Harsha Kakar
The attack by supporters of utopian Khalistan movement on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton and retaliatory protests by members of the Hindu community backed by some Sikhs, displayed the divide between pro and anti-Khalistanis in Canada. Further violence was prevented as Khalistan supporters avoided confrontation, aware that they are a minority. It appears that this is exactly what the Pak and US deep state wanted, a division amongst Sikhs and Hindus. It may be occurring in Canada but if unchecked could manifest itself in India too. After all, most Canadian Indians have close ties with their home states.
The start point of the riots was a video by Pannun, the head of so-called Khalistan movement, threatening an attack on Temples on Diwali. No action is taken against Pannun, despite ‘issuing a threat-even over social media, via text message, or through e-mail-is a federal crime,’ in the US.In this instant it is a video calling for violence.
Trudeau’s comments that that there are supporters of ‘Khalistan in Canada’ but they do not represent Sikh community as a whole, added to India’s claims of Canada backing the movement.
It is because Pannun can push violence between communities, that he is protected and supported by the US. The drama of an Indian attempt on Pannun’s life is being played out at the diplomatic level not because he is a US and Canadian citizen, but a valuable CIA asset who can be exploited to break India’s cohesiveness by triggering violence in parts of the country. The US administration meeting members of the Khalistan community just prior to the QUAD summit adds credence.
There is no doubt that the violence had the backing of the Canadian state. Pannun has publicly claimed that his organization isadvising the Canadian government, an aspect not yet denied by Ottawa. It was a red line, not just for Indians, but also for most of the Indo-Canadian community which is anti-Khalistan. Many of those detained for violence were those defending the Temple against the attackers, rather than those instigating or involved. Adding to anger of the Indian community was the cancelling of the traditional Diwali celebration by the opposition leader Pierre Poilievre.
Out of the 800,000 Sikhs in Canada just a few thousands support the Khalistan movement. Hence hardly any are seen at protest sites. Even in referendums it is the same voting repeatedly. Balance Sikhs are hardworking, living the Canadian dream and working to create a future for their families.
Some Sikhs gained Canadian citizenship by claiming asylum on the basis of being persecuted in India for supporting Khalistan and hence being unemployed join paid protests to earn their livelihood. Many protestors can barely communicate with the media in English, implying their being manipulated since they are unable to find suitable employment.
It is this handful of Khalistan backers, who by their planned protests and orchestrated violence, have grabbed national headlines and media space in India, while the true Indo-Canadian is eclipsed. It is they who are behind the drug trade and extortion rackets in Canada. It is known that Pakistan transports drugs to Canada to fund the movement and that most Khalistan supporters are criminals and members of global drug syndicates.
The recent busting of the largest drug laboratory in Canadian history, in British Columbia, alongside capturing a horde of sophisticated firearms resulting in the arrest of Gaganpreet Randhawa is a case in point. While the Canadian press dubbed Gaganpreet as an individual of Indian origin, in reality he is a Canadian citizen, who like many others, would have been granted a resident permit without a detailed immigration check.
The Sikh community in Canada as a whole has thus far been politically active because they largely live in clusters and Canada’s electoral system requires candidates to obtain a certain number of signatures to get nominated.This benefits Sikh politicians, who emerge from these clusters. Thus, Jagmeet Singh, head of the NDF (National Democratic Front), a known Khalistan backer, has since 2019 been the kingmaker. It is because of Jagmeet Singh’s support that Justin Trudeau has been silent on Khalistan as he banks on him to remain in office.
The recent violence in Brampton, where Hindus and Sikhs had gathered for a high commission event intended to resolve personal issues concerning visas and life certificates, has angered not only the Canadian Hindus but also many Sikhs who do not support the movement. It has broken bonds between neighbours and friends. With members of NDF not criticizing the violence, the impact is bound to be felt in elections due next year. It is unlikely that Jagmeet would garner the support he had.
A number of security issues within Canada could have been avoided had Trudeau had the foresight and actively engaged with India and vetted those seeking immigration. Poor vetting, accepting those on fake passports as also criminals seeking asylum while ignoring Indian advice on influx of criminals has impacted Canada’s security and worsened ties with India. Another disturbing trend within Canada has been that its internal security agencies set up recruitment camps in Khalistan dominated events, resulting in members of the organization infiltrating them.
In a desperation to survive politically, Trudeau blamed India for Canadian ills and murders resulting in deterioration in ties. His monitoring and intimidating Indian diplomats only worsened relations. Rather than imposing the rule of law, as India has been demanding, Canada under Trudeau gave a free hand to Khalistanis’, his support base.
This Temple incident has united the anti-Khalistan community in Canada as never before. The numbers which protested the Khalistani action against the Temple, displayed the disdain Indians, as a community, have for the movement. Every protest of theirs would henceforth be challenged. They would no longer have a free run.
The attempt by Pannun and his gang has backfired. The pro-India sentiment was never higher. In the recent counter protest Indian flags were prominent, while Canadian flags could be counted on finger tips. The Indian community would ensure that none vote for any of Trudeau’s cronies. Whether Canada admits it or not, India will influence Canadian elections by ensuring Trudeau no longer returns to active politics. The ball is now in Trudeau’s court.
The author is Major General (Retd)
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