Sikhs for Justice targets new Indian High Commissioner amid rising tensions; poster shows Dinesh Patnaik with a target on his face
Khalistani Outfit Plans “Siege” on Indian Consulate in Canada
The pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has announced plans to “siege” the Indian Consulate in Vancouver this Thursday. The US-based group, which advocates for a separate Sikh homeland, released a provocative poster featuring the new Indian High Commissioner, Dinesh Patnaik, with a target symbol on his face.
The group has asked Indo-Canadians who were planning to visit the consulate on Thursday to reschedule their appointments, claiming it will be “taken over.”
SFJ Accuses Indian Missions of Espionage
In a public statement, SFJ accused Indian consulates in Canada of operating spy networks targeting supporters of the Khalistan Referendum campaign.
“Two years ago — 18 September 2023 — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament that Indian agents’ roles were under investigation in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” the group stated.
“Two years on, Indian Consulates continue to run surveillance targeting Khalistan Referendum campaigners.”
Alleged Threats and RCMP Protection
SFJ further alleged that threats to its members are so severe that Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had to offer witness protection to Inderjeet Singh Gosal, who took over leadership of the Khalistan Referendum campaign after the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
SFJ’s Objective Behind the “Siege”
According to the group, the purpose of the planned siege is to demand accountability from the Indian government for its alleged “espionage and intimidation on Canadian soil.”
There has been no official response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs or the Indian Consulate in Vancouver as of the time of reporting.
Khalistani Extremism in Canada: Rising Concerns
Earlier this month, a Canadian government internal report acknowledged that extremist Khalistani groups are receiving financial support from individuals and networks within Canada.
Key Findings From the Report:
- Groups like Babbar Khalsa International and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) continue to receive support.
- Both are designated as terrorist organizations under Canada’s Criminal Code.
- These groups now operate primarily through loosely organized supporters, rather than structured organizations.
The Canadian government has flagged the issue as an ongoing national security concern, especially with increasing threats targeting diplomatic institutions and individuals.
Context: Hardeep Singh Nijjar Assassination
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, a key figure in the Khalistan movement, remains a point of political and diplomatic tension between India and Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement in Parliament acknowledging a possible link between Indian agents and Nijjar’s death has only deepened the divide.
