The Indian flag was allegedly desecrated during an unofficial “Khalistan referendum” organised by the pro-Khalistan terrorist organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Ottawa, Canada, on Sunday. Thousands of Canadian Sikhs participated in the event, where inflammatory slogans like “kill them” were raised. The SFJ is banned in India under the UAPA for its subversive activities. This incident comes at a time when the ice in India-Canada relations has begun to thaw.
Claims of over 53,000 people attending
Various news reports suggest that over 53,000 Khalistan supporters from various Canadian provinces—Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec—came to Ottawa’s McNab Community Centre (180 Percy Street) on November 23. They came to participate in the so-called ‘referendum’ process. The program lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Videos show violent slogans
Videos allegedly showed Khalistan supporters shouting violent slogans like “kill them” against Indian politicians and government officials. An eyewitness said that the Police liaison officers were present at the scene, but they did not intervene; instead, they played a supporting role in controlling the crowd.
Gurpatwant Pannun’s ‘Satellite Message’
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated a terrorist by India and General Counsel of the SFJ, addressed the participants via satellite message. At the end of the voting process, an incident of Khalistani supporters desecrating the Indian flag was also recorded, footage of which has surfaced online.
Questions over Canadian PM’s meeting with Modi
SFJ also questioned why Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 leaders’ summit in South Africa on the same day. The organisation indicated that this meeting was suspicious, given the growing activism of Canadian Sikhs leading up to the referendum.
Questions raised again about India-Canada relations
India has already strongly objected to Canada over pro-Khalistan activities. This event in Ottawa could spark a renewed debate on the already-strained relations between the two countries. India has repeatedly stated that such referendums are a direct attack on India’s sovereignty and integrity and that Canada should take strict action against extremist elements operating in Canada.
