For the first time, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly stated that Khalistani separatists do not represent the broader Sikh community in Canada. Trudeau commented during a Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, organized by Cabinet Ministers Anita Anand and Gary Anandasangaree.
An attendee shared a video of Trudeau’s statement with the Addressing the gathering, Trudeau remarked, “There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole.”
Trudeau’s statement came a day after a violent attack by pro-Khalistan elements on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, which heightened tensions among the Indo-Canadian community. In response to the incident, Trudeau emphasized, “There is no room for violence or intolerance or intimidation or division. That is not who we are.”
Trudeau also encouraged Canadians to preserve their cultural heritage while fostering unity, saying, “The challenge is that in holding all those different opinions, we must never let them divide us.” He reaffirmed his government’s support for India’s territorial integrity, stating, “We stand for One India.”
However, Trudeau also addressed supporters of the Indian government in Canada, saying, “There are many supporters of the (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi Government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole.”
Former British Columbia Premier Ujjal Dosanjh, who previously served as a federal Liberal Cabinet Minister, noted that this was the first time Trudeau publicly acknowledged a distinction between the Sikh community and Khalistani separatists. Dosanjh expressed hope that Trudeau would distance himself from the Khalistani movement, which he feels has overshadowed the broader Sikh community.
Dosanjh also criticized Canada’s mainstream media for often depicting Canadian Sikhs as supporters of Khalistan. He argued, “They are doing a huge disservice to Canada and the Sikhs, when they portray a handful of Khalistanis as representing them. That’s false.”
