The U.S.-based organization Sikhs for Justice has sparked significant controversy by dedicating today’s Khalistan “referendum” at Calgary City Hall to Talwinder Singh Parmar, the co-conspirator of Canada’s deadliest terror attack. Parmar was instrumental in the 1985 Air India bombings, which resulted in the tragic loss of 329 lives.
Today, the U.S.-based Sikhs for Justice have set up large tents and barricades at Calgary City Hall for a Khalistan "referendum" scheduled for tomorrow.
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) July 28, 2024
"I think this is terrible and shameful that these extremists have been given public space and public resources to put on their… pic.twitter.com/KsYd2a8DcS
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has come under fire for her handling of the situation. Critics argue that she could have passed a bylaw to prohibit the glorification of terrorists, a measure they claim she reserves for her political opponents rather than her main voting base.
Preparations for the referendum included setting up large tents and barricades at Calgary City Hall, leading to public outcry. A former Sikh community member expressed his dismay, stating, “I think this is terrible and shameful that these extremists have been given public space and public resources to put on their terrorist convention.”
The event’s dedication to Parmar and other “martyrs” of the Khalistan movement has further fueled the controversy. Many view the referendum as an endorsement of violence and extremism, questioning the city’s and the Canadian government’s stance on such activities.
The Canadian government’s insensitivity has reached alarming levels by allowing an extremist organization to glorify and celebrate a terrorist. Talwinder Singh Parmar, who orchestrated the 1985 Air India bombings, killing over 300 Canadians, is being venerated in a public space with apparent governmental acquiescence. This decision blatantly disregards the trauma and grief of the victims’ families, failing to honor the memory of those who perished in one of Canada’s deadliest terror attacks. How could the authorities overlook the pain of the innocent lives lost and their grieving loved ones, allowing such a reprehensible display to proceed?
"Get Out of Here:" Mourning family members of victims of the 1985 Air India bombing, Canada's deadliest terror attack, react to Khalistan separatists who came to "stand in solidarity" with them.
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) June 24, 2024
Members of Sikhs for Justice, an organization whose leader previously made threats… pic.twitter.com/8HC3JV6cOr
The issue raises broader concerns about the inconsistency in how terrorist activities are labeled and handled in Canada. Critics point out that while the Canadian administration swiftly condemns groups like Hamas as terrorist organizations, it appears more lenient towards Khalistan extremists. This perceived double standard has led to accusations of vote-bank politics influencing Calgary’s policies and making the city a haven for foreign organizations with extremist agendas.
Hey @JyotiGondek, is the glorification of Talwinder Singh Parmar, Babbar Khalsa’s leader and Canada’s worst mass murderer, also unacceptable in our streets? https://t.co/arobF6y88T
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) July 28, 2024
As the debate continues, the Calgary community remains deeply divided, grappling with the implications of allowing such events to take place on public grounds. The controversy highlights the ongoing struggle between maintaining public safety and upholding freedoms, a balance that cities across the world continually strive to achieve.
