Canadian Sikhs have taken to the streets outside Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver, protesting vehemently against the Indian government and burning the Indian national flag. These protests come in the wake of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent claims linking New Delhi to the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In a startling act of defiance, demonstrators in Toronto went as far as burning the Indian flag and striking a cardboard cutout representing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with their shoes. Toronto witnessed the participation of approximately 100 protesters, while Vancouver saw nearly 200 people join the demonstrations.
Outside the Indian High Commissioner’s office in Ottawa, protesters brandished flags bearing the word “Khalistan,” signifying their support for an independent Sikh state in India. One protester expressed gratitude to Trudeau and called for a thorough investigation to prevent further attacks on innocent individuals.
“We are truly grateful to Justin Trudeau… We demand a relentless pursuit of the truth behind this reprehensible act,” stated one of the protesters, as reported by Reuters.
The diplomatic relations between Canada and India have been fraught with tension due to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist leader. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that Canadian intelligence agencies were probing “credible” allegations linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s death.
In response to these allegations, tensions have escalated between the two nations, leading to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats and India’s temporary suspension of visa issuance to Canadians. India has firmly dismissed Trudeau’s claims as “absurd” and has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens of growing “anti-India activities” in Canada.
This spotlight now squarely rests on Canada’s Sikh community, which constitutes the largest Sikh population outside of Punjab. Historically, they have been a contentious point in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. India has previously classified Hardeep Singh Nijjar as a “terrorist.”
Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, acknowledged being informed about the protests and assured that security measures were in place. Meanwhile, Sikhs, who make up a majority in the Punjab region but only 2% of India’s population, continue to advocate for their cause, further intensifying this international diplomatic crisis.
By Reuters
