KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
24-Feb-2025
The Canadian government recently reappointed Sikh philanthropist Mandeep Roshi Chadha as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Canada for a four-year term, effective March 26, 2025. Chadha is a well-known philanthropist who established a Sikh Gallery in Canada’s largest museum in Montreal in Canada. Her reappointment was approved by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Former Member of Parliament (MP) Tarlochan Singh described it as a prestigious recognition of a Sikh woman in the arts.
21-Feb-2025
Indo-Canadian candidate Viresh Bansal, running in the Ontario election for the Oshawa riding, was suspended by Canada’s Liberal Party on February 21 after offensive social media posts attributed to him surfaced. Bansal apologised for comments made in 2023 regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and a homophobic slur against Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau. Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie condemned the remarks, but no decision has been made on cancelling his candidature. The Ontario elections are scheduled for February 27, with the ruling Conservatives expected to retain power.
20-Feb-2025
The Canadian government on February 20 officially designated seven transnational criminal organizations, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel, as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. This move fulfils a promise made to former U.S. President Donald Trump to combat fentanyl trafficking and prevent trade tariffs. Public Safety Minister David McGuinty stated that these groups engage in extreme violence, drug and human trafficking, and arms smuggling. The designation grants law enforcement additional powers to disrupt their financing and operations.
07-Feb-2025
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau’s Office on February 7 announced the appointment of three new independent senators—Baltej Dhillon for British Columbia, Martine Hébert for Quebec, and Todd Lewis for Saskatchewan. Dhillon, an anti-gang specialist, was the first Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer to wear a turban, while Hébert is an economist and former diplomat, and Lewis is a farmer and agriculture leader.
05-Feb-2025
According to reports, Canada's failure to adopt a law similar to the United States' (US) Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act has allowed organized crime to thrive, enabling gangs to launder billions and fuel the opioid crisis. While the US RICO law empowers prosecutors to dismantle entire criminal enterprises, Canada’s legal framework remains focused on individuals, limiting enforcement. Decades of inaction and political roadblocks have stalled meaningful reform. With Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau’s recent pledge to combat organized crime, fentanyl, and money laundering, Canada must take decisive steps to address this escalating crisis.
04-Feb-2025
On February 4, a shooting was reported outside the residence of Punjabi singer Prem Dhillon in Brampton, Canada, with gangster Gurjant Jenta claiming responsibility. Jenta, an associate of wanted terrorist and gangster Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, accused Dhillon of disrespecting late singer Sidhu Moose Wala and allegedly threatening him through gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria. He also claimed his gang was behind the cancellation of Dhillon’s show in Australia. This incident follows previous attacks on Punjabi singers AP Dhillon and Gippy Grewal in Canada.
01-Feb-2025
According to a recent survey conducted by the agency Leger, support for Sikh separatist activities in Canada is minimal, with only 10% in favour. In contrast, a majority of 54% oppose these activities, and 72% support stricter policies to curb foreign separatist agendas.
31-Jan-2025
According to sources, designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) has been allowed to remove his ankle bracelet tracker after paying a fine of 30,000 Canadian dollars, just a month after securing bail in a firearms case in Canada. Dala, wanted in India for over 70 cases of murder, extortion, and terror financing, has been linked to recent killings in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh (MP), allegedly orchestrated from Canada. Despite an Interpol Red Notice against him, Canada has taken no action on India’s requests for his provisional arrest.
28-Jan-2025
On January 28, a Canadian report titled ‘Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions’ stated that “no definitive link” with a “foreign state” was proven in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, contradicting Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau’s allegations against India. The same report also accused India of interfering in Canadian elections, a claim strongly refuted by India.
28-Jan-2025
A Canadian court on January 28 sentenced contract killer Tanner Fox to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of Sikh businessman Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted in the 1985 Air India bombing case, in New Westminster, British Columbia. Fox was found guilty of second-degree murder, while his co-accused, Jose Lopez, will be sentenced later this week. Malik was shot dead outside his Surrey business on July 14, 2022, but Fox refused to disclose who hired him. The Air India bombing, Canada's worst terror attack, killed 329 people and was linked to Khalistani extremists. Malik and his co-accused, Ajaib Singh Bagri, were acquitted in 2005 after the court ruled the testimony against them was not credible.
