KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
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.
30-Oct-2023
Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, during an event at the Economic Club of Canada in Toronto on October 30, stated that she is in touch with the Indian External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining the long-term relationship despite the current difficulties.
29-Oct-2023
The chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, highlighted a voter turnout of over 60,000 in Phase II of the Khalistan Referendum, which took place on October 29 in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. He stated that this is a non-violent "war" between Punjab and India, with Sikhs using votes as their weapon. Pannun addressed the rally virtually from Washington, DC, in the United States (US). The SFJ also demanded the arrest and prosecution of the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, for his alleged involvement in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Furthermore, they expanded the boundaries of the proposed Sikh homeland, Khalistan, to include Delhi. They plan to organize further referendum voting in Canada in 2024.
29-Oct-2023
The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) held its biennial convention on October 29 in Ottawa, Canada, and selected Danish Singh as the new President. The organization's 2024-2025 board, which includes over 50% women and is predominantly below the age of 40, aims to advocate for Canadian Sikhs and address issues of concern, particularly in light of the Canadian government's acknowledgment of the Indian government's role in targeting Sikhs in the country.
29-Oct-2023
According to Pakistan media, thousands of Sikhs actively participated in the Khalistan Referendum held at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey in British Columbia province of Canada.
29-Oct-2023
According to sources, Canadian authorities have warned Gurmeet Singh Toor, a member of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and a close associate of the late Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, that he may be targeted by the Indian government due to his involvement in Khalistan activism in Canada.
29-Oct-2023
According to a survey, the Hindu community in Canada has expressed concerns about the increasing incidents of Hinduphobia, which include threats, hate crimes, and vandalism. The survey results indicate that 89% of the respondents are worried about the safety and security of their families and community, especially in light of the public threats made by Khalistani terrorist Pannun against the Hindu community.
29-Oct-2023
Banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on October 29 announced USD 100,000 for the arrest of High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma and released a new map with Delhi as part of Khalistan in Surrey, in British Columbia province of Canada. SFJ holds Verma responsible for the “assassination” of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was gunned down on June 18, 2023, outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey.
28-Oct-2023
Ahead of the Khalistani referendum scheduled to take place on October 29 at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, Council of Khalistan President Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu claims that the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has garnered strong support for Khalistan's independence within the Sikh community. The Khalistan Referendum voting campaign is being organized under the supervision of the independent Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC).
27-Oct-2023
According to reports, the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) is planning an ambitious series of so-called Khalistan Referendums across Canada next year, with the first phase scheduled for October 29 in Surrey in British Columbia. This initiative follows Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's statement, in which he suggested Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Reports indicate that SFJ intends to influence the 2025 Canadian federal elections and expects increased support following Trudeau's statement. The group also plans multiple voting phases in various cities across Canada.
27-Oct-2023
According to sources, Canada is currently experiencing a significant visa processing backlog for Indian applicants due to a reduction in staff in India. Out of the 38,000 visas allocated for Indians, only 20,000 can be processed by the end of 2023. The staff reduction occurred when India requested Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats, resulting in an expected backlog of 17,500 Indian applications in early 2024. Canada aims to return to normal processing by early 2024 by re-establishing its immigration staff in India and the Philippines and adjusting workloads for Visa Application Centres.