AI Generated Summary
- As debates over Khalistan activism continue to resonate in both Canada and India, incidents like Sunday’s serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and the importance of upholding the rule of law amid deeply felt political convictions.
- An independent Canadian investigative journalist was assaulted and had his equipment seized while covering a pro-Khalistan rally in downtown Vancouver on Sunday, raising fresh concerns about extremist activities and their impact on community relations.
- The incident unfolded at a permitted gathering near Victory Square Park, where several dozen supporters of the Khalistan cause had assembled to call for an independent Sikh homeland.
An independent Canadian investigative journalist was assaulted and had his equipment seized while covering a pro-Khalistan rally in downtown Vancouver on Sunday, raising fresh concerns about extremist activities and their impact on community relations.
Mocha Bezirgan, known for his in-depth reporting on Sikh separatist movements, was surrounded by a group of rally participants shortly after he began filming the event. “They closed in on me like a pack of thugs,” Bezirgan told ANI. “Before I could react, they grabbed my phone and warned me to stop recording.” Although shaken, he managed to retrieve his device and left the scene unharmed.
I’ve been punched and shoved before, but nothing hurts more than being encircled and harassed by people on expired student visas.
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) June 8, 2025
The incident unfolded at a permitted gathering near Victory Square Park, where several dozen supporters of the Khalistan cause had assembled to call for an independent Sikh homeland. Witnesses described a peaceful start to the demonstration, which featured speeches and banners, but tensions rose visibly when Bezirgan attempted to capture footage of the speakers.
Bezirgan, who later shared details of the attack on X, emphasized that his editorial independence has repeatedly put him at odds with hard-line activists. “My only intention was to document the rally,” he said. “They targeted me because of previous coverage that didn’t align with their narrative.”
Although the pro-Khalistan movement represents a minority within Canada’s Sikh community, its more militant fringes have been linked to acts of vandalism and intimidation in recent months. Canadian officials have expressed growing unease over the possibility that such extremist elements could damage diplomatic ties with India and threaten public safety at home.
India’s government has repeatedly urged Canadian authorities to crack down on what it calls “terrorist sympathizers,” while Ottawa has insisted on protecting freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. The latest confrontation in Vancouver underscores the delicate balance between civil liberties and security concerns.
Bezirgan vowed that the attack would not deter his reporting. “I’m a bit shaken, but not intimidated,” he posted later on social media. Local law enforcement confirmed they are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, but no arrests have been announced.
As debates over Khalistan activism continue to resonate in both Canada and India, incidents like Sunday’s serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and the importance of upholding the rule of law amid deeply felt political convictions.
