Close X
Saturday, September 21, 2024
ADVT 
National

Sikh activists in B.C. emboldened by Trudeau's comments on India ahead of referendum

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 27 Oct, 2023 10:15 AM
  • Sikh activists in B.C. emboldened by Trudeau's comments on India ahead of referendum

Canada's allegations about India's links to the killing of activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have significantly bolstered vocal support for the movement calling for an independent Sikh state, said organizers of an upcoming referendum.

The group Sikhs For Justice is scheduled to hold a second round of voting for its unofficial referendum on Khalistan — referring to an independent Sikh state in India — on Sunday at the gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., where Nijjar was shot on June 18.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the group's lawyer and spokesman, said organizers are expecting "thousands" of voters after the first vote in September drew such large crowds that a second day of voting was deemed necessary.

Pannun said while many supporters of the Khalistani movement had been reluctant to voice their opinions over fear of being labelled a terrorist, they now have confidence to speak out after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement that there were "credible allegations" of a potential link between the Indian government and Nijjar's killing. 

"The community has really taken it to a point where … they have formed the belief that if they do not come out in large numbers, these killings will continue," Pannun said from Washington, D.C., where he is en route to Vancouver for this weekend's vote.

He said Trudeau's statement to Parliament on Sept. 18 has opened more frank discussions in countries such as the United States and Great Britain on India's handling of the fallout from Nijjar's killing, allowing supporters to vocalize their positions without fear.

"Now they are more vocal, and they will be coming in the thousands in Surrey and in the future Khalistani voting centres," Pannun said.

The Indian government has denied involvement in Nijjar's death, calling the allegations "absurd." 

Nijjar had been wanted in India for what authorities say were links to terrorism, including an alleged attack on a Hindu priest, an allegation that Nijjar denied.

Nijjar was also a key organizer of the Canadian referendums. Similar votes have been held in the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy and Switzerland.

The Indian government has long maintained that independence activists in the Punjab region undermine India's national security, while Canada said its citizens have freedom of speech if they don't incite violence.

A 2005 Canadian government report concluded that the 1985 Air India bombings that killed 331 people were carried out as a result of a conspiracy by Sikh Khalistani separatists that was "planned and executed" in Canada. Only one man, bomb maker Inderjit Singh Reyat, was ever convicted.

India-Canada relations have frayed since Trudeau's statement about Nijjar's killing.

Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said Canada had removed 41 of its 62 diplomats from India after Indian authorities threatened to strip diplomatic immunities for Canadian officials and their families.

There have been signs of thawing relations, as India said this week it is resuming entry visa services in Canada for some categories, including business, medical and those wanting to attended conferences.

Visas for tourists, students, journalists and missionaries appear to remain restricted.

"Emergency situations will continue to be addressed by the high commission (of India) and the consulates general as it is being done currently," said a statement posted to Indian consulates' websites.

Pannun said Sikhs For Justice has "never incited, provoked or promoted any kind of violent activity. 

However, he said India believes the referendum on Khalistan is a violent activity. 

"That's India's version," Pannun said, adding that members of the activists community are acting to protect their democratic rights by voting.

"Whenever there is going to be injustice, you need raise your voice, even if you have to lose your life. So, this is the basic principle of Sikhism, and that's what we follow."

The first vote in September included a question on whether voters felt India was involved in Nijjar's killing, but Pannun said the question has been removed since Trudeau made his comments.

MORE National ARTICLES

Teacher in Creston charged with multiple sex offences against two students.

Teacher in Creston charged with multiple sex offences against two students.
A British Columbia high school teacher has been charged with multiple sexual offences against two students, as well as harassment and extortion. Mounties say a teacher from Kootenay River Secondary School in Creston was charged on Sept. 8 and has been released with numerous conditions, including a ban on contact with the alleged victims.   

Teacher in Creston charged with multiple sex offences against two students.

Sask. premier accuses Trudeau of risking trade with India, hiding status of talks

Sask. premier accuses Trudeau of risking trade with India, hiding status of talks
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's government is accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of damaging relations with India and keeping the provinces in the dark about trade talks. In a letter Moe released Monday, Saskatchewan Trade Minister Jeremy Harrison argued Trudeau is picking a fight with India for domestic political gain and risking access to one of his province's most important export markets.  

Sask. premier accuses Trudeau of risking trade with India, hiding status of talks

Collision involving police cruiser

Collision involving police cruiser
Two Vancouver Police officers and a driver were sent to hospital this morning after a collision between an unmarked police car and a private vehicle. Police say on the social media site X that all three had non-life-threatening injuries.

Collision involving police cruiser

Surrey councillor says to move past back and forth on Surrey police transition

Surrey councillor says to move past back and forth on Surrey police transition
A Surrey councillor says it's time the city's mayor and supporters "get past" their opposition to the Surrey Police Service and lead Surrey and its police board toward a transition away from the R-C-M-P. Mayor Brenda Locke opposes the switch to a municipal force but councillor Linda Annis says "that ship has sailed," and urges Locke to work quickly on the hand over.

Surrey councillor says to move past back and forth on Surrey police transition

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote
A statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs says Modi told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of this weekend's G20 summit in New Delhi that progress in the two countries' relationship requires "mutual respect and trust."  

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote

B.C. caps allowable rent increases at 3.5 per cent, 2 points lower than inflation

B.C. caps allowable rent increases at 3.5 per cent, 2 points lower than inflation
The British Columbia government has set the allowable rent increase for next year at 3.5 per cent. The rate is more than two percentage points below the 12-month average inflation rate of 5.6 per cent.   

B.C. caps allowable rent increases at 3.5 per cent, 2 points lower than inflation