KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A large crowd gathered in Strawberry Hill on Thursday to celebrate India's independence day, drawing a crowd with opposing views.
Dozens of people celebrating India's independence on Aug. 15 were honking their horns and yelling, which caused a "traffic hazard," Sgt. Tammy Lobb from Surrey RCMP said.
Police in Surrey responded to a call of a traffic disruption at 2 p.m. in the 7200 block of Scott Road on Thursday (Aug. 15).
"Traffic violations were issued, and the group dispersed but then gathered again in the mall parking lot at Strawberry Hill, where they were met by a group of opposing demonstrators," Lobb said, confirming that a pro-Khalistan group were counter-protesting the event.
Khalistan is the movement to create a separate sovereign Sikh state in the Punjab region of India to serve as a homeland for people of the religious faith.
Social media videos seem to show the two groups, one with Indian flags while the other raises Khalistan flags, clashing while police officers stand in-between the two.
Police had to intervene when "the groups clashed and a fight ensued," Lobb said.
The Surrey RCMP remained on the scene and used a "measured approach by engaging with both groups to reach a peaceful resolution."
There were no injuries reported or arrests made.