Worsening Indo-Canadian Relations

Alok k. Shrivastava,Ex- Chief Secretary, Sikkim

A diplomatic row between India and Canada is happening over the activities of Khalistani elements in Canada. It is well known that a Sikh separatist movement sprung up in India in early 80s. Its purpose was spreading terrorism not only in India but elsewhere too if they were opposed. Illegal outfits, such as, Babbar Khalsa, Dal Khalsa, Khalistan Commando Force, Khalistan Zindabad Force, All India Sikh Youth Federation etc. played a leading role. Government of India began taking adequate steps to control it. In the process, many of their leaders had to be arrested.

The event which became really worrisome was seize of Golden Temple, Amritsar by Sikh terrorists. When Operation Bluestar was undertaken in first week of June, 1984, it drew world wide attention. But non- Indians who expressed sympathies, did not know the miserable ground reality.

With the passage of time, Sikh separatist elements could gather some support in countries such as, U.K., U.S.A. and Canada. In these countries population of Sikhs was  sizeable and they had all the money. It was gathered that many of their supporters had not visited India for decades, but were swayed away unnecessarily by false publicity in respect of so called atrocities on Sikhs in India. For Government of India, it took a lot of time and effort to REBUT the allegations.

Coming to the role of Canada, it may be noted that out of its  population of 4.1 crores in ten provinces, there are 8 lakh Sikhs. Many of them have settled since fifties and sixties of last century. Like in U.K. and U.S.A., gradually they have occupied positions in local, municipal and provincial bodies.

Air India Kanishka Crash

In a shocking development, on 23 June, 1985, Air India Flight No. 182 (Boeing 747)- Emperor Kanishka, while flying at an altitude of 31,000 feet broke apart, possibly due to a mid air bomb blast, over Atlantic ocean. On Montreal-London-Delhi-Bombay route, all its  passengers and crew, totalling 329 were killed. Majority of victims were Canadian citizens of Indian origin. Apart from 268 Canadians, 27 were British and 24 were Indian citizens.

It was deadliest terrorist attack prior to 9/11 blast in New York. Indrajit S. Reyat, a dual British- Canadian national and Talwinder Singh Parmar, a Canadian Sikh separatist and leader of Babbar Khalsa were believed to be mastermind of attack. Later two more terrorists-  R. S. Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri were also identified.

Canada's Lethargic Attitude

It was gathered that Canada was having intelligence that the flight was a potential terrorist target, yet they did not prevent the mishap. Of the four suspects, Reyat was only convicted and he served thirty years in prison before being released in 2016. Parmar was killed by Police in India in 1992. R.S. Malik was also gunned down in Canada in 2022. Nothing is known about A.S. Bagri. 39 years have passed but probe into this unthinkable bombing remains active. Roles of topmost intelligence agency of Canada and Royal Canadian Mounted Police also remains suspicious. India has criticised Canada on many occasions for failing to oppose  pro-Khalistani movement within its territory. As a result, Sikh separatism continues to strain relations between India and Canada.

Events & Developments Of Recent Past

In 2020, Justin Trudeau, Canada's P.M. expressed concern over protest and demonstration by farmers in India, which drew sharp criticism from India.

In June 2023, Hardip Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist was killed outside a Gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Four Indians were arrested and charged for killing.

On September 18,2023, P.M. of Canada stated in Parliament that there was a potential link between Indian agents and killing of H.S. Nijjar. As he didn't produce any evidence, India has dismissed the allegation. Further, one minute silence observed by the Canadian Parliament to commemorate death anniversary of H.S. Nijjar was not to the liking of India.

Expulsion of High Commissioners

Ties between two countries that were in crisis mode have been further strained ever since Canada's P.M. has made the statement.

In mid- October, Canada expelled Indian High Commissioner and five other diplomats after declaring them "persons of interest". India followed suit and expelled Canadian High Commissioner and five other diplomats from India. These developments have happened amid escalating tension between two countries. Current Canadian government's political agenda as also behaviour pattern are causing concern. Such activities of Canada had serious consequences for bi-lateral ties but there is nothing called mending the ways by Canada. We cannot carry on like this.

India As Adversary?

To add insult to injury, on 1st November '24, Canada Government listed India as an "adversary" due to heightened tensions between the two. In their assessment, Centre For Cyber Security, Canada, India was clubbed with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. It has been alleged that India has sponsored cyber threat actors against Canada for espionage. This being the latest salvo from Canadian Government, India has described it as preposterous and blamed them on P.M. Trudeau, who on October 16 had accused India of violating Canada's sovereignty.

MEA Spokesman has rightly stated that India being named as adversary was another example of imputation being made without evidence.

Canada has not given any evidence to substantiate  their various allegations against India. In their defence, they have stated that details would emerge during the trials related to incidents of murder, extortion and other instances of violence.

Continuing with their tirade against India, David Morrison, Deputy Foreign Minister of Canada claimed that Home Minister of India had ordered targeting of Khalistani extremists in their country. Allegation was made before members of country's Standing Committee on Public Safety & National Security. Further, such a sensitive information was first leaked to Washington Post.

India has considered these allegations as absurd and baseless. It was part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and that such actions will have serious consequences for ties between India and Canada.

Acts of Harassment & Intimidation By Canada

MEA has conveyed to Canada that some of Indian  Consular officials are under  audio and video surveillance and that their communications were being intercepted. It was incompatible with  established diplomatic norms and practices. Reduction in number of visas by Canada was also a matter of great concern. Talking of students and temporary workers, India was monitoring their well being and was concerned about their safety and security.

Genocide of Sikhs?

Further, for some time Indian diplomats and officials were being intimidated by Khalistani elements, who have issued posters, featuring and threatening diplomats.

It has been further learnt that Jaswant Singh, leader of New Democratic Party of Canada is working to get violence against the Sikhs in 1984, recognised as 'Genocide' in Canadian Parliament.

Attack On Temple

Very recently an attack by Khalistani demonstrators on a temple at Brampton took place. It was condemned by  Canada's P.M. and others. Brampton Mayor has promised to introduce a motion of City Council to prohibit protests outside places of worship. While a Police Sergeant Harinder Sohi was suspended for participating in the protest, another Police officer was seen charging at a temple goer and punching him without any provocation.

Voice Of Ujjal Dosanjh

At this juncture, it may be prudent to mention the views of Ujjal Dosanjh, former Minister, Health, Canada. In his opinion, Trudeau has failed to control rising Sikh terrorism and due to him

separatist movement has become a major Canadian problem. He hasn't understood that majority of Sikhs are secular and a silent majority of them have nothing to do with Khalistan. They don't speak out as they are afraid of violence.

Diwali Celebrations

For the reasons best known to it, Canada had cancelled Diwali celebrations at Ottawa. But on a re- thinking, it was held on 4th November. Canada's P.M. for the first time had to say that " Khalistani separatists  don't represent Canada 's entire Sikh community." Reacting to it, Ujjal Dosanjh, said " In my memory, this is the first time Trudeau is acknowledging Sikh community as separate from Khalistanis."

TO SUM UP

Kanishka bombing, murder of H.S. Nijjar, expulsion of Indian High Commissioner, branding of India as an Adversary, baseless allegations against Union Home Minister, harassment  of Indian Consular officials, reduction in number of visas and attack on a temple at Brampton are vital irritants between India and Canada. When Prime Ministers of two countries met on the sidelines of some international conferences, it is presumed that at least some of these issues may have figured. But positive signs are not being seen. We may keep our fingers crossed till 2025 elections in Canada.

(Views are personal. Email: alok.secyskm@gmail.com)