The Indian community in Canada and around the world is concerned about strained relations between the two countries following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian government involvement in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Khalistan Tiger Force chief, in Canada. This tension has made travel between India and Canada difficult for ordinary people, affecting their daily lives and jobs. Canadian citizens of Indian origin and NRIs of non-Sikh faith, express deep concerns and call for dialogue to resolve the issue. They emphasise the importance of maintaining control over language and emotions while making demands. They also hope for improved relations between India and Canada for the sake of Indian students studying in Canada and emphasise that innocent people should not be punished due to India’s posed visa restrictions on Canada.
On Thursday, India asked Canada to come down hard on terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil and suspended visa services for Canadians, as escalating tensions between the two nations over the killing of Nijjar pushed their ties to an all-time low.
A source also said that the government has asked the agencies to identify Khalistani terrorists settled in countries like the US, UK, Canada and Australia and cancel their Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) so that they don’t come to India.
Canadian Army Vice Chief Major General Peter Scott added some respite on Tuesday afternoon, saying, "Between both of our armies, this is not affecting us. I spoke to your commander of the Army (Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande) last night. We both agreed that this is a political issue and has no interference on our (military) relationship.”
The ongoing dispute between the two countries is undeniably having negative consequences. It has the potential to tarnish India's reputation as a strong democracy and could result in Canada facing adverse effects on trade and its ability to engage with Indo-Pacific institutions. Additionally, the personal sense of security for many Indians in the country has been affected in the past few days. They are facing unprecedented situations and feel threatened, some for the first time, in Canada.
A source close to Asian Voice in Canada told us, “Each of us is trying to convey a message to stay calm and not to get much involved in any debate or argument related to this matter. Hoping, everything will be fine.”
The source added, “The ground-level situation is very tense here in Canada. Indian-origin Hindu Canadians have already been ‘threatened’ to leave Canada but no actions have been taken by the government. There are around 800,000 Sikhs in Canada and at least 60% are pro-Khalistani…”
Meanwhile, Indian students planning to study in Canada are facing uncertainties due to political tensions, and these developments may have broader implications for the Sikh community in both India and Canada. A consultancy firm in Ahmedabad suggests that students consider rescheduling their academic plans to the August 2024 session to avoid potential disruptions in the upcoming spring academic session set to begin in January.
Many students are apprehensive about their future in Canada, with some postponing their plans and others proceeding cautiously by making payments for the next intake. Concerns about the safety of their children in Canada and fear of potential retaliation from Canada are contributing factors to these decisions. Consequently, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students opting for Canada as their study destination.
Canada has become the second most favoured destination for Indian expats between 2018 and 2023, with a significant number of Indian citizens choosing to settle there. However, the recent tensions may impact this trend, with a potential decrease in the number of Indian students and expatriates choosing Canada.
Furthermore, the seizure of properties owned by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the head of the banned separatist organisation Sikhs for Justice, by India's National Investigation Agency adds to the complexity of the situation. This move is seen as part of India's efforts to crack down on terror and secessionist activities, which could have implications for Sikhs in Canada.
British Labour Party MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has expressed concerns about reports from Canada, where many anxious Sikhs have contacted him.
Insecurity stemming in Indians in Canada
Jayraj, who has recently moved to Ottawa, is trying to remain calm and adhere to the government-issued guidelines through the situation. He said, “There are guidelines in place for the safety and security of the Indians and to protect them from any communal or political outrage, if any, in Canada. There are some protests as well as an ongoing debate about the current situation in the parliament. Other than that the sanity of the situation is maintained.”
“In the beginning, it was disturbing as there were no proper guidelines and it seemed that there might be a problem for the Indian students as well as visitors who are staying in Canada. There is still uncertainty about staying because if this rift is not controlled it might result in going back to home country”, he added.
In Canada, long-term resident Mohit (name changed) expressed newfound insecurity stemming from recent events, attributing it to the Canadian Prime Minister's political considerations ahead of elections. He believes the Prime Minister aims to appease Jagmeet Singh, whom he sees as a major issue in Canada-India relations due to Singh's involvement with anti-India committees. Mohit highlights ongoing protests by Kalistani activists and lingering animosity among some Gurudwara leaders in Brampton, expressing concern that they pass on such sentiments to their children. Many parents of expatriates are anxious for their children's safety. Visa concerns are growing among Indian visa holders, with some considering Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) as a precaution.
Threats to Canadian Indian-origin Hindus?
Amid escalating tensions, the banned pro-Khalistani organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has issued threats to Canadian Indian-origin Hindus who support India in the Nijjar killing controversy. A viral video featuring SFJ's legal counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, who is designated as a terrorist in India, called for Indo-Hindus to leave Canada, accusing them of supporting India and suppressing pro-Khalistan Sikhs' speech and expression.
In response, Canada's government acted swiftly to reassure the Hindu community. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Minister Anita Anand urged calm and stated that Hindu Canadians should not feel threatened by the online video.
Canada has a significant Sikh population, with a substantial proportion expressing pro-Khalistani sentiments. Meanwhile, Indian-origin Hindus in Canada face potential threats, as tensions rise, with graffiti targeting Hindu temples and hate comments becoming pervasive. The situation remains tense, and there are concerns about possible attacks on Indian Hindus.
Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to promote calm and unity, with Hindu communities celebrating their religious festivals and urging people to avoid getting deeply involved in divisive debates. The hope is that the situation will eventually stabilise.
Asian Voice reached out to the diaspora community in the UK to understand their sentiment of the situation.
Speaking at a community level, the Sikh Press Association said, “Many UK Sikhs are concerned about ever flying into India, whether they will be allowed in or even allowed to leave. A British-born citizen Kiran Kaur is currently being stopped from leaving India because her husband Amritpal Singh) is imprisoned there.”
Speaking to the newsweekly, Sikh Federation (UK) Principal Adviser Dabinderjit Singh OBE, expressed concerns about the security of Sikhs, especially in the UK, where the mysterious death of Avtar Singh Khanda raised many questions.
However, Lord Rami Ranger CBE, whose father was a renowned Sikh leader who died trying to unite the Hindus and Muslims during India’s partition, told Asian Voice, “No country should support separatist groups in their country, especially when they are democratic countries and believe in the rule of law. Indian constitution accords equality to every citizen regardless of their race, religion and gender. There are laws against discrimination against anyone on any basis. People in India are free to choose their leaders and form political parties to elect a government of their choice. As a result, there is no need for any separatist groups to engage in anti-India activities in a friendly country which also happens to be a member of the Commonwealth and spoil bilateral relationships with their activities. In fact, such activities not only damage the relationship with India but also the social cohesion of countries by harbouring dissident groups. Canada and India are two important countries of the world their cordial relationship benefits millions of people in their countries and beyond their borders. Both countries should resolve their differences for the greater good of humanity.”
Canada does not intend to provoke or create problems with India
On Tuesday evening, as we went to press, it was revealed that the Delhi Police recently submitted a chargesheet in the Patiala House Court, revealing that two arrested terrorists had planned a post-January 26 terror attack in the national capital. The Special Cell arrested Jagjit Singh, alias Jagga alias Yaqub, aged 29, from Uttarakhand, and Naushad, aged 56, from Jahangirpuri, after discovering a dismembered body in Delhi's Bhalswa Dairy area, suspecting their terror links. During the arrest, various incriminating materials, including mobile phones, Wi-Fi Dongles, and SIM cards, were seized.
Expert analysis at CERT-In uncovered inflammatory content, videos, audio, pictures, and chats from these devices. In response to the allegations, both countries have engaged in a series of actions, including expelling diplomats, pausing trade and suspending visa services. Prime Minister Trudeau has stated that Canada does not intend to provoke or create problems with India and has urged New Delhi to take the matter seriously and collaborate with Canada to uncover the truth.
While addressing a press conference, outgoing Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda has said that India's response to Canada's allegations has been "firm and direct" and Colombo supports New Delhi on the matter. He said that the people of Sri Lanka have suffered due to terrorism and that his country has zero tolerance for terrorism. On being asked about Canada's allegations against India, he said, "I think India's response has been inequitable and also firm and direct. And I think as far as we are concerned, we support India on that.”
