Trudeau Admits Khalistan Supporters in Canada, Denies Community Representation

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau admitted the presence of Khalistan supporters in Canada.
Trudeau stated that Khalistan supporters do not represent the entire Sikh community.
He also mentioned that there are Modi supporters in Canada, not representative of all Hindus.
Trudeau’s comments came amid escalating India-Canada diplomatic tensions.
India has requested action against Khalistan supporters in Canada.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

In the midst of escalating diplomatic tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the presence of Khalistan supporters in Canada, clarifying that they do not represent the entire Sikh community in the country. Speaking during Diwali celebrations at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, Trudeau addressed the Indian community, stating, “There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh Community as a whole.”

India has long alleged that Canada harbors pro-Khalistan elements, urging the Canadian government to take action against separatist activities. Tensions between the two countries spiked when Trudeau claimed a possible link between Indian agents and the killing of wanted Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Background

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. This incident further strained India-Canada relations, with Canada reportedly identifying an Indian High Commissioner as a “person of interest.” India refuted this claim and retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats, while recalling its own ambassador.

Trudeau further commented that several Hindus in Canada support Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi but emphasized that this group does not represent the entire Hindu community in Canada. India, meanwhile, has accused Trudeau of vote bank politics, alleging that he is not adequately addressing the rise of separatist movements within Canadian borders.