Title: Indian Intelligence Agencies Raise Concerns Over Pro-Khalistani Entities and Growing Political Support in Canada
Date: September 20, 2023, 09:29 IST
Reported By: Ankur Sharma
India’s intelligence agencies have expressed concerns regarding the activities of pro-Khalistani entities (PKE) in Canada, as well as the increasing political support they are receiving in the country. These agencies have warned about the possibility of “aggressive and intensified” activities being conducted against Indians and Indian officials residing in Canada.
According to fresh intelligence inputs, PKEs may target temples, Indians living in Canada, and Indian entrepreneurs running businesses there. The agencies have also indicated the possibility of clashes between PKEs and Indians in the coming days.
It is important to note that most of these entities are banned in India under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and their leaders have been declared terrorists the Indian government.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the security of the office of the Indian High Commission in the Canadian consulate, as intelligence agencies have received information suggesting that Khalistani groups may escalate their protests against Indian officials, with a likelihood of violence.
In Canada, the Indian diplomatic representation consists of the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver.
Top sources, citing intelligence inputs, have revealed that PKEs have previously threatened Indians residing in various areas of Canada. These groups are likely to target vulnerable establishments such as restaurants and cafes owned Indians. Additionally, clashes among students residing in Canada may also occur in different cities.
Over the past six months, there have been multiple instances where PKEs have defaced Indian temples and vandalized statues of Mahatma Gandhi. Cafe owners have also reportedly faced demands to close down their businesses if they do not support the Khalistan agenda. Despite these incidents, no action has been taken the local police.
Tensions between India and Canada escalated on Monday when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau questioned India’s role in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Rejecting Trudeau’s statement, India’s external affairs ministry declared the allegations of Indian government involvement in any act of violence in Canada as absurd and motivated.
In response to Trudeau’s allegations, Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat, and India reciprocated expelling a Canadian diplomat.
Trudeau later stated that the Indian government should take the matter seriously, while emphasizing that Canada does not seek to provoke or escalate the situation.
– Ankur Sharma Read more about the author