Tag: KHALISTAN

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India Seizes Khalistani Extremist Pannun’s Assets

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) have confiscated two properties of Pannun in Punjab’s Amritsar and Chandigarh

In a massive action and in a bid to tighten its noose around Canada-based ‘designated individual terrorist’ Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday has confiscated his two properties.

“We have confiscated two properties of Pannun in Punjab’s Amritsar and Chandigarh,” an NIA official told IANS. 

The official said that the agency has confiscated properties of Pannun which include 46 Kanal of agricultural property in the ancestral village Khankot, located on the outskirts of Amritsar district.

(Photo: NIA India)

The official also said that it has also confiscated his residential property in Sector 15 area of Chandigarh.

The agency sleuths also put the hoarding outside the property of Pannun informing him about the anti-terror probe agency’s action.

In a statement the anti-terror probe agency confirmed that it has confiscated the house and land of the self-styled General Counsel of the outlawed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit in Amritsar (Punjab) and Chandigarh UT.

The properties attached include 1/4th share of House Number 2033, Sector 15/C, Chandigarh (U.T).

The agency said that these properties were earlier attached following orders passed by the government in two different cases.

“The properties have now been confiscated on the court’s orders under section 33(5) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967, in a case it registered on April 5, 2020, under sections 120-B, 124-A, 153-A 153-B and 17, 18 and 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

A NIA spokesperson here said that the action against Pannun is a big boost to the country’s crackdown on the terror and secessionist network being operated from various countries, including Canada, followed confiscation orders passed by the NIA Special Court, SAS Nagar, Mohali.

The official said that Pannu has been on NIA’s scanner since 2019, when the anti-terror agency had registered its first case against the terrorist, who has been playing a major role in promoting and commissioning terror acts and activities, and spreading fear and terror in Punjab and elsewhere in the country through his threats and intimidation tactics.

The non-bailable warrants of arrest were issued against Pannu by the NIA Special Court on February 3, 2021 and he was declared a ‘Proclaimed Offender (PO)’ on November 29 last year.

“NIA investigations have revealed that Pannun’s organisation, Sikhs for Justice, was misusing the cyberspace to radicalise gullible youth and to instigate them to undertake terrorist crimes and activities,” the spokesperson said.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

It further emerged during the NIA probe that Pannu was the “main handler and controller of the SFJ”.

The SFJ was declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ by the Government of India, vide notification on July 10, 2019.

 Pannun, who was declared a ‘designated individual terrorist’ by the Government of India on July 1, 2020, has been actively exhorting Punjab-based gangsters and youth over the social media to fight for the cause of independent state of Khalistan, challenging the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country, NIA probe have shown.

The official said that in recent days, Pannun has been in the news for issuing blatant threats to senior Indian diplomats and government functionaries in public forums.

“He had also threatened Canadian Hindus a few days, asking them to leave Canada and claiming that they had adopted a ‘jingoistic approach’ by siding with India,” the NIA statement read.

The case was originally registered as FIR no. 152 on October 19, 2018 under several sections of the IPC at Sultanwind Police Station in Amritsar (City) and later transferred to the NIA.

The NIA has chargesheeted a total of 10 accused, including Pannu in the case.

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How Khalistan is Forcing Trudeau’s Hand on India Row

Shared Intel From Five Eyes Helped Trudeau’s Claim: US Envoy

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Shared Intel From Five Eyes Helped Trudeau’s Claim: US Envoy

The Canadian government has collected “human and signal intelligence” involving Indian officials, including Indian diplomats present in Canada linking them to killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen has said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation against India was based on “shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners,” the media reported.

“There was shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners that helped lead Canada to making the statements that the Prime Minister Trudeau made,” Cohen said in an exclusive interview to CTV.

The Canadian government has collected “human and signal intelligence” involving Indian officials, including Indian diplomats present in Canada linking them to killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the media reported.

“Based on a month-long investigation into Nijjar’s death, the Canadian government had amassed both human and signals intelligence which includes communications involving Indian officials themselves, including Indian diplomats present in Canada,” public broadcaster Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported quoting government sources.

Some of the intelligence was provided by an unnamed ally in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, that consists of the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, the CBC reported. 

India and Canada are enmeshed in a diplomatic row over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau allegation of involvement of Indian intelligence and the state in the killing of Canadian citizen and Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in June in British Columbia. Nijjar was declared designated terrorist by India in 2020.

