity, in Brampton, Canada. Crafted by renowned Rajasthan sculptor Naresh Kumawat and funded by the local temple administration, the statue coincides with Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.
15-Dec-2023
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an associate of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has threatened to sue the Surrey School District, after it cancelled the contract to host an unofficial referendum vote, citing a violation of advertising policies at Tamanawis Secondary in Surrey in Canada.