Sat Nov 09 06:45:07 UTC 2024: ## Trudeau Acknowledges Khalistan Supporters in Canada, But Says 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 comments came during Deepavali celebrations at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions with India over the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Trudeau stated, “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 relationship between Canada and India has been strained since last September, when Trudeau alleged potential Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India vehemently denied these accusations, labelling them absurd. In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, withdrew its high commissioner Sanjay Verma, and recalled other officials from Canada.
India maintains that the crux of the issue lies in Canada’s failure to address pro-Khalistan elements operating openly from its soil. This sentiment was further underscored by recent incidents, such as Khalistani supporters disrupting a consular event co-organized by the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and the Indian Consulate. Trudeau condemned this act, stating that every Canadian has the right to freely and safely practice their faith.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern for the safety of Indian nationals in Canada, while the Indian consulate in Toronto canceled several planned consular events due to Canadian security agencies’ inability to guarantee adequate protection.
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