2024 was marked by a spurt of Khalistani extremism, violence and hate speech. Although Khalistani extremism in Canada is now new, it is imperative to analyse how Khalistani extremism is being encouraged by the Canadian establishment and terrorists being shielded. This document aims to emphasize the normalization of religiously motivated hate directed at Hindus, threats against the Hindu community, glorification of violence, promotion of extremist Khalistan ideology, the rise of terrorism and insidious religious motivated hate crimes directed against the Hindu community.
The Introduction from the research paper
Canada and India maintain a multifaceted relationship, however, their connection has frequently been tested by Sikh separatists associated with the Khalistan movement, which advocates for the establishment of an independent state of Khalistan – carved out of India.
In 1982, Pierre Trudeau, the father of Justin Trudeau, denied an extradition request for Khalistani terrorist Talwinder Singh Parmar. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at the time, sought Parmar’s extradition due to his alleged involvement in the killings of police officers in India. Nevertheless, the government under Pierre Trudeau chose to reject the request.
Tensions have been escalating between India and Canada over the latter’s continuing support to Sikh extremists, many of whom are wanted fugitives in India. Justin Trudeau, continuing the legacy of his father, has actively harboured extremists.
India had sent 26 extradition requests to Canada, out of which, all but 5 have been ignored, harming India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Tensions further escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, sans evidence, accused India of killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist who was a Canadian citizen.
The direct consequence of Canada’s inaction against Sikh extremists is the marginalization of the Hindu minority making them targets of religious persecution, chilling curtailing of their liberties and human rights. Hindus face challenges in celebrating their culture and exercising their rights, often being labelled as “agents of a foreign government” by violent Sikh extremists.
Similarly, Hindu Canadian MPs speaking for the safety of the Hindu community are threatened by radical outfits like Sikhs for Justice and other Khalistani radicals. This insidious trope of “dual loyalty” has long been used to scapegoat and marginalise minorities in Canada, merely for their existence. An example of the threats faced by Hindus in Canada is evidenced by how Sikhs For Justice and other extremists have repeatedly threatened specifically Hindus to leave Canada.
Numerous Hindu temples across the country have been desecrated and religious celebrations disrupted. Hindu places of worship have reeled with violent threats, even for inviting Canadian Hindu politicians for festivals. The rising tide of hate in Canada has a chilling effect on the Hindu community.
Canadian legislators must undertake decisive measures to safeguard the community from the escalating dangers of hatred and violence, including issuing a decisive and earnest condemnation of the glorification of violence and/or deliberate attempts to desecrate physically or with violence hate speech Hindu places of worship. Enhancing the security of Hindu temples and ensuring that law enforcement addresses incidents of Hinduphobia with the seriousness they warrant are vital initiatives.
In an atmosphere marked by hostility towards Hindu Canadians, the media must assume a significant role in bringing attention to acts of violence and hate crimes, as well as the glorification of terrorist acts that have occurred.
However, Canadian media outlets, such as CBC, have been known to offer platforms to individuals like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice, an extremist who regularly issues threats against Hindu Canadians and poses risks to aviation safety. Sections of the Canadian Media have, with impunity, aided and abetted the rhetoric which has manifested in hate crimes against Hindus, a religious group that has made significant contributions to Canada – economically and otherwise.
This document aims to emphasize the normalization of religiously motivated hate directed at Hindus, threats against the Hindu community, glorification of violence, promotion of extremist Khalistan ideology, the rise of terrorism and insidious religious motivated hate crimes directed against the Hindu community.
Author: Arya Anviksha
Publication Date: January 2025
Publisher: Hinduphobia Tracker (www.hinduphobiatracker.org)