India had rejected claims by the Canada government terming them as “absurd and motivated”.

Both countries announced tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats and issued travel advisories.

Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18.

ALSO READ: How Khalistan is Forcing Trudeau’s Hand on India Row

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How Khalistan is Forcing Trudeau’s Hand on India Row

Trudeau’s Liberal Party depends on the Jagmeet Singh-led New Democratic Party, which has 24 MPs, for survival.

In political and Indo-Canadian circles here, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in the House of Commons on Monday that India was possibly involved in the gunning down of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are also viewed as his compulsion for his political survival.

Trudeau’s Liberal Party, which with its 157 seats fell short of the majority mark in the 338-member House of Commons in last year’s snap elections, depends on the Jagmeet Singh-led New Democratic Party, which has 24 MPs, for survival.

“Jagmeet, who is a known supporter of Khalistanis and who captured leadership of the NDP by recruiting a huge membership from his supporters, set terms for Trudeau for his support, including more spending on healthcare, free dental care for middle and low-income Canadians, housing support for poor, etc,” said a top Indo-Canadian politician in Vancouver, refusing to be named.

“Just as Khalistanis helped Jagmeet capture the leadership of the New Democratic Party, they also played a major role in Trudeau’s winning the leadership of the Liberal Party. Since both these leaders are in bed with Khalistanis, they are exploiting the alleged intelligence linking India to the murder of Nijjar,” said the Indo-Canadian politician.

After Trudeau’s allegations against India on Monday, Jagmeet Singh had spoken in Punjabi to appeal to his core constituency, promising to get to the bottom of the truth behind Nijjar’s murder.

“Jagmeet is now exacting his pound of flesh from Trudeau, forcing the Prime Minister to up the ante on India’s alleged involvement in the killing of Nijjar. I don’t know where this India-Canada row will end now,” said a Brampton journalist, requesting anonymity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit in Biarritz, France on Aug 25, 2019. (Photo: IANS/MEA)

Many in the 1.8-millon strong Indo-Canadian community contend that the Indian row is not going to politically benefit either Trudeau or Jagmeet.

“The entire 800,000-strong Hindu community in Canada, which was previously divided in their political loyalties, will now most likely vote for the opposition Conservative Party in the next elections due in 2025. A high percentage of Sikh voters, who are now worried, will also ditch Trudeau’s party. We will have to wait till 2025 before our bilateral ties can possibly improve,” said the Brampton journalist.

ALSO READ: Trudeau puts India, Canada ties on thin ice

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Pro-Khalistan Event Draws Thousands in Surrey

Khalistan

The vote was supposed to be held at a school in Surrey, but was cancelled after images of weapons on the poster were brought to the school authorities’ notice by concerned residents…reports Asian Lite News

Sikhs turned up in large numbers at a Khalistan referendum event in Canada just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed New Delhi’s strong concerns the same day about continuing anti-India activities in the North American nation to his counterpart Justin Trudeau at the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The vote to weigh support for Khalistan, a separate homeland for Sikhs in India, was held on Sunday in the British Columbian province of Surrey at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara where its former president Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in June.

The outlawed Pro-Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which organised the referendum, said more than 100,000 people attended the event, the Global News channel reported.

“The turnout tells us, and the wider community, that the issue of Khalistan is not an issue for a fringe group of people but rather… this is a deep-rooted issue that touches the hearts and minds of many Sikhs,” Jatinder Grewal, a Sikh for Justice director, told the Vancouver-based news channel.

The vote was supposed to be held at a school in Surrey, but was cancelled after images of weapons on the poster were brought to the school authorities’ notice by concerned residents.

In a strongly-worded condemnation, Modi told Trudeau on Saturday that the extremist elements are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the community in Canada and their places of worship.

“The nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats,” a Ministry of External Affairs statement quoted Prime Minister Modi as saying.

In a media interaction after meeting his Indian counterpart, Trudeau said that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada.

“Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred,” he said in response to a question on Khalistani extremism.

Just days before Trudeau had departed for India for the September 9-10 summit, Shri Mata Bhameshwari Durga temple in Surrey was vandalised with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti slogans.

Despite New Delhi registering strong protests, an anti-India campaign has continued in Canada with pro-Khalistani graffiti and posters targeting Indian diplomats and temples across the country.

