The Abbotsford Nagar Kirtan on September 1st, 2024, which should have been a celebration of unity, spirituality, and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, was tragically marred by an ugly display of harassment and intimidation. Women, members of the Sikh community, and even journalists were targeted by pro-Khalistan elements simply because they did not subscribe to the separatist ideology of Khalistan. This appalling behavior is not only divisive but stands in direct opposition to the principles of Sikhi and the teachings of our Gurus.
The Nagar Kirtan, a procession meant to celebrate the Sikh tradition of love, equality, and service, was instead used by these elements to push a narrow political agenda—one that has no place in a faith built on the foundations of peace and universal brotherhood. The intimidation and harassment of individuals because they do not support Khalistan or because they do not echo its rhetoric is not only cowardly but also deeply hypocritical.
Thread: Khalistani Protesters Attack on Punjabi Journalist at Abbotsford Nagar Kirtan
— Navdeep Singh (@Navdeep_UK) September 3, 2024
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On September 1st, the Abbotsford Nagar Kirtan was marred by an attack from #Khalistan protesters. where extremists resort to violence against those who oppose their separatist ideology pic.twitter.com/RDPXjY20Yq
As founded by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sikhism was born out of a commitment to equality, justice, and compassion. Guru Nanak stood against oppression, tyranny, and division, preaching the fundamental belief in “Ik Onkar”—the oneness of humanity under one God. The Sikh Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, sought to bring people together, promoting justice and human rights for all, not just for one’s own community. The Khalistan supporters who engaged in these acts of intimidation have not only forgotten this legacy but are actively working against it.
The Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department announced to the world that they are proud to lead this year's Nagar Kirtan parade, where the glorification of suicide bomber Dilawar Singh Babbar, who killed Punjab's Chief Minister, took place.
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) September 2, 2024
What kind of example do… https://t.co/MUt9RQBDKz pic.twitter.com/L6JkzQrcBw
This hijacking of a Nagar Kirtan for a violent, extremist, and divisive agenda is particularly shameful. Sikh processions are a testament to the values of humility and seva (selfless service). Instead, they were distorted by those who would rather spread fear and hostility. Guru Nanak’s teachings reject all forms of violence unless it is in the defense of the weak and oppressed. Harassing women, fellow Sikhs, and journalists simply because they refuse to toe a political line is the antithesis of these teachings.
Harassing and threatening women & members of our own community at the Abbotsford Nagar Kirtan on September 1st, 2024, is a very cowardly act.
— Sukhman Randhawa (@sukh_randhawa14) September 3, 2024
Just because they don't support #Khalistan pic.twitter.com/yFHIZB4XJk
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who established the Khalsa to fight against tyranny, did not envision a Khalsa that would become a tool for oppression or coercion. Instead, he envisioned warriors who would stand up for justice, no matter the cost, and who would always act with dignity and righteousness. The actions of these pro-Khalistan agitators stand in stark contrast to the Guru’s vision. Their harassment of journalists for not covering Khalistan referendums is an affront to the free press and to the Sikh principle of standing for truth, no matter how inconvenient it may be.
The Sikh community has long been known for its resilience, strength, and ability to stand up against injustice. However, we cannot allow a minority of extremists to co-opt our symbols, gatherings, and faith for their own violent ends. It is essential that we speak out against those who seek to divide our community and to tarnish the peaceful, inclusive spirit of Sikhism. We must remember that Sikhi stands for unity, and we must ensure that our gatherings, especially sacred ones like Nagar Kirtans, reflect these values.
Furthermore, the targeting of women in particular is especially egregious and goes against everything that Sikhism stands for. Sikhism has long championed the equality of women. Guru Nanak condemned the mistreatment of women in his time, asking, “Why call her inferior, when she gives birth to kings?” The Guru Granth Sahib exalts women and their role in society, and the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, ensured that women were treated as equals in the Khalsa. The harassment of women by pro-Khalistan extremists is not only a disgrace to our community but an insult to our Gurus themselves.
It is important to remember that a robust, honest debate about Sikh identity and history is not wrong in itself. However, using intimidation, violence, and harassment to suppress opposing views betrays the very principles that our Gurus sacrificed their lives for. It is time for the Sikh community to reject this toxic behavior and to reaffirm our commitment to the universal values of Sikhi—equality, justice, compassion, and service to all humanity.
The pro-Khalistan elements who used the Abbotsford Nagar Kirtan to harass fellow Sikhs for their differing political views must be called out for what they are: divisive extremists whose actions run contrary to the teachings of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. As a community, we must not allow our sacred spaces and traditions to be hijacked for such purposes. Let us return to the path laid out by our Gurus—a path of peace, unity, and love for all humanity.
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.
