Pro-Khalistan activists in Vancouver have intensified tensions between Canada and India through a series of provocative demonstrations aimed at Indian diplomatic missions and symbols. Protesters were seen mobbing and kicking an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, desecrating Indian flags, and demanding the closure of all Indian consulates in Canada.
It makes my blood boil to see this disrespect of the Tiranga.
GoI should identify these people, and if any of them hold Indian citizenship, they should never be allowed to return… These clowns are worse than Jihadis.. pic.twitter.com/ECcVtRoHHE
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) October 19, 2024
These incidents underscore the growing challenges faced by Canadian authorities in managing the influence of extremist elements within parts of the Sikh diaspora. The Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh homeland in India, has historically been a contentious issue between India and specific overseas groups.
The recent protests occur against a backdrop of escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist. While India has denied any involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, the allegations have further strained bilateral relations.