Incidents of Khalistani elements protesting outside the Indian consulate in Toronto displaying “Kill India” posters, had led to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar saying that Canada was apparently allowing these protests driven by votebank politics.

ALSO READ-Modi, Trudeau Engage in Bilateral Talks at G20 Summit

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Canada school cancels Khalistan referendum event

After temples, Khalistanis target Indian consulate in Brisbane.

The school district added that the decision is in “no way an endorsement of, or criticism of, any political position”….reports Asian Lite News

A Khalistan referendum event, scheduled to take place on September 10 at a school in Canada, has been cancelled after images of weapons on the poster were brought to the school authorities’ notice by concerned residents.

The Surrey School District announced on Sunday that it has cancelled the event at Tamanawis Secondary School in Surrey town of British Columbia province as the event organisers failed to remove the “concerning images” despite repeated requests.

“Earlier today, our district cancelled a community rental of one of our schools due to a violation of our rental agreement. Promotional materials for the event featured images of our school, alongside images of a weapon,” the Surrey School District said in a statement published on The Indo-Canadian Voice website.

“Despite repeated attempts to address the issue, the event organisers failed to remove these concerning images, and materials continued to be posted throughout Surrey and on social media,” the statement read.

The poster featured a kirpan (dagger) as well as an AK-47 machine gun, along with the name of banned Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which is led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

It also had pictures of Khalistani leaders Hardip Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in June at a parking lot in Surrey and Talwinder Singh Parmar, the mastermind of the 1985 Air India Flight bombing.

“As a school district, our primary mission is to provide quality education and support to our students and ensure a safe environment for our school communities. Our agreements, policies and guidelines, including those for rentals, support our district in creating a safe environment for our community. Anyone renting our facilities must adhere to this,” the statement by school authorities read.

The school district added that the decision is in “no way an endorsement of, or criticism of, any political position”.

The development comes amidst recent appearances of pro-Khalistani posters threatening Indian diplomats and installations in Canada.

SFJ’s Pannun has called on the Khalistan elements in Canada to “lock down” India’s Consulate in Vancouver on September 8.

ALSO READ: Canada ‘pauses’ trade talks ahead of G20 Summit  

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China, Pakistan, Khalistan: A Surprising Alliance

After temples, Khalistanis target Indian consulate in Brisbane.

Though puzzling at first, closer scrutiny uncovers a network of troubling ties with regional stability in jeopardy….reports Antariksh Singh

In recent times, the world has witnessed a series of perplexing alliances and actions, leaving experts and observers to question the motivations behind such moves.

One of these eyebrow-raising alliances is the partnership between China, Pakistan, and the Khalistan separatist movement, and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun at the center of it all.

While many may find it difficult to fathom the convergence of these entities, a closer examination reveals a web of disturbing connections that aim to threaten regional stability.

Pannun’s Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) organization’s recent appeal to China, pledging support for the annexation of Arunachal Pradesh and seeking support for a Khalistan Referendum, has startled many.

The SFJ’s comparison of Punjab’s situation to Arunachal Pradesh’s alleged occupation by India illustrates the convoluted narratives they are weaving. Pannun’s handshake China displays a concerning level of disregard for historical context and the delicate regional balance.

Furthermore, the timing of Pannun’s outreach to China cannot be ignored. Amidst the 2020 border clash between China and India at the Galwan River valley, Pannun saw an opportunity to align his movement with China’s interests.

His letter to President Xi Jinping, expressing support for China while neglecting the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers who gave up their lives defending India, is deeply disheartening. This raises questions about his loyalties and whether he is in cahoots with the Chinese regime.

Pannun’s connections with Pakistan’s ISI further intensify these concerns. His communication with Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, where he pledged Khalistani Sikh support (who are only a handful) against India, underscores his willingness to collaborate with entities that have historically posed a threat to regional stability.

The fact that Pakistan continues to harbor and promote militant groups under the K-2 alliance, with the aim of destabilizing India, only adds to the gravity of the situation.

The question arises: What kind of support does this separatist movement genuinely enjoy within the Sikh community? Multiple reports indicate that the Khalistan movement finds little traction within Punjab, India, further casting doubts on its legitimacy and goals.

As the world grapples with growing counterterrorism and counterintelligence threats, it is essential for authorities to intervene and disrupt these alliances that fan the flames of radicalism and extremism. The Khalistan separatists are growing more violent by the day. Multiple cases in Canada, the UK and the US are testament to that. And China’s deepening involvement in the Khalistan movement and its collaboration with Pakistan’s ISI must be scrutinized and curtailed for the sake of regional peace and security.

Moreover, it’s crucial to remember the sacrifices made by Sikh soldiers who bravely defended India from Chinese aggression during the Sino-Indian war. Pannun’s disrespect for these soldiers’ memory raises fundamental questions about his motives and allegiances. It’s a stark reminder that the pursuit of narrow agendas must not come at the cost of historical truth and the sacrifices of those who fought for their motherland.

In a world where complex alliances and hidden motivations abound, it is our duty to expose such partnerships that threaten global stability and undermine the sacrifices of brave soldiers who stood for their nations. Only through awareness, unity, and a commitment to truth can we safeguard the values that form the foundation of our societies.

ALSO READ: British Trade Secy criticizes the pro-Khalistan extremist attack on Indian High Commission

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British Trade Secy criticizes the pro-Khalistan extremist attack on Indian High Commission

Kemi Badenoch affirmed the British government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all diplomats…reports Asian Lite News

UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch condemned the attack on the Indian High Commission by pro-Khalistan extremists in March. She labelled the attack a ‘disgrace’, reported Khalsa Vox.

The High Commission of India in London was attacked in March by a group of about 50 persons, who committed criminal trespass, caused disrespect to the Indian National flag, damage to public property and injuries to officials of the High Commission of India.

The attack was organised by Gurcharan Singh, Dal Khalsa, UK; Avtar Singh Khanda of KLF, Jasvir Singh and many of their associates, both Indian and foreign nationals, who have been identified during the ongoing NIA investigations.

Badenoch further affirmed the British government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all diplomats, according to Khalsa Vox.

During a trade ministers’s session at the B20 Summit India 2023, Minister Badenoch stressed the complex issue of integration and the challenges posed by extremism.

“In any country, no matter how much of a global superpower, there will always be problems. In the UK, one of the most interesting things, and I say this as one of the immigrants to the country, is that quite a lot of the times people don’t integrate the way we want them to,” Badenoch said, emphasizing the intricacies of cultural assimilation.

The attack on Indian High Commission in London not only triggered the sanctity of diplomatic premises but also raised concerns about the safety of diplomats and the broader implications for international relations, reported Khalsa Vox.

“I personally thought that what happened, and I speak on behalf of the UK government—not just personally—was a disgrace,” she further said.

The UK prides itself on being a diverse and multicultural nation, but such an incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that can come up when extremist ideologies and separatist agendas take place.

In a world striving for peace and understanding, the attack on the Indian High Commission in London stands as a testament to the challenges that persist on the path towards harmonious coexistence.

According to Khalsa Vox, it is a reminder that nations must remain vigilant against extremist elements and work collectively to uphold the sanctity of diplomatic missions as symbols of cooperation and goodwill on the international stage.

Earlier in July, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that any direct attacks on the Indian High Commission in London are “completely unacceptable.”

He said the UK has made clear to the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami and the Indian government that the safety of staff at the High Commission is paramount.

“Any direct attacks on the Indian High Commission in London are completely unacceptable. We have made clear to @VDoraiswami and the Government of India that the safety of staff at the High Commission is paramount,” Cleverly said in a tweet. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Khalistan Dreams Unchecked as Canadian Sikhs Shrug Off Separatist Call

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Khalistan Dreams Unchecked as Canadian Sikhs Shrug Off Separatist Call

In ON’s Brampton City near Toronto, a very successful group of Punjabis engaged in the trucking business, employing over 100 young Sikh immigrants, viewed the Khalistan movement as a sheer waste of time. …reports Rajinder Singh Taggar

Most Sikhs settled in Canada are not interested in buying anything from the shops opened by the Khalistanis, who are failing to find sufficient ground to push forward their separatist agenda.

The consulting editor of Khalsa Vox recently travelled to parts of the two prominent provinces of Canada, Ontario (ON) and British Columbia (BC), to get a feel of the so-called Khalistan movement that periodically finds space in the media reports from abroad. Requests to some managers of the Khalistan market in Toronto and Vancouver to grant an on camera audience turned futile.

