KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
03-Feb-2024
Three organisations, the World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO), Ontario Gurdwaras Committee (OGC), and British Columbia Gurdwaras Council (BCGC), have requested standing in the ongoing public inquiry into foreign interference, particularly focusing on alleged Indian interference in Canadian affairs. In a letter addressed to Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, who is leading the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, in Canada, they emphasised the importance of Sikh representation in light of recent developments implicating India in influencing electoral outcomes.
01-Feb-2024
Komalpreet Sidhu, an Indo-Canadian driver from Winnipeg, was arrested on January 14 by the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) after border officials found 406.2 kg of methamphetamine in his commercial truck, which marks the largest narcotics seizure in the Prairies. He is set to appear in court on February 1 in Manitoba, Canada, facing charges of methamphetamine importation and possession for trafficking.
01-Feb-2024
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating a shooting at the home of Simranjeet Singh, which took place on February 1 in Surrey, British Columbia province in Canada. Simranjeet was an associate of the late Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a member of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Simranjeet is known for his involvement in the Khalistan movement and recent protests. The Surrey RCMP deems it an isolated event with no reported injuries.
30-Jan-2024
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), in a statement released on January 30, announced that three individuals of Indian origin in Canada, identified as Ayush Sharma, Guramrit Sidhu, and Subham Kumar are slated for extradition to the United States (US) as part of 'Operation Dead Hand.' This operation is a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the RCMP, targeting a drug trafficking network operating between Mexico and North America. The three suspects are facing charges related to coordinating the transportation of cocaine and methamphetamine to Canada via long-haul trucks. Guramrit Sidhu, allegedly a key organizer, could face a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years if convicted. The indictments collectively involve over 845 kg of methamphetamine, 951 kg of cocaine, and other narcotics, with cash seizures exceeding USD 900,000.
29-Jan-2024
Canadian authorities are investigating an incident that occurred on January 29 at a gurdwara, where a 23-year-old man allegedly wielded two large bladed weapons during the evening service at the Penticton Sikh Temple in Penticton City, British Columbia province, Canada. Although no injuries were reported, one person was briefly detained before being released. The temple attributed the disturbance to an 'unruly group of non-society members' who had previously been barred from the premises. Measures have been implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
28-Jan-2024
On January 28, a delegation from the Punjab (Pakistan) government engaged in discussions with members of the Sikh community in Toronto, Canada, with the aim of strengthening religious tourism and trade ties between Canada and Pakistan. The delegation, led by Ministers S.M. Tanveer, Mansoor Qadir, and Amir Mir, endorsed the Sikh community's proposal to establish five-star hotels in Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur within the Punjab province of Pakistan. Pakistani diplomats also attended the meeting, during which plans were made to launch a special tourism portal and provide state security to Sikh pilgrims, facilitating their visits to Punjab.
26-Jan-2024
On January 26, in an interview with CTV in Canada, Jody Thomas, the national security advisor to Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau, stated that India is collaborating with Canada to address tensions arising from the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau's statement last year, alleging potential links between Indian government agents and the murder, had strained diplomatic relations. However, India has denied any official government involvement in the killing.
26-Jan-2024
On January 26, India’s Republic Day, Khalistani activists and supporters staged anti-India protests outside Indian Consulate in Vancouver, Canada. They displayed posters with derogatory slogans against Prime Minister (PM) Modi, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, as well as slogans like “Khalistan Referendum,” “Delhi Banayga Khalistan,” and “Assassination of Shaheed Nijjar, Enemies of Canada.” Videos and eyewitness accounts depict protesters handling the Indian national flag disrespectfully, including burning, trampling, or defacing it.
25-Jan-2024
India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, on January 25 stated that India has requested heightened security for its diplomatic missions in Canada ahead of Republic Day celebrations on January 26. This request comes in light of potential protests by pro-Khalistan groups in Canada. Security concerns arose after demonstrations at the Indian High Commission in Ottawa in 2023, leading the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to file charges against individuals allegedly involved. India maintains that the core issue with Canada remains the tolerance of separatist and anti-India elements and seeks action from Canada to address these concerns.
25-Jan-2024
According to sources, Canada's federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference targeting India, initiated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was reportedly done at the behest of Pro-Khalistani radical Jagmeet Singh of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Singh, a Sikh of Indian origin, had earlier advocated for justice in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and leads the NDP, a party that supports a Khalistan referendum.
24-Jan-2024
According to a Bloomberg report, Canada has officially included India in its investigation into election meddling, examining whether India interfered in Ottawa's national elections in 2019 and 2021. Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau initiated the probe last year, initially focusing on China's interference. This marks the first time India's name has been implicated in the election interference process, amid strained relations. The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada escalated when Trudeau accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to mutual expulsions of diplomats. Despite the allegations, Canada has not presented proof, and tensions persist.
23-Jan-2024
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that Canada has decided to implement a two-year cap on new international student visas, with a 35% reduction in study visas for 2024, aiming to address housing issues and target problematic institutions in Canada. Miller mentioned that the cap, which affects Indian students who consider Canada a preferred destination, is a response to concerns about non-permanent residents impacting the housing crisis. The move also targets institutions offering questionable degrees, and provinces will decide permit distribution among universities. Changes to post-graduation work permits have been introduced, affecting certain programs and providing open work permits for spouses of master's and doctoral students.
17-Jan-2024
According to a Reuters report that quoted Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the issuance of study permits by Canada to Indian students sharply declined in 2023 due to diplomatic tensions over the killing of Khalistan terrorist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The strained relations led to Canada ejecting Canadian diplomats processing permits, and fewer Indian students applied amidst the dispute. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller cited a halved processing ability, stating that the diplomatic relationship poses challenges and may not improve soon. The conflict resulted in an 86% drop in study permits issued to Indians in the fourth quarter of 2023, falling from 108,940 to 14,910.
17-Jan-2024
According to reports, Canadian mayors Patrick Brown of Brampton and Brenda Locke of Surrey have urged Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau to implement a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional strategy addressing the increasing extortion threats towards businesses, particularly targeting South Asians in Canada. In a letter to the federal minister of public safety, Jean-Sebastien Comeau, the mayors expressed deep concern and emphasized the need for a unified response involving multiple jurisdictions. Recent reports suggest links between extortion attempts and violent acts in their provinces, prompting the mayors to call for federal intervention and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
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.