Category: Canada

This development comes amidst deepening tensions between India and Canada. ..reports Asian Lite News

Canadian authorities have arrested designated Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, following a violent shooting incident in Milton in Ontario, according to a report in local Canadian television outlet CTV. 

This development comes amidst deepening tensions between India and Canada. 

Dalla is a close aide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed outside a Gurudwara in Surrey in June 2023. In January 2023, the Union Home Ministry had declared him a “terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He is among the most wanted terrorists in the country and has been charged in various cases of targeted killings and extortion. 

Dalla, has been charged in a case related to the shooting in Ontario on October 28, as per a report by Adrian Ghobrial on CTV. 

The India-designated terrorist, said the CTV reporter, is set to be produced before a local court on Wednesday. 

Dalla had come to Canada from Punjab in 2018 and lived in Surrey as per a report in Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper, which said he is the reported head of the Dalla Lakhbir gang, accused of using Canada as a base for a violent extortion ring in Punjab. 

On November 10 Punjab police said they apprehended two key shooters of Dalla for their alleged involvement in the murder case of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau in the state’s Faridkot district last month. 

“Investigations reveal that the accused also killed Jaswant Singh Gill on November 7, 2024, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh under directions from Arsh Dalla,” said. Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had in October this year arrested an absconding close associate of Arsh Dala of from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Baljeet Singh alias Baljeet Maur of Punjab’s Bathinda district was taken into custody by the NIA on his arrival at the IGI Airport from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has claimed that he has “credible allegations” of India’s hand in the killing of Nijjar on Canadian soil last year. 

India has denied all the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated” and has accused Canada of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements in their country. 

Earlier this month, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared “persons of interest” by the Canadian government in the investigation into the killing of Nijjar. (ANI) 

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The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was a popular international student program which applied to students from India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, Senegal and several others….reports Asian Lite News

Canada’s ends to popular student program to impact India
The Canadian government has ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme for international students which helped to streamline the process for study application, a move that is likely to impact lakhs of prospective students who were planning to come to the country.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was a popular international student program which applied to students from India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, Senegal and several others. The program, however, was abruptly ended at 2 PM on November 8 (local time).

Additionally, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) for Nigerian students has also been ended. The applications received before the deadline will be processed under SDS and NSE.

“The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. The SDS was eventually opened to legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam,” said a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The government has said that it is “committed to giving all international students equal and fair access to the application process for study permits.”
“Canada’s goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience,” the statement by IRCC added.

Following this development, future applicants will be required to go through Canada’s regular study permit processes, which will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in the country.
The IRCC claims that this change will not “adversely affect” international students.

Notably, this move comes amid the rising diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.

Canada has alleged India’s role behind the killing of India-designated Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a charge New Delhi has strongly denied, terming it “absurd” and “motivated.”

Recently, Ottawa named Indian High Commissioner in Canada, Sanjay Verma and five other diplomats as ‘persons of interest’ in the case. India raised strong objection to the matter and recalled all six diplomats.
Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticised Canada, saying they were welcoming people from India with links to organised crime, ignoring warnings by New Delhi.

Criticising the Justin Trudeau-led dispensation for giving space and legitimacy to “extremism, separatism, and advocates of violence” in the name of free speech, Jaishankar on May 5 said that Canada has been issuing visas to people with links to organised crime despite warnings.
In response, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller, expressed his disapproval, saying Jaishankar is “entitled to his opinion”
“We’re not lax. And the Indian foreign minister is entitled to his opinion. I’m going to let him speak his mind. It’s just not accurate,” on a broadcast on Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC), a Canadian speciality television channel. (ANI)

Security tightened at Canadian embassy after protest

Members of the Hindu Sikh Global Forum took to the streets outside the Canadian High Commission in India in Chanakyapuri in the national capital, on Sunday, protesting against the attacks on Hindu temples in Canada.
Heavy security was deployed outside the High Commission and protestors were stopped at Teen Murti Marg by the police. Several activists were seen attempting to climb over the police barricades and toppling them.
The Hindu Sikh Global Forum, representing a coalition of Hindu and Sikh communities, organised the march to demonstrate their collective disapproval and demand action against such attacks.
Jitender Singh Shunty, President of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal, who was also part of the protest, voiced his concerns about a pattern of incidents targeting the Hindu and Sikh communities.
“An entire generation had been destroyed during militancy. They were either killed or they migrated to other countries. Then they introduced drugs to ruin the life of our young generation,” Marwah told reporters.
He elaborated that following these challenges, additional efforts were made to disrupt the community’s unity, including attempts at forced religious conversions.
“And now this new thing of attacking temples has started. This is wrong and unfortunate,” he said.
Marwah further emphasised the solidarity of India’s Sikh community, and strongly rejected any separatist ideologies.
“We are here to tell you that we are all together. A true Sikh can never be a Khalistani. If they want a separate nation, they should keep it limited to themselves. We want our tricolor and our country to be respected at all times. India’s Sikhs stand with India and do not support Khalistan,” he stated.
This comes amid the rising diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
Canada has alleged India’s role behind the killing of India-designated Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a charge New Delhi has strongly denied, terming it “absurd” and “motivated.”
Recently, Ottawa named Indian High Commissioner in Canada, Sanjay Verma and five other diplomats as ‘persons of interest’ in the case. India raised strong objection to the matter and recalled all six diplomats.
Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticised Canada, saying they were welcoming people from India with links to organised crime, ignoring warnings by New Delhi.
Criticising the Justin Trudeau-led dispensation for giving space and legitimacy to “extremism, separatism, and advocates of violence” in the name of free speech, Jaishankar on May 5 said that Canada has been issuing visas to people with links to organised crime despite warnings. (ANI)

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The PM’s strong statement came hours after the MEA condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists in Ontario…reports Asian Lite News

Strongly condemning the “deliberate attack” on Hindu temple in Canada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that “cowardly attempts to intimidate” Indian diplomats were appalling and New Delhi expects Canadian authorities to ensure justice and uphold rule of law.
“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” PM Modi said on X.
The strong statement by Modi came hours after the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario.
“We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries regarding violence in Brampton.
“The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence,” he added.
India has been repeatedly expressing its deep concern about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada and has sought action against these activities.
This is the first statement by PM Modi since the Canada-related controversy started.
Sources said it is a reflection that PM Modi stands up for Indians across the world.
An Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Canada’s Brampton witnessed a “violent disruption” on Sunday (local time) in Brampton, near Toronto.
The incident sparked widespread criticism in and outside Canada. Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, calling it “completely unacceptable.”
Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya also condemned the attack on the temple and said that a “red line has been crossed” by Khalistani extremists, highlighting the rise of brazen violent extremism in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton by Khalistani extremists.
Emphasising the importance of religious freedom, Trudeau asserted that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.
“The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident,” he said on X.
The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance.
The ties between India and Canada have taken a sharp downturn following Canadian leaders making allegations without providing evidence about an assassination on their soil.
The sharp deterioration in ties has seen India withdrawing its High Commissioner from Canada.
India had last month Canada’s then Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and conveyed that the “baseless targeting” of the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats and officials in Canada was completely unacceptable.
India underlined that in an atmosphere of extremism and violence, the Trudeau Government’s actions endangered their safety.”We have no faith in the current Canadian Government’s commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials,” MEA had said in a release.
The bilateral ties soured after Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament last year that he has “credible allegations” of India’s hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India has denied all the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated” and has accused Canada of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements in their country.
Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year.
Trudeau had also said last month that his government had not provided India with hard evidence but just intelligence regarding the killing of Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Testifying at Canada’s foreign interference inquiry, Trudeau said India has been insisting on evidence over allegations levelled by Canada.
“Behind the scenes (were trying) India to co-operate with us. Their ask was…give us the evidence you have on us. Our response was it is within your security agency. You should be looking into how much they know, you should be engaging… ‘No, no but show us the evidence’. At that point, it was primarily intelligence, not hard evidentiary proof. So we said let’s work together…,” he said. (ANI)

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On Sunday evening, Canada time, Khalistani extremists attacked the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton…reports Asian Lite News

Issuing a strong directive following Sunday’s attack on Hindu Canadians at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, the Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH) and Hindu Federation, along with temple leaders and several Hindu advocacy groups, has made it clear that Hindu temples and institutions across Canada will no longer permit politicians to use temple facilities for political purposes unless they demonstrate “concrete efforts” to address the serious issue of growing Khalistani extremism in the country.

On Sunday evening, Canada time, Khalistani extremists attacked the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, the videos of which have gone viral on social media and drawn worldwide condemnation, including from several leaders in Canada.

The attacks on Hindus have grown at an alarming rate under the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and underscore a distressing trend of religious intolerance prevailing in the country.

The CNCH stated that the violent Brampton attack by pro-Khalistani protestors has raised serious concerns about the safety of Canada’s Hindu community.

“The protestors reportedly gathered at the temple’s main entrance, forcibly entered the premises, and physically assaulted temple members and visitors, leaving the community shaken and demanding action,” it said in a statement issued on Monday, India time.

It mentioned that Hindu Canadians have faced an increasing wave of violence in recent years and, despite repeated calls from community leaders for stronger security measures to protect Hindu places of worship, political leaders have failed to take substantial steps to address the growing hostility.

