Khalistani group threatens siege on Indian consulate in Vancouver
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As India and Canada work to restore diplomatic relations, a Khalistani group has threatened to “siege” the Indian Consulate in Vancouver.
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based pro-Khalistan organisation, announced that it will take over the consulate on Thursday. The group also urged Indo-Canadians planning routine visits to the consulate to reschedule their appointments.
SFJ released a poster featuring the new Indian High Commissioner, Dinish Patnaik, with a target on his face. The group accused Indian consulates of running a spy network and conducting surveillance against Khalistan supporters.
In its statement, SFJ referenced remarks made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau two years ago. “Two years ago -- 18 September 2023 -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament that the Indian agents' role was under investigation in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” it said.
“Two years on, Indian Consulates continue to run a spy network and surveillance targeting Khalistan Referendum campaigners,” the group added.
SFJ further alleged that the threat to its members was so serious that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had to provide “witness protection” to Inderjeet Singh Gosal. Gosal assumed leadership of the Khalistan Referendum campaign after Nijjar’s death.
Through the planned siege, the group said it would demand “accountability” for what it described as “espionage and intimidation on Canadian soil.”
Neither India’s Ministry of External Affairs nor the Indian Consulate in Vancouver had issued a response.
The issue of Khalistani extremism in Canada has drawn increased attention. Earlier this month, a Canadian government report revealed that extremist Khalistani groups were receiving financial support from individuals and networks within the country.
Among these groups are Babbar Khalsa International and the International SYF, both classified as terrorist organisations under Canada’s Criminal Code. The report noted that such groups now operate mainly through smaller networks of individuals supporting the Khalistan cause without formal affiliations.