Supporters of Palestine, while protesting in Brampton, Canada, attacked and defaced a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, generating widespread outrage. The incident, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, intensifying anger among the local and global communities.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s statue defaced in #Canada By The #Khalistani ‘s best friends. pic.twitter.com/4vrtSBRpjj
— Jamin (@JaminrpP) September 30, 2024
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known as the ‘Lion of Punjab,’ was a prominent Sikh ruler and the founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. Despite losing sight in one eye as a child due to smallpox, Singh rose to become a formidable leader and military strategist. His reign saw the successful defense of Punjab from Afghan invasions, and he effectively resisted British expansion in the region.
Singh’s administration was noted for its inclusivity, involving people from various religious backgrounds, including Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and Europeans, showcasing a rare model of multicultural governance during his time.
For more on Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s impact and the history of Sikh governance, consider exploring scholarly articles on his military strategies and administrative reforms. Additionally, reading about the political significance of historical statues in modern protest movements could provide valuable context on the symbolic nature of such attacks.