“Hindu temples and institutions across Canada will no longer permit politicians to use temple facilities for political purposes. Politicians, regardless of party affiliation, may continue to visit as devotees, but they will no longer have access to temple platforms until they demonstrate concrete efforts to address the issue of Khalistani extremism. This directive underscores the Hindu community’s commitment to safeguarding their sacred spaces and reinforces their demand for action to ensure the protection and dignity of all Canadians,” it added.

The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC), a social, cultural and religious umbrella body of Sikhs and Gurdwaras in Canada, also issued a statement, condemning violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton.

“OSGC strongly condemns the incident of violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir on Gore Road in Brampton. Violence and intimidation have no place in our community, where peace, unity, and mutual respect are the values we hold near and dear. Places of worship should remain sacred spaces for reflection, spirituality, and community cohesion, free from violence or disturbances. We urge everyone to exercise restraint, promote dialogue, and work together towards peace that is respective of all communities,” the statement mentioned.

It added that the latest incident is a distressing reminder of the need for understanding and mutual respect in the community.

“We call upon local authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident, reaffirming that violence has no place in our society. We also encourage community leaders and members to come together, support one another, and foster an atmosphere of unity and compassion. Let us stand united against all forms of violence, as we work towards a peaceful and harmonious community,” the OSGC stated.

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Bernier alleged that the leaders refrained from identifying the attackers as Khalistanis, citing concerns over offending their voter base…reports Asian Lite News

People’s Party of Canada (PPC) leader Maxime Bernier lambasted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leaders Jagmeet Singh and Pierre Poilievre for their responses to a recent attack on Hindu temples and devotees in Brampton.

Bernier alleged that the leaders refrained from identifying the attackers as Khalistanis, citing concerns over offending their voter base.

Taking to X, Bernier posted, “Can you spot the difference between my tweet and that of the three establishment party leaders?”

He condemned the three leaders as “cowards” and added, “Not one of these cowards dares to even name the Khalistani Sikhs who are committing the violence. They’re afraid to offend some voters, even though Khalistani supporters are a minority of Sikh Canadians.”

“This complacency explains why Khalistani extremism keeps growing in this country,” he stated, sharing the screenshots of the social media posts.

The criticism follows an attack near the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, where devotees were reportedly targeted by individuals believed to be affiliated with Khalistani groups. Peel Police were stationed outside the temple, though no arrests have been made yet.

Earlier, Bernier posted a video on X showing the alleged attack, stating that such incidents cannot intimidate Canadians who believe that diversity is the nation’s strength.

He added, “Khalistani Sikhs attacking worshippers at Brampton Hindu temple. Nothing to worry about though because diversity is our strength!!!”

Independent MP Kevin Vuoung had also condemned the attack by the Khalistani extremists on the Hindu devotees stating, “Alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. From Khalistani extremists to terrorist cosplayers, has become a safe harbour for radicals. Our leaders are failing to safeguard Hindus as they have Christians & Jewish Canadians from violence. We all deserve to worship in peace.”

Prime Minister Trudeau condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable” and expressing support for religious freedom and community safety.

“The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely,” Trudeau wrote on X, also thanking Peel Regional Police for their swift response.

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also addressed the incident, describing the attack as “completely unacceptable.”

He assured Canadians that the Conservative Party stands firmly against such violence and pledged to “unite our people and end the chaos.”

“Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today,” he posted, adding that “Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally.”

New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, who has faced criticism in the past for his alleged support of the Khalistani movement, joined other leaders in condemning the violence.

“Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace. I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir,” he wrote on X, urging community leaders to call for peace.

However, none of these leaders named Khalistani extremism in their posts.

It is worth mentioning that Trudeau and Poilivre have attended events in the past where pro-Khalistanis have raised anti-India slogans.

Earlier in April, on Khalsa Day, as PM Trudeau walked up to the stage for his address, the ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ slogans kept getting louder, according to a video released by Canada-based CPAC TV.

Later, when opposition leader Pierre Poilievre approached the stage to begin his address. New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were also in attendance at the event.

The attack has highlighted concerns about rising religious intolerance in Canada, echoing previous incidents of vandalism targeting Hindu temples in Windsor, Mississauga, and Brampton.

Last year, anti-India graffiti was defaced on a Hindu temple in Windsor, triggering strong reactions from both Canadian and Indian officials.

India-Canada relations remain strained following last year’s diplomatic controversy when Trudeau alleged “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has consistently denied these claims, calling them “absurd” and “motivated,” while accusing Canada of permitting anti-India extremist activities on its soil.

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