Source: This post is based on the article “Let Them Think”, published in The Times of India on 5th July, 2023.
Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3, Internal Security , external threats to internal security
News: The article discusses the resurgence of radical pro-Khalistan propaganda in Canada, which is a cause for concern for India.
What are some of the examples of rise of pro-khalistan activities in Canada?
The perpetrators of June 1985 bombing of Kanishka, Air India’s Flight 182 were reported to be the members of the Babbar Khalsa International. However, they went unpunished due to a sloppy investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
No action has been taken against the radical groups such as Sikhs for Justice, who are escalating their activities in Canada.
A planned pro-Khalistan “freedom rally” in Toronto was oganised on July 8, which openly threatens violence against Indian diplomats posted in Canada.
A month ago, a parade was held in Toronto by pro-khalistani figures, depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
What is the reason behind inaction against pro-Khalistani figures in Canada?
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is dependent on Jagmeet Singh, a known Khalistani propagandist and leader of the New Democratic Party.
Why is it an internal security matter for India?
Since the initiation of the “Referendum 2020” campaign about five years ago in countries with large Sikh diasporas (Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK), the pro-Khalistan activities in Punjab have increased. The sudden emergence of khalistani leader Amritpal Singh is an example. The referendum is aimed at separation of Punjab from India.
The developments in Canada are exacerbating security concerns in Punjab.
However, it is also true that several failures of Punjab’s political elites to address economic and social challenges has also contributed to this problem.
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