Biarritz: 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)
The relations between the two nations soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of playing a role in Nijjar’s killing last month…reports Asian Lite News
A little over 50 per cent of Canadians want their country to decrease tensions with India over Khalistani hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing, and engage in diplomatic talks, according to a poll.
A Nanos Research poll commissioned by CTV News revealed that a substantial 57 per cent of Canadians would prefer the country decrease tensions and engage in diplomatic talks about the murder, which occurred outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.
The relations between the two nations soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of playing a role in Nijjar’s killing last month, leading to expulsion of diplomats and New Delhi calling the charges “absurd”.
About one in four respondents said they want Canada to further investigate the accusations, and one in 10 (11 per cent) said they want Canada to “be patient” and do nothing for now.
Residents in Quebec province were more likely to say they want Canada to engage in tension-reducing measures (65 per cent) than in British Columbia, where 50.3 per cent chose diplomatic talks.
Three quarters of Canadians said they believe (47 per cent), or somewhat believe (27 per cent), Trudeau’s statement that he obtained intelligence that implicates India in Nijjar’s killing.
Nearly one in five said they do not (10 per cent) or somewhat do not believe (eight per cent) Prime Minister Trudeau, said the survey, which sampled 1,058 Canadians.
Seventy-nine per cent of respondents above 55 years of age were more likely to believe or somewhat believe Prime Minister Trudeau’s statement than younger Canadians (69 per cent) between 18-34 years age group.
A Financial Times report said that Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly held a secret meeting with Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar in Washington last month to solve the diplomatic row.
Joly on Wednesday said diplomacy is always better when conversations remain private, underscoring that she will continue to take the same approach when it comes to India.
Nijjar, chief of banned terror organisation Khalistan Tiger Force, was wanted in India for links to terrorist activities and spearheading the Khalistan referendum vote in Canada.
Mr. Bloom voiced his apprehensions regarding Western governments’ inaction in confronting the troubling and assertive conduct exhibited by certain individuals within the Sikh community….reports Dr. Jasneet Bedi
Colin Bloom, a former adviser to the UK government and renowned author, has raised a red flag regarding the growing menace of Khalistan extremism in Western countries.
In a recent interview, Mr. Bloom expressed his concerns over the lack of action by Western governments in addressing this sinister and aggressive behavior among some members of the Sikh community.
This article delves into his observations and emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to counteract this disturbing trend.
It is crucial to note that the majority of the Sikh population in Western countries does not endorse extremist ideologies.
These radical elements within the community are causing immense frustration and disappointment among law-abiding Sikh individuals who want no part in such activities.
So that we are clear. The #Sikh Gurdwara committee in a Glasgow Gurdwara put on a community reception to host the Indian High Commissioner @VDoraiswami. A group of out of town Pro Khalistan activists turn up and physically intimidate the local Sikh committee, and try and attack…
Colin Bloom highlights the Western governments’ failure to address and tackle the rise of extremist and aggressive behavior within the Sikh community.
He asserts that British Sikhs, who have reached out to him, feel abandoned by their government. The same sentiments likely echo in Canada and the United States, where similar issues persist.
Mr. Bloom insists that Western governments, including the UK, US, and Canada, should collaborate to address this growing concern. He calls for stronger efforts to protect Sikhs who distance themselves from extremist elements.
Khalistan
Urgent Need for Action
The recent incident in which a Sikh restaurant owner’s car was shot at and vandalized in West London demonstrates the gravity of the situation. It is clear that these extremist elements pose a significant threat to both individuals and communities.
Mr. Bloom urges the British government, as well as other Western governments, to step up their efforts to protect those who want nothing to do with such extremism.
He also emphasizes the importance of monitoring online materials, as they can play a pivotal role in radicalization. If left unchecked, this issue could spiral out of control, leading to more intimidation and harm to innocent people.
False Appearance of Legitimacy
Colin Bloom’s report for the UK government warns that some pro-Khalistan Sikh groups aim to inflate their influence by masquerading as human rights activists.
These groups present a false image of legitimacy while engaging in subversive, sectarian, and discriminatory activities. It is vital to recognize that the actions of these fringe groups do not represent the true nature of the broader Sikh community in Western countries.
Colin Bloom’s report and his recent comments highlight the pressing need for Western governments to