21-Jan-2025
On January 21, 29-year-old Sikh youth Gurvinder Uppal succumbed to injuries from a gang-related shooting that occurred on January 20 in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. Police described the incident as a targeted attack linked to ongoing gang conflicts. A white Ford pickup truck, later found on fire, was reportedly connected to the shooting.
17-Jan-2025
India-origin Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada, Chandra Arya, on January 17 officially entered the race for Prime Minister (PM) after filing his nomination and addressing the House in Kannada, in Ottawa. Arya, originally from Karnataka, India, highlighted the need for bold political decisions to address Canada’s economic challenges and foster stronger ties with India. He also condemned Khalistani extremism, reinforcing his stance on promoting unity and stability.
14-Jan-2025
Canadian journalist Tahir Gora, in an interview with ANI, criticised outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's diplomatic row with India, calling it a failed bid at vote-bank politics amid his declining popularity over economic and immigration issues. Gora expressed scepticism about India-Canada ties improving, citing entrenched Khalistani influence in Canadian politics. He stressed that the Khalistani issue has become Canada's internal problem, tied to rising crime and the glorification of terrorism.
11-Jan-2025
Indian-origin Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya announced his candidacy for Canada’s Prime Minister (PM) on January 11 via a video on X, following Justin Trudeau's resignation. Arya pledged to lead a smaller, efficient government to tackle structural challenges and ensure prosperity. A former close aide of Trudeau, he distanced himself from Trudeau’s anti-India stance and has been a strong advocate for Hindus in Canada. Born in Tumkur, Karnataka, Arya holds an MBA and moved to Canada in 2006.
09-Jan-2025
Ann Seymour of the British Columbia (BC) Prosecution Service, on January 9, confirmed that four Indian nationals accused of murdering Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—identified as Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—remain in custody. The trial will proceed before the British Columbia Supreme Court, with a case management conference scheduled for February 11, 2025. Seymour also clarified that reports claiming the accused had been released on bail are false.
09-Jan-2025
On January 9, misinformation about the release on bail of Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—accused in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—spread widely due to misinterpreted court records and unverified social media claims. Ann Seymour of the British Columbia (BC) Prosecution Service refuted these reports, confirming that the accused remain in custody. Their next court appearances are scheduled for February 11, 2025.
08-Jan-2025
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau has resigned after over nine years in office, citing declining popularity and internal dissent within the Liberal Party. His tenure faced significant challenges, including high immigration levels, housing shortages, and increased reliance on food banks, which strained Canada’s resources. Trudeau drew criticism for his stance on Khalistani elements, internal cabinet resignations, and controversial handling of international issues, notably the Nijjar case. His resignation raises questions about the future of pro-Khalistan separatists in Canada, as his administration’s policies, criticized for harbouring criminal elements, strained relations with India. The Liberal Party is set to choose a new leader to navigate these challenges and prepare for the 2025 federal elections.
06-Jan-2025
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau resigned as Liberal Party leader on January 6, ahead of an anticipated no-confidence vote, marking a significant fallout from his perceived support for pro-Khalistan leaders. Critics contend that Trudeau's policies, aimed at courting Canada's Sikh diaspora, backfired as Khalistani allies, including Jagmeet Singh’s New Democratic Party (NDP), turned against him. Relations with India and the United States (US) further soured during his tenure, leaving the Liberals vulnerable to a potential defeat in the upcoming elections against Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives. Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an era amid strained international and domestic ties.
06-Jan-2025
New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh criticized Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on January 6, following his resignation as Liberal Party leader, accusing him of failing Canadians on housing, healthcare, and the cost of living. Singh urged Canadians to "fire the Liberals" and reject the Conservatives, accusing both parties of prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. He called on voters to support the NDP, promising to advocate for affordable housing, lower grocery costs, and improved healthcare. The NDP also confirmed its plan to oppose the Liberal government in any confidence motion.
06-Jan-2025
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau resigned as Liberal Party leader on January 6, ahead of a key caucus meeting in Ottawa, Canada. The Khalistani factor significantly influenced Trudeau's resignation, as former pro-Khalistani allies withdrew support and declared a no-confidence vote. His handling of Khalistani issues also strained relations with India and polarized public opinion in Canada. The Liberal Party now faces an uphill battle in the upcoming election, with polls favoring Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives. Trudeau's ties with the Sikh diaspora and his approach to Khalistani issues remain under intense scrutiny.