KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
21-Jun-2023
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Unit (IHIT), which is handling the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder, on June 21 released updated information about the incident that occurred on June 18. According to the latest details, two suspects, described as "heavy-set men wearing face coverings," fled into Cougar Creek Park and possibly entered a vehicle at the intersection of 121 Street and 68 Avenue. It is suspected that another individual was waiting in a vehicle to facilitate their escape. Nijjar sustained multiple gunshot wounds while in his vehicle, as he exited through the rear exit on 122 Street. Currently, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the shooting remains unknown.
20-Jun-2023
According to report, the recent killing of Jimi Sandhu has brought back the focus on Indo-Canadian organised crime rings. Indo-Canadian gangs have been active since the 1980s. They are among the top organised crime groups in Canada. And there's links between these gangs and the Khalistan separatist movement, the report said.
18-Jun-2023
Family members of the victims of the 1985 Air India flight 182 bombing are outraged by plans of Khalistan supporters for a car rally to be held in Toronto on June 25, to honour Talwinder Singh Parmar, considered the mastermind behind the attack. A poster announcing the rally surfaced in various parts of Canada and social media on June 17. The rally, named the "Shaheed Bhai Talwinder Singh Parmar Khalistan Car Rally," has caused distress among the families, who believe it is inappropriate to commemorate someone responsible for such a tragic event. The Kanishka bombing, which claimed the lives of all 307 passengers and 22 crew members, remains the worst act of terrorism in Canadian history and is recognised as its National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.
18-Jun-2023
Notorious Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was the leader of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and the Canadian branch of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in a parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada on June 18. According to reports, Nijjar, who was the president of the Gurudwara, had forcibly taken control of it and had turned it into a prominent centre of Khalistani activities. Nijjar faced charges in several terror cases, including involvement in SFJ's Sikh Referendum campaign, plotting targeted killings at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) gatherings and Hindu religious sites, and funding arms procurement and training for terrorist activities in India. He gained notoriety for hoisting a large Khalistani flag at the Indian consulate in Vancouver. Nijjar was also linked to the KTF's organized crime network, involved in extortion, smuggling arms, ammunition, and explosives across state borders. Nijjar was wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Punjab Police, in 17 cases involving provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act. The (NIA) had announced a reward of INR 10 lakh for his arrest in 2022 and seized his properties in his village Bhar Singh Pura in Phillaur subdivision of Jalandhar district in 2020.
17-Jun-2023
A poster surfaced in various parts of Canada and social media on June 17, of a Canadian car rally to be held on June 25, that referred to deceased Khalistani militant Talwinder Singh Parmar as a "shaheed" or martyr. The rally also called for an investigation into India's alleged role in the bombing. This development comes amidst a series of pro-Khalistan attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, the UK, and the US. Canadian authorities have been criticized for honouring Parmar, who was responsible for the deaths of 331 individuals in the Air India bombing.
10-Jun-2023
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada on June 10 condemned the display of a tableau depicting the assassination of the late Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi on June 4 in a parade in Brampton, Canada. On June 7, India’s high commission in Ottawa sent a formal note to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the country’s foreign ministry, to express displeasure over the tableau. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown along with the Peel Regional Police (PRP) in a statement conveyed that the incident is not being considered a hate crime by law enforcement.
04-Jun-2023
A float depicting the assassination of late Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi was displayed in Brampton Parade on June 4 in Brampton, Canada. The 5 km long parade was taken out by supporters of Khalistan just days before the anniversary of Operation Blue Star (June 1984). Condemning the incident, Canadian high commissioner Cameron MacKay said that there is no place in his country for hate or for the glorification of violence.
04-Jun-2023
A video clip, supposedly captured during a 5-kilometer parade organized by Khalistan supporters in Brampton, Canada on June 4, showed a float that depicted bodyguards firing on the former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, with signs that read, "revenge for the attack on Shri Darbar Sahib." The reference was made to the military operation conducted by Indian troops to reclaim the Golden Temple in 1984. Notably, the parade took place just days before the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. The video sparked a widespread backlash on social media platforms.
02-Jun-2023
Canadian National Security Advisor (NSA) Jody Thomas on June 2 accused India of meddling in Canada's internal affairs. The allegations may strain India-Canada ties, particularly due to diaspora politics and the fact that Trudeau heads a minority government that is backed by the New Democratic Party (NDP), headed by Jagmeet Singh, a Khalistani sympathiser.