In BC’s Surrey, this correspondent contacted manager of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Harjit Singh, to seek an audience with the members of the management of the Sikh temple once headed by Late Hardeep Singh Nijjer, India’s designated terrorist. There was no response to the request. In ON’s Toronto City, a similar request was made – through a journalist friend – to Bhagat Singh, a son of Lakhbir Singh Rode (nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale), chief of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Later the journalist conveyed what Bhagat Singh said: “I will not talk to the Indian media.” Efforts to feel and understand the Khalistani perspective thus failed. 

Khalistan

In order to have feel of ground realities, this correspondent decided to meet a cross section of the Sikh Diaspora in parts of Canada.

In ON’s Brampton City near Toronto, a very successful group of Punjabis engaged in the trucking business, employing over 100 young Sikh immigrants, viewed the Khalistan movement as a sheer waste of time. The three partners of the company were unanimous in saying: “They (Khalistanis) have opened shops to collect money by misguiding people who do not have much work to do”, adding “Why don’t they go to Punjab to fight it out where Khalistan is to be made.” 

In ON’s Markham City, a retired Sikh Army man minced no words when he said that ‘saare ujjad ikthe hoye ne’ (they all are illiterate people)…’dharm de naam te Gurdwarea vich baith ke siasat krr rahe ne’ (in the name of religion, sitting in Gurdwaras, they are playing politics).

A radio host in Toronto informed Khalsa Vox that the majority of the Sikhs in Canada do not like their (Khalistanis) activities but, as they are a small violent group, none wants to take a risk. “There are divisions within the separatists, each accusing the other of being ‘touts’ of Pakistan or the Indian agencies,” the radio host disclosed. Such accusations linking Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) to Indian agencies are too common to hear. Pannun is the one who spearheads the Referendum 2020 voting exercise abroad.

In BC’s Kelowna City, this correspondent hired taxis as many as 8-times in three days of stay. All the drivers were young Punjabi Sikhs. During the short duration intra-city journey, none of the drivers expressed solidarity with the Khalistan movement. These drivers originally hailed from villages falling in Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana and Jalandhar districts. Only one seemed to be a fence sitter as he said, “I am not inclined towards activities of Khalistanis per se, but the topic needed to be discussed at length to reach at a conclusion.

A granthi at a Gurdwara in Montreal expressed his dismay as the management had put up pictures of some of the slain “terrorists” in the ‘langar’ hall in the basement of the Sikh temple. He strongly opposed suffixing the word ‘shaheed’ with the name of Deep Sidhu, founder of ‘Waris Punjab De’, who died in a road accident while travelling with his girl friend.

A group of high-earning Punjabi IT professionals working in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa reacted very candidly when asked to give their views on Khalistan: “Bhaji chhado, kehdia fizool gallan vich pe gaye ho…chalo glass chuko’. (Brother, leave it. Why are you getting into a trash topic…pick up your glass). Even after the evening get-to-gather, the young boys next morning did not exhibit any interest in the subject. Apparently, life for them was too good in a land of opportunities and they had no time for a non-issue.

ALSO READ: High security at Indian embassy in Washington for Khalistan rally

ALSO READ: UK announces new funding to deal with ‘pro-Khalistan’ extremism

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Canada vows to get tough on Khalistanis, reassures safety of Indian diplomats

Jaishankar had earlier said that Canada giving space to separatist elements was probably driven by “votebank politics”….reports Asian Lite News

Following the recent appearances of pro-Khalistani posters threatening Indian diplomats in Canada, authorities said law enforcement has been “engaged” to ensure their safety and security.

Despite New Delhi registering strong protests, an anti-India campaign continues in Canada with the latest poster, saying “wanted” and “kill India”, being put up near the entrance to the building housing the consulate in Vancouver.

As the poster, referring to Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was removed the same day on August 1, Canada’s internal security department, Public Safety Canada, said in a recent tweet that Ottawa will ensure the safety of all diplomats in the country. “There is no place in Canada for the incitement of violence.

Law enforcement has been engaged following the circulation of an online video in relation to threats against Indian diplomatic officials,” the tweet said.

“Canadian law enforcement and the Government continue to work to ensure the safety and security of all diplomatic representatives in Canada.”

The tweet didn’t specify much about the video threatening Indian diplomats.

