The Canadian media downplayed Khalistani extremists throwing stones and gate-crashing the Diwali festival in Brampton, Canada, as a ‘fight between Sikhs and Hindus’.
A viral clip circulating on social media shows a group of Khalistani extremists engaging with a Hindu crowd and disrupting Diwali festivities in Brampton, Canada.
According to many attendees at the event, the incident came out of nowhere, and extremists of the Khalistani group displaying flags added more severity to the situation.
The attacks inflicted by religious hatred have increased in Canada. For instance, the Diwali incident took place after New Delhi sent out a terse message to Canada, recommending it reinforce its framework to prevent attacks on places of worship and crack down on extremist elements. The memo also included suggestions to work firmly on the “misuse of freedom of expression” for triggering violence and racial minorities and to address hate crimes and speeches.
The recommendation was addressed at the United Nations Human Rights Council review meeting in Geneva last week by KS Mohammed Hussain, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India.
According to Mohammed Hussain’s speech at the UNHRC, the issue was addressed in a sporting manner, saying, “In the spirit of constructive dialogue, India recommends the following to Canada: one, further strengthen the domestic framework to prevent misuse of freedom of expression for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups that are promoting extremism.”
Khalistan Cause a tumult in Canada and India Relation
The relationship between India and Canada hit a bump when Prime Minister Trudeau made a public accusation about the Indian government being linked to the murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rejected all allegations and issued a series of retaliatory measures in response, including no longer permitting visas for Canadians.
Canada is renowned for its commitment to exclusivity, freedom of speech, and spreading peace. However, the situation of communal violence has made a significant shift in the country because of the Khalistani movements that have been inciting violence, spreading hatred, and donating to a series of crimes, says a Khalsa Vox report.
The report further noted the issue of Canada unintentionally or knowingly providing platforms for extremist elements sensitive to the Khalistan cause.
The Canadian natives share their frustration on the issue and say that they are fed up with Khalistani elements in the country.
Nonetheless, Peel Regional Police said in a statement on X that they are taking the necessary steps and collaborating with the City of Mississauga on any additional procedures needed in response to the recent incident where officers were observed attempting to repel attackers at the event.
The Canadian Press, however, has received criticism for titling the incident merely as a ‘fight between Sikhs and Hindus’.
The critical report by the Khalsa Vox further touches on the significance of Canada ensuring strict measures that do not allow freedom of expression to morph into communal violence.
The report further noted that the government must maintain the extensive use of rights for each individual and scrutinise the activities of groups that may exploit these rights to spread hatred and engage in violent acts.
The incident and other recurring happenings of similar status remind Canada to re-evaluate its policies and make changes if required. The authorities must take action to prevent the escalation of religiously inflicted violence and crimes within its borders.
On the social media site X, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent his best wishes for Diwali to the Sikh and Hindu groups nationwide. But the nation’s cultural, economic, and social contributions—made by Sikh communities that have lived for millennia in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta—have been crucial in limiting acts that result in unpleasant bloodshed.
