The divide between Pro-Khalistan elements and the moderate Sikh community is intensifying across Europe, the UK, and the USA. This growing rift is becoming increasingly visible at various events and locations, as Khalistan activists face opposition from moderate Sikhs living abroad.
A recent confrontation occurred on August 30 in Vancouver, Canada, highlighting the stark divisions within the Sikh community. The incident took place at JP Farms in Delta, where a wedding was being held. Members of the moderate Khalsa Diwan Society (KDS) from Ross Street Gurdwara, Vancouver, clashed with radical elements from the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara (GNSG), led by former President Bikramjit Singh Sandhar. The conflict arose over the presence of the holy scripture, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), at the wedding venue.
Radical elements cited an old Hukumnama (edict) from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, objecting to the transportation of the SGGS to such venues. A heated exchange ensued between the Granthi (religious official) from Khalsa Diwan Society and the radicals, resulting in the radicals seizing the holy scripture after the ceremony.
In response to the incident, moderate Gurdwaras, led by the Khalsa Diwan Society, held a meeting on September 8 at the Ross Street Gurdwara. The gathering aimed to address the issue of the seized SGGS and foster unity among the moderate Gurdwaras. Additionally, preparations were made to counter any potential protests from radical groups at consular camps, which are typically held in November at moderate Gurdwaras. The focus of the meeting was on ensuring the return of the seized scripture and developing strategies to oppose the radicals’ growing influence.
This division is not limited to Canada. In France, similar tensions have emerged among Khalistani leaders over the past few months. The France-based Khalistan movement is now divided into two factions. One group is led by Singhara Singh Mann, former president of the World Sikh Parliament (WSP), and includes figures like Chain Singh, President of Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar, and Raghbir Singh Kohar, President of the WSP. The second faction is led by Kashmira Singh, President of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) France, and includes Satnam Singh (also known as Patake), President of Babbar Khalsa International, and Basant Singh Panjitha, President of the Sikh Council-France.
The primary source of tension in France centers around control of the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, the largest Gurdwara in Paris and a significant hub for Khalistani activities. This Gurdwara attracts a large following from the Sikh diaspora in France and receives substantial donations. The appointment of Raghbir Singh Kohar as President of the WSP by Singhara Singh Mann has caused friction, with other senior leaders accusing Kohar of making unilateral decisions without consulting them.
In the face of these escalating tensions, it is clear that a handful of self-serving, pro-Khalistan elements are being actively countered by Sikhs around the world. The global Sikh community is increasingly united in rejecting the violent and extremist agenda of these radicals, who are tarnishing the reputation of Sikhs everywhere. Moderate Sikhs, committed to peace and tradition, are standing up against these divisive forces to protect the true essence of their faith and ensure that the broader community is not defined by the actions of a disruptive few.
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.