28-May-2023
Amarpreet 'Chucky' Samra, a 28-year-old Indo-Canadian gangster known for his violent activities, was fatally shot at a wedding venue in Vancouver, Canada on May 28. The shooting is believed to be connected to an ongoing gang conflict, and Samra was associated with the UN Gang- (The United Nations )— a criminal gang which, as per the Vancouver Sun, operates in British Columbia. Witnesses reported unidentified individuals entering the venue and instructing the DJ to stop the music before the shooting occurred. Samra was among the individuals mentioned in a rare warning issued by Canadian police in August 2022 regarding high levels of gang violence.
23-May-2023
A conference that discussed the initiatives taken by India to confront terrorism as a global threat was taken place in Toronto, Canada. The event focused on the challenges posed by different forms of terrorism, including Khalistani extremism, and explored the issue of funding, much of which is traced back to Pakistan. Experts, policymakers, and scholars discussed the historical background of the Khalistan movement, its transformation into a terrorist organization, and the importance of disrupting the financial flows supporting such groups. Recommendations were made to address global terrorism through united efforts.
16-May-2023
Former Canada Health Minister, Ujjal Dosanjh shared his experiences of joining politics and facing violence due to his opposition to rising extremism in the Sikh community. Dosanjh emphasizes that there is minimal popular support for Khalistan, with most extremists being individuals in the diaspora who are not integrated into Canadian society. He entered politics and achieved significant milestones, becoming the premier of British Columbia in 2000 and later serving as the federal health minister. Dosanjh, who still considers himself Indian at heart.
14-May-2023
Thousands gathered for Khalsa Day celebrations at the Sikh Association temple in Brantford, Canada on May 14. The celebration included a parade through the streets, food, and festivities to mark a new year and honour the Sikh holy scripture.
13-May-2023
Ujjal Dosanjh, the first Sikh and person of colour to become the premier of British Columbia, Canada, expressed his disdain for separatists advocating for Khalistan. He believes that those who champion Khalistan do so to maintain relevance and collect funds, as they are irrelevant to the societies they live in. Dosanjh, who opposes Khalistan, has witnessed the movement fluctuate over the past five decades. He criticizes the narrative that Sikhs face repression and lack freedom in India, emphasizing the need for balanced perspectives from high commissions abroad. Dosanjh suggests that the Indian government should not be overly concerned with the demand for Khalistan and should focus on moving forward. Despite facing backlash and attempts to undermine his Sikh identity, Dosanjh remains undeterred as an author, tackling subjects such as extremism and historical events related to Golden Temple.
05-May-2023
According to reports, Canadian police are seeking at least three suspects involved in an assault on attendees of an event in Surrey, British Columbia in Canada, that prevented India's High Commissioner in Ottawa from attending in March. Pro-Khalistan protestors were present, and some attendees, including a journalist, were reportedly assaulted. Two videos have been released showing three suspects believed to be involved.
05-May-2023
A well-known kabaddi promoter in Canada, identified as Kamaljit Singh was shot at outside his house in Surrey in Canada by unidentified assailants on May 5. The incident comes after the killing of three Punjabis abroad in the past two days. Two brothers from Bidhipur village in Kapurthala were shot dead by their associates in Portland, in United States (US) and a 30-year-old from Kapurthala was shot dead by robbers in the US.
01-May-2023
Satinderjit Singh Brar alias Goldy Brar, a notorious gangster from Punjab and a Canadian fugitive accused of involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and other crimes in India, has been added to Canada's top 25 most wanted criminals list. A statement issued by the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi said the country’s Be On Look Out (BOLO) Programme, a not-for profit organization that amplifies police fugitive cases to increase public awareness, has updated its list of 25 most wanted criminals on May 1. Brar, who arrived in Canada on a student visa in 2017, is not charged with any criminal offences in Canada, but is under investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). There is no reward for his capture, but the RCMP is working closely with Indian law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Brar is believed to be a risk to public safety and has direct links to a Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives.
30-Apr-2023
According to reports, thousands of Sikhs gathered in Downtown Toronto in Canada to celebrate Khalsa Day on April 30. It was the third biggest parade in the city of Toronto. The parade, organized by the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council, started at Exhibition Place and ended at Toronto City Hall's Nathan Phillips Square.
30-Apr-2023
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on April 30 participated in the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Toronto in Canada, after seven years along with some of his Cabinet colleagues and Liberal Party MPs. His presence at the Khalsa Day event in 2017 had irked the Indian government due to the presence of Khalistani flags, posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the celebration of a motion terming the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide." This year's celebrations also featured Khalistani flags, but the parade's organisers largely prevented the occasion from being hijacked by separatist Khalistani elements.
22-Apr-2023
It has been reported that during the Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey, Canada on April 22, some individuals were seen carrying Khalistani flags.