In a strong appeal to the Canadian government, the Hindu Forum Canada (HFC), representing the Indian community in the country, has demanded swift action against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistan hardliner and designated terrorist in India. Pannun’s recent threats against Indian diplomats and consulates in G7 nations have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of the Indian community in Canada.
Pannun, who serves as the legal counsel for the outlawed Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), issued fresh threats following a large rally in Toronto condemning Hamas attacks on Israel. His inflammatory statements have not gone unnoticed, as they endorse hatred and violence against Hindus, a community that has contributed significantly to the multicultural fabric of Canada.
In an email addressed to Canadian Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc, the HFC expressed its deep concern about the safety of the Indian community in Canada. The forum emphasized that such hateful rhetoric only serves to exacerbate hatred and violence and called upon the Canadian government to take immediate action.
One of the primary demands made by the HFC is for Minister LeBlanc to investigate and charge Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in connection with hate crimes in Canada. Additionally, the forum has urged the government to consider barring Pannun’s entry to Canada if he is not a Canadian citizen. If he is indeed a citizen, the HFC insists on a thorough investigation and charges related to hate crimes.
In a disturbing video message, Pannun referred to the Representative Office of India in Palestine as a “terror house” and issued threats against Indian envoy Renu Yadav. He also announced plans for rallies on October 21st in G7 nations, with the aim of shutting down what he called “terror houses” of India in Vancouver, Washington DC, London, Frankfurt, and Milan, and making provocative remarks about the people of Palestine. Pannun advocated for a referendum on the question of Khalistan as the only peaceful solution to the conflict between Sikhs and India.
Parallel to these calls for rallies, the SFJ launched an email campaign encouraging its members to send pre-drafted emails to G7 governments. These actions by Pannun and the SFJ raise serious concerns about the potential for violence and further division within the Canadian Indian community.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Pannun has made such threats. Just last month, he targeted Indo-Canadian Hindus, urging them to leave Canada and return to India. Such behavior not only threatens the harmony of Canadian society but also undermines the principles of tolerance and respect for diversity that Canada prides itself on.
The HFC’s call for action against Pannun is not just an issue for the Indian community but a matter of national security and social cohesion. Canada’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and inclusive society must be upheld, and those who promote hatred and violence must be held accountable for their actions.
In responding to these threats, Canada has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to multiculturalism, diversity, and the safety of its citizens. The Indian community in Canada, along with the Hindu Forum Canada, awaits a resolute response from the Canadian government, sending a strong message that hate and violence will not be tolerated on Canadian soil.
