Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organization banned in India since 2019, has issued a threat to Hindus of Indian origin, urging them to depart Canada due to their support for India and alleged promotion of violence by commemorating Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.
SFJ’s legal counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, who has been designated as a terrorist in India, delivered this message in a viral video. Pannun’s statement comes amidst a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently hinted at a “potential link” between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s murder in June, leading to reciprocal expulsions of senior diplomats. India promptly dismissed Trudeau’s claim as “absurd and motivated.”
Vijay Jain, spokesperson for Canadian Hindus for Harmony, expressed deep concern over Pannun’s threat, citing a rise in Hinduphobia. A petition has been pending before the Canadian House of Commons, seeking to recognize Hinduphobia in the Human Rights Code to describe anti-Hindu prejudice and discrimination, with nearly 9000 signatures collected thus far.
Jain voiced fears that Trudeau’s remarks could exacerbate the situation, referring to the tragic Khalistani bombing of Air India Flight 182 in June 1985, which remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. Canada annually observes the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism on June 23 in memory of those killed in the bombing.
In a social media post, commentator Rupa Subramanya questioned the inaction over Pannun’s threat, drawing attention to the disparity in reactions compared to other forms of threats. SFJ appears to be emboldened by the Trudeau government’s recent actions of distancing from India.
In an opinion piece in The Globe and Mail, Andrew Coyne emphasized the need to maintain domestic peace in the aftermath of Nijjar’s killing, warning of the potential for ethnic and sectarian violence in Canada.
Canadian Minister Anita Anand, who is Hindu, appealed for calm and unity, encouraging everyone to let the legal process proceed without undue agitation.