In a disturbing display of tolerance for extremism, Canada’s House of Commons recently observed a “moment of silence” to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a figure synonymous with the violent and extremist Khalistan movement. This event coincided with a large protest in front of India’s consulate in Vancouver, where disturbing imagery of the mastermind behind the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing—Canada’s deadliest terrorist attack—was prominently displayed. Such actions raise significant questions about Canada’s stance on extremist movements within its borders.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death has been shrouded in controversy. Bob Rai, a former Sikh from British Columbia, bluntly described Nijjar as “just a gangster eliminated by other gangsters.” Despite this characterization, Canadian Khalistan sympathizers have distorted the narrative, going so far as to implicate the Indian government in his murder. This accusation was sensationally echoed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, fueling a fire that many believe should have never been ignited. Trudeau has lately been echoing the extremist sentiments of a handful of extremists, who claim to be the representatives of the Sikh community
Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) June 19, 2024
"He was just a gangster and he was eliminated by other gangsters," answers a former Sikh who grew up within the community in British Colombia.
"These nefarious Sikh organizations from Canada started to slander India — they even made the Prime… pic.twitter.com/nt44mRTslu
The spectacle in Vancouver took a darker turn when a so-called “citizens’ court” organized by Khalistan supporters found Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi guilty in absentia. The subsequent burning of Modi’s effigy and the Indian flag, all under the watchful eyes of the Canadian police, painted a troubling picture of Canada’s permissiveness towards such extremist actions.
Khalistan separatists are having a “citizens’ court” in front of the Indian consulate building in Vancouver, Canada to punish the prime minister of India Modi who they accuse of having involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year in Surrey, BC. pic.twitter.com/x0tDxqB2zY
— Gayatri 🇬🇧🇮🇳(BharatKiBeti) (@changu311) June 19, 2024
Bob Rai’s condemnation of the Khalistan movement is stark. He implores Sikhs to disentangle themselves from these criminal organizations masquerading as religious or charitable entities. Rai’s warnings are not without basis. The Khalistan movement is infamously linked to the 1985 Air India bombing, yet studies reveal that 90% of Canadians are unaware of the perpetrators and their sinister history.
The reason the streets of Canada are a mess is because in our parliament today we held a moment of silence for a terrorist.
— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) June 19, 2024
A man who is openly the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force, an offshoot of the group that blew up Air India 182.
Clown show.
The situation extends beyond Canada’s borders. In California, thousands of Khalistan separatists recently gathered for a non-binding referendum to push their agenda of carving out a separate nation from India. Rai’s firsthand observations of these events underscore the persistent threat posed by these extremists, who continue to exploit religious sentiments for political and criminal gains.
The World Sikh Organization and similar groups have been instrumental in spreading this dangerous ideology. Rai’s insights reveal how these groups have hijacked religion, transforming it into a vehicle for extremism and violence. The Khalistan movement’s global reach and its ability to garner support, even under false pretenses, highlight a significant security and ideological challenge.
Canada’s apparent endorsement of such movements, whether through inaction or symbolic gestures like the moment of silence for Nijjar, sends a troubling message. It suggests a willingness to overlook the violent history and the ongoing criminal activities associated with these groups. This stance not only undermines the global fight against terrorism but also jeopardizes Canada’s own security and societal harmony.
Moreover, Trudeau’s actions reflect a troubling trend of appeasement and vote-bank politics, aiming to garner support from a fringe group of Khalistan extremists to counter his declining approval ratings. These extremists, who falsely claim to represent the Sikh community, focus solely on an anti-India narrative rather than addressing the real challenges and issues faced by Sikhs in Western countries. This is a stark contrast to the broader Sikh community, which remains proud of their Indian heritage.
The tragedy of the Kanishka bombing itself, for instance, is a poignant reminder of this disconnect; many of the 329 victims, including 86 children, were Sikhs themselves. Glorifying those responsible for such a heinous act not only dishonors the memory of the victims but also misrepresents the true sentiments of Sikhs globally, who are known to be a beacon of selflessness and service.
As a nation that prides itself on multiculturalism and peace, Canada must reconsider its approach to extremist movements like Khalistan. Allowing such ideologies to flourish unchecked within its borders not only alienates significant portions of its population but also tarnishes its international reputation. Canada must take a firmer stance, recognizing the dangers posed by these groups and acting decisively to curtail their influence.
Canada’s leniency towards the Khalistan movement is not just a domestic issue but a global concern. The country must prioritize the safety and unity of its citizens over pandering to extremist factions. Only by doing so can it uphold its values of peace, justice, and respect for all.
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.
