Sat Nov 09 09:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Trudeau Acknowledges Khalistan Supporters in Canada, But Insists They Don’t Represent Sikh Community
**Ottawa, Canada -** Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the presence of Khalistan supporters in Canada but stressed that they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole.
His statement comes amidst ongoing tensions with India over the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an incident that has strained relations between the two countries.
Trudeau, speaking during Deepavali celebrations at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, said, “There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh Community as a whole. Similarly, there are supporters of Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi’s government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians.”
The diplomatic row escalated last September when Trudeau alleged potential Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India vehemently denied these accusations as “absurd,” leading to the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats and the withdrawal of India’s High Commissioner.
India has repeatedly expressed concern over Canada’s perceived tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements operating from its soil.
Further escalating tensions, Khalistan supporters disrupted a consular event in Brampton last week, an incident condemned by Trudeau who asserted every Canadian’s right to practice their faith freely and safely.
The Indian Consulate in Toronto has since cancelled several planned consular events citing “security agencies conveying their inability to provide minimum security protection.” The Ministry of External Affairs also expressed deep concern over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada.
This ongoing diplomatic dispute highlights the complex issue of Khalistan separatism and the challenges it poses for Canada-India relations.
First Piper 