A significant gathering of pro-Khalistan Sikhs congregated outside Indian Consulates in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and San Francisco. Their primary demand was the expulsion of Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma.
The purpose of these protests was to express solidarity with Canada while challenging India’s aggressive rhetoric, which included alarming statements such as “nuke Canada” and advocating for a “surgical strike” against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
These demonstrations were sparked by announcements from SFJ and other Sikh organizations regarding the closure of these consulates as a form of protest against the alleged involvement of Indian state agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was the leader of Khalistan Referendum’s Canada.
Read more:A Canadian Sikh organization calls on supporters to protest at Indian embassies
Protestors prominently displayed placards calling for justice for Nijjar, the establishment of Khalistan, and the removal of Verma from his diplomatic post. They commended Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for addressing concerns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding India’s alleged support for state terrorism against Sikh activists.
The protestors contended that India had openly violated Canadian sovereignty by being implicated in the death of a Canadian Sikh citizen. Furthermore, they asserted that the international community recognized Sikhs as victims of Indian terrorism.
Threats involving the use of nuclear weapons and the elimination of Canada and SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun were reportedly made within the Indian Parliament and on Indian nationalist media channels associated with Modi’s administration.
The participation of an Indo-Canadian Hindu in a televised debate endorsing such threats raised further concerns.
On September 22, MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, while condoning Nijjar’s assassination, advocated for a “surgical strike” to be carried out in Canada with the aim of eliminating Pannun.
Pannun emphasized the necessity for Canadian leaders, including members of the NDP and Conservative Party, to respond to these threats against Canada’s sovereignty. He highlighted the escalating threat posed by Modi’s government, which has been accused of involvement in acts of terrorism within Canada, including the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
It was noted that India’s media and parliament openly endorsed the idea of a surgical strike and even nuclear action against Canada, while labeling Prime Minister Trudeau as a terrorist.
Pannun stressed the historical commitment of pro-Khalistan Sikhs to protecting their homeland and their unwavering resolve to safeguard Canada. He urged Canadian leaders to address this situation and clarify their positions.