But according to Global News, a July 21 clip posted on social media by pro-Khalistani Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) calls for people to “besiege” India’s diplomatic missions in Canada.

The video has been removed from YouTube for violating that platform’s terms of service, according to the news report.

Prior to this, similar posters were put up across the province of British Columbia threatening and holding High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and consul generals in Vancouver and Toronto responsible for Nijjar’s death.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankarhad  raised the issue of security of Indian diplomats with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the sidelines of ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting in Jakarta last month.

Jaishankar had earlier said that Canada giving space to separatist elements was probably driven by “votebank politics”.

“Actions of a few do not speak for an entire community or Canada,” Joly had said last month, adding that the country takes its obligations under the Vienna Conventions regarding the safety of diplomats very seriously.

ALSO READ: Canada PM Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie separate

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Investigation uncovers asylum seekers’ fabrication of Khalistan sympathies

Khalistan

Unfortunately, these manipulative tactics are not confined to the UK alone. Investigations have revealed comparable instances in the US and Canada as well…reports Asian Lite News

A recent investigation by The Daily Mail, a British tabloid, has uncovered that many asylum seekers in the UK are falsely claiming political affiliations to secure refugee status. Specifically, there has been a noticeable increase in claims of persecution due to support for the Khalistan separatist movement. However, it appears that this surge is more of a tactical maneuver rather than an accurate representation of the actual number of Khalistan sympathizers, which is still relatively low.

The Daily Mail’s undercover reporter, posing as an economic migrant from Punjab, India, exposed the dubious practices of certain UK-based law firms. These firms, it was found, were advising immigrants to fabricate tales of persecution as Khalistan supporters, a banned Sikh separatist movement in India, thereby giving them grounds for asylum.

These legal advisors, despite knowing their client lacked a legitimate reason to stay in the UK, concocted distressing backstories for the asylum applications, including allegations of sexual torture, beatings, slave labor, false imprisonment and death threats. One such solicitor, VP Lingajothy, reportedly demanded £10,000 for creating a fictitious narrative of this sort.

In addition, the lawyers promised to secure medical reports to support these false claims and provided antidepressants as ‘evidence’ of psychological trauma. These illicit services come at a cost, ranging from £4,000 to £10,000. The troubling fact is that these legal professionals are encouraging dishonesty, undermining the principles of integrity that are meant to underpin their profession.

Unfortunately, these manipulative tactics are not confined to the UK alone. Investigations have revealed comparable instances in the US and Canada as well.

Law enforcement agencies, disturbed by the attempts to portray India as a police state in false asylum claims, are closely examining the situation. There is concern that these schemes are not only misrepresenting the reality within India, but also fuelling pro-Khalistan sentiments abroad.

For instance, in a report by The Hindu Business Line, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) has been reported to supply letters to individuals looking to migrate to the US and Canada. These letters falsely allege persecution by the Indian government, laying grounds for a claim of political asylum.

Canada, known for its immigrant-friendly policies, has become another hotspot for this exploitative practice. A significant number of individuals falsely claiming to be Khalistani extremists have found a home in the North American country. This has reportedly strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada.

News of Edmonton-based student Karamjit Kaur’s stayed deportation had recently caused a stir, bringing several pertinent questions to the fore. One of them is the troubling misuse of Canada’s immigration laws under the banner of the Khalistan movement. How can authorities permit such exploitation of Canada’s legal structures? Kaur came to Canada five years ago on a student visa and then petitioned the Human Rights Court, claiming support for the Khalistan movement and falsely asserting threats to her life if she returns to India with the help of a lawyer.

Unfortunately, Canada’s inability to curb the radical elements allegedly inciting pro-Khalistan sentiments, with suspected support from Pakistan’s ISI, is exacerbating the situation. The country is inadvertently becoming a hub for pro-Khalistan radicalism, extremism, and violence, despite the fact that the majority of these so-called sympathizers are more focused on personal interests than anything else.

These false claims of Khalistan sympathy for asylum purposes not only corrupt the integrity of the asylum system but also skew the perceived numbers of actual Khalistan supporters. This goes to show that the actual number of Khalistan sympathizers remains relatively small, and a majority of the claims are merely self-serving exploitations of the immigration systems in the UK, US, and Canada.

ALSO READ-Asylum claim law firms in a spot