Time to call out the Canadian Khalistan movement: Former diplomat

Why is the Canadian PM Justin Trudeau bent upon encouraging separatist elements?

Justin Trudeau

The Indian government on Monday summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner over the raising of separatist ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ slogans at an event addressed by Justin Trudeau. 

At the event, a smiling Trudeau allegedly assured Canadians of Sikh heritage that his government would increase security around gurudwaras.

Canada has the second largest Sikh population in the world and Prime Minister Trudeau’s government is supported by the New Democratic Party led by Khalistan sympathiser Jagmeet Singh. On many occasions in the past, Trudeau’s government has shielded those indulging in anti-India activities in their country. Last year, Trudeau had upset New Delhi alleging that India was involved in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. But why is Canada constantly giving political space to separatism and violence?

Fanning separatist fires

Former diplomat Bhaswati Mukherjee, while speaking with News9 Plus Editor Sandeep Unnithan on the News9 Plus Show, termed the developments in Canada as the Canadian Khalistan movement. 

“There is no Khalistan movement in India and if there is a Khalistan movement in Canada then it is their Canadian Khalistan movement. We need not give importance to what is happening in Canada,” says Mukherjee.

Mukherjee says NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is trying to blackmail Trudeau to support the Khalistan movement.  

“There are 2% Sikhs in Canada and 2% Hindus. 56% are practicing Christians and the rest are actually agnostic which basically means that they have no religion. Out of this 2%, everyone is not a Khalistani, therefore it represents a minuscule minority. Jagmeet Singh in a way is actually trying to blackmail Trudeau into supporting his miniscule movement because gurudwaras have become powerful,” Mukherjee says.

Impact on bilateral ties

Former Intelligence Bureau Special Director Yashovardhan Azad says relations between India and Canada have deteriorated during Trudeau’s term as Prime Minister.

“Canadian MP Chandra Arya, a Hindu who belongs to Trudeau’s party, says threats are being issued to non-Sikh Indians in Canada. Yet, no action has been taken and Canada has openly taken hostile action against our diplomats and threatened them. These are developments that will absolutely affect India-Canada relations,” adds Azad.