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Khalistan supporters stage protests against Indian government over Nijjar murder in Toronto | India News
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NEW DELHI: Khalistan supporters in Canada organized minor demonstrations outside India’s diplomatic mission on Monday. This followed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent statement suggesting a potential connection between New Delhi and the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
One week ago, Trudeau said in parliament that domestic intelligence agencies were actively pursuing credible claims linking agents from India to the shooting of Nijjar, aged 45, which occurred in June.
In Toronto, approximately 100 protestors symbolically burned an Indian flag and expressed their discontent by striking a cardboard cut-out representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a shoe. Meanwhile, around 200 demonstrators assembled outside the Vancouver consulate.
In Ottawa, fewer than 100 individuals gathered in front of the Indian High Commissioner’s office, displaying yellow flags bearing the word “Khalistan,” signifying their support for the idea of establishing an independent Punjab region—a cause that Nijjar had championed.
One protester in Ottawa, Reshma Sing Bolinas, expressed gratitude towards Justin Trudeau, urging Canada to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind this heinous act and putting pressure on India to prevent the killing of innocent people in the future, reported Reuters.
Canada is home to approximately 7,70,000 Sikhs, representing the largest Sikh population outside of Punjab. In recent years, there have been numerous protests that have strained relations with India.
India had dismissed Trudeau’s accusations as “absurd” and issued a travel warning last week due to increasing “anti-India activities” in Canada, advising travelers to exercise “utmost caution” without providing specific evidence or details of incidents.
Canada’s accusations have triggered a diplomatic tit-for-tat, resulting in both nations expelling diplomats and New Delhi suspending visas for Canadians.
Some protesters in Toronto and Ottawa called for the expulsion of the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, who had earlier stated that authorities were aware of the protests and providing security.
Nijjar, a plumber who emigrated from Punjab a quarter-century ago and became a Canadian citizen, had been an advocate for Khalistan. In July 2020, India designated him a “terrorist.”
(With inputs from agencies)
One week ago, Trudeau said in parliament that domestic intelligence agencies were actively pursuing credible claims linking agents from India to the shooting of Nijjar, aged 45, which occurred in June.
In Toronto, approximately 100 protestors symbolically burned an Indian flag and expressed their discontent by striking a cardboard cut-out representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a shoe. Meanwhile, around 200 demonstrators assembled outside the Vancouver consulate.
In Ottawa, fewer than 100 individuals gathered in front of the Indian High Commissioner’s office, displaying yellow flags bearing the word “Khalistan,” signifying their support for the idea of establishing an independent Punjab region—a cause that Nijjar had championed.
One protester in Ottawa, Reshma Sing Bolinas, expressed gratitude towards Justin Trudeau, urging Canada to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind this heinous act and putting pressure on India to prevent the killing of innocent people in the future, reported Reuters.
Canada is home to approximately 7,70,000 Sikhs, representing the largest Sikh population outside of Punjab. In recent years, there have been numerous protests that have strained relations with India.
India had dismissed Trudeau’s accusations as “absurd” and issued a travel warning last week due to increasing “anti-India activities” in Canada, advising travelers to exercise “utmost caution” without providing specific evidence or details of incidents.
Canada’s accusations have triggered a diplomatic tit-for-tat, resulting in both nations expelling diplomats and New Delhi suspending visas for Canadians.
Some protesters in Toronto and Ottawa called for the expulsion of the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, who had earlier stated that authorities were aware of the protests and providing security.
Nijjar, a plumber who emigrated from Punjab a quarter-century ago and became a Canadian citizen, had been an advocate for Khalistan. In July 2020, India designated him a “terrorist.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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