Pro-Khalistan groups in Canada honor assassins of Indian leaders

Ottawa 1 September 2024 : Pro-Khalistan groups in Canada have drawn sharp criticism after staging rallies that glorify the assassins of Indian political leaders. On Saturday, these radical organizations held demonstrations in Toronto and Vancouver, featuring floats that commemorated the suicide bomber responsible for the 1995 assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. In Vancouver, the rally was marked by a float depicting a bombed vehicle, splattered with blood, and adorned with photographs of the murdered Chief Minister. The float bore the slogan “Beanta Bombed to Death” and included a tribute to Dilawar Singh Babbar, the suicide bomber who carried out the attack. This visual display has reignited concerns about the extremism and anti-India sentiment promoted by these groups.

A parallel event occurred in Toronto, led by Inderjeet Singh Gosal, who is associated with Sikhs for Justice and closely linked to the group’s general counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun. Gosal described supporters of the Khalistan Referendum as the “offspring” of Babbar, further fueling controversy. Canadian law enforcement has reportedly issued warnings to Gosal due to potential threats to his safety. The assassination of Beant Singh in 1995 was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of 17 people. The attack was claimed by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a group designated as a terrorist organization in Canada. This group’s involvement in the assassination has been widely condemned.

The recent rallies in Canada are part of a disturbing trend where pro-Khalistan groups have increasingly staged events that honor individuals involved in violent attacks against Indian leaders. In June, a float depicting the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was featured in a parade in Brampton. This followed a similar display at a protest in Vancouver, which drew criticism from Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc. These provocative actions have raised alarms about the growing influence of extremist factions in Canada and their capacity to incite violence. The glorification of assassins and the promotion of violence through public displays are contributing to a tense atmosphere and concerns about public safety.

The latest rallies underscore ongoing issues related to radical groups and their activities in Canada, prompting calls for a more robust response from authorities to address the potential risks posed by such extremism.