Canada prides itself on its diverse and inclusive society, where people from various backgrounds come together to contribute to the nation’s success. However, recent revelations about the infiltration of Khalistan extremists into Canadian leadership, as reported by The Globe and Mail, raise alarming questions about national security and political integrity. The case of Harjit Sajjan, the former Minister of Defence and current Emergency Preparedness Minister is a stark reminder of the complex and potentially dangerous ties within the government.
Harjit Sajjan, who also serves as the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, has come under intense scrutiny. The son of Kundan Sajjan, a former executive of the World Sikh Organization (WSO), Harjit Sajjan has been accused of prioritizing the rescue of non-Canadian Afghan Sikhs over Canadian citizens during the 2021 Taliban takeover. This directive came at the behest of a “Canadian Sikh group,” believed to be the WSO, which has a longstanding agenda of promoting an independent Sikh state, Khalistan, in India.
The WSO’s influence is deeply embedded within Canadian politics. Sajjan’s connection to the organization is not just professional but familial. His father, Kundan Sajjan, held a significant position in the WSO, and his sister is married to Harjinder Singh Sandhu, the son of WSO founding president Gian Singh Sandhu. This web of relationships extends to other key figures in Canadian politics. Prem Vinning, a former WSO president, had his son, Manjeet Vinning, work as a senior special assistant under Sajjan. Similarly, Amarjeet Sohi, the current mayor of Edmonton and a former minister accused of being a Khalistani terrorist, had Prem Vinning’s other son, Gurpreet Vinning, as a special assistant.
These connections are not mere coincidences but part of a broader pattern of influence and power exerted by the WSO. Established in 1984, the WSO was designed to act as an umbrella organization for Sikh groups worldwide, lobbying for the creation of Khalistan. The organization’s founder, Gian Singh Sandhu, was interrogated multiple times by the RCMP disaster task force after the 1985 Air India bombing, Canada’s deadliest terror attack. Despite his controversial past, Sandhu remains a prominent figure, even holding the Order of British Columbia since 2002.
Critics like Bob Rai argue that the WSO has hijacked the Sikh religion in Canada, spreading a false narrative and operating more like a cult than a religious organization. Rai asserts that the WSO’s agenda is not humanitarian but political, aiming to further its pro-Khalistan objectives under the guise of aiding vulnerable groups. This criticism is particularly relevant in light of Sajjan’s controversial actions in Afghanistan, which Rai believes were influenced by his deep-rooted ties to the WSO.
The Canadian public must be aware of the WSO’s influence within the government and its potential implications. The organization’s history of promoting Khalistan, coupled with its connections to political figures, poses a significant risk to the national security and political integrity. It is crucial for the media and the public to scrutinize these relationships and demand transparency from leaders.
Canada’s strength lies in its diversity, but this strength must not be exploited by organizations with hidden agendas. The case of Harjit Sajjan and the WSO highlights the need for vigilance and accountability in the political system. Canadians must ensure that leaders act in the best interests of all citizens, free from undue influence and extremist agendas.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
