Khalistan movement in Canada: Past, present, and future

Rishi Suri: The Khalistan movement, a Sikh separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh state called Khalistan, has had a significant presence in Canada for decades. This essay delves into the historical context of the Khalistan movement in Canada, its evolution over time, the current state of affairs, and the potential future prospects. Understanding the movement’s past, present, and future is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of Sikh activism in Canada and its implications for both the Canadian and Indian governments.

Canadian Police official looks on to a Khalistani protest in Canada.

1.The Roots of the Khalistan Movement in Canada
The presence of Sikh immigrants in Canada dates back to the late 19th century when Sikhs from the Punjab region of India arrived seeking economic opportunities, particularly in British Columbia. While they initially faced discrimination and challenges, Sikh communities gradually established themselves and began contributing to Canada’s multicultural fabric.

The roots of the Khalistan movement in Canada can be traced back to the political and social turmoil that engulfed Punjab in the 1970s and 1980s. The radicalization of some Sikh youth in response to perceived injustices, the role of Pakistan’s ISI in propagating the separatism, the fallout from Operation Blue Star, and the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 were pivotal moments that fueled a sense of separatism among Sikhs in Canada.

2.The Rise of Khalistani Terrorism
The early 1980s saw a surge in Khalistani terrorism in Canada. Various Sikh organizations, such as the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), became more active and vocal in promoting the Khalistan cause. These groups organized rallies, distributed literature, and engaged in fundraising activities to support their separatist agenda. They radicalized youth in a way that turned them extremely violent.

Canada provided a fertile ground for Khalistani terrorism due to its multicultural policies and freedoms of speech and assembly. This environment allowed Khalistani proponents to openly express their views and gain support among the Sikh diaspora. Inspite of several instances of gang wars and violence the Canadian authorities continue to shelter miscreants who are recognised terrorists.

3.Violent Incidents and Concerns
During this period, Canada became the backdrop for violent incidents related to the Khalistan movement. The most infamous among these was the Air India Flight 182 bombing in 1985, which resulted in the loss of 329 lives, making it one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism in history. The investigation into this tragedy highlighted the extent of Khalistani radicalization in Canada and raised concerns about the movement’s activities.

The Canadian government became increasingly concerned about these activities, and law enforcement agencies began to monitor and crack down on Khalistani extremist networks. Legislation such as the Canadian Anti-Terrorism Act (2001) provided legal tools to address terrorism-related activities, including those associated with the Khalistan movement. The crackdown seemed to be strong at the time but ended soon after. The current turmoil within Canada is primarily due to the lack of follow up on these actions. Illegal immigration continues to bring in Khalistani extremists, often trained by Pakistan sponsored groups even today.

4.Changing Dynamics in the 21st Century
The Khalistan movement in Canada underwent significant changes in the 21st century. Several factors contributed to this transformation:

Generational Shift: As older, more radical leaders aged or faced legal consequences, a generational shift occurred within Sikh communities in Canada. Younger Sikhs, born and raised in Canada, often had different priorities and a less fervent commitment to the Khalistan cause.

Integration and Identity: Many Sikhs in Canada have successfully integrated into Canadian society while preserving their cultural and religious identities. The desire for a separate Sikh state in Punjab may not resonate as strongly with the younger generations who see themselves as both Sikh and Canadian.

Global Diplomacy: India’s diplomatic efforts, including engagement with the Canadian government, have led to greater cooperation in addressing Khalistani extremism. Canada has taken steps to curb the activities of Khalistani proponents and maintain a balance between freedom of expression and national security concerns. This of course has all come to a stand still since Justin Trudeau’s allegations & failure to provide any proof thereafter.

5.Present State of Khalistani Activism in Canada
As of the present day, the Khalistan movement in Canada has evolved into a less overt and more fragmented force compared to its peak in the 1980s and 1990s. While some individuals and organizations still advocate for Khalistan, they often do so within the bounds of Canadian law and norms. The violent extremism that characterized the movement in its early years is less prevalent but in the last couple of years we have seen an unfortunate resurgence as terrorists like Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannu seemed to have been given fresh funding and training from Pakistan’s ISI.

According to highly placed sources, it has been found that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been providing funds to intensify Khalistani activities in Canada. In the recent months, funds were given to some top Khalistani leaders in order to accelerate anti-India activities. The funding has been utilised to take people to the protest site, make posters and banners, and also to instigate youth against India.

6.Future Prospects of the Khalistan Movement in Canada
The future of the Khalistan movement in Canada is subject to several factors and uncertainties:

Generational Shift: The younger Sikh generations in Canada may continue to prioritize issues like human rights, equality, and justice over separatism. Their engagement in Canadian politics and society could lead to a shift away from the Khalistan agenda.

Government Policy: Canada’s stance on Khalistani activism will play a pivotal role in shaping its future. Continued vigilance in monitoring extremist activities, maintaining diplomatic relations with India, and balancing freedom of expression with national security will be essential.

International Developments: Global events, including developments in India and the broader Sikh diaspora, can influence the direction of the Khalistan movement. Any major incidents or political changes in India could potentially reinvigorate separatist sentiments among certain segments of the Sikh diaspora. Indias crackdown on these Khalistani separatists was a long time coming but will help cut the problem from its roots.

Conclusion
The Khalistan movement in Canada has traversed a complex path from its origins in the 1980s to its present state. It has evolved in response to changing demographics, government policies, and international developments. While it was once characterized by overt activism and violent incidents, it had shifted toward a more subdued and legally compliant form of expression but now is back to its extremist ways. Gang wars has become the been normal with murders of Indian citizens in Punjab being claimed by Khalistani terrorists sitting in Canada.

The future prospects of the Khalistan movement in Canada remain uncertain. Factors above such as generational shifts, government policies, and global events will determine whether the movement continues to advocate for Khalistan as a separate state or evolves into a more moderate and issue-based form of activism. It is essential for Canada to strike a balance between respecting freedom of expression and ensuring national security while addressing the concerns of its Sikh community. The story of Khalistan in Canada is one of adaptation and transformation, reflecting the complex interplay of identity, politics, and activism in the Sikh diaspora.

What the current leadership in Canada needs to understand is that no country, especially a fast rising power like India, will accept being targeted by terrorists anywhere in the world or any nation giving those terrorists shelter, especially by someone considered to be an ally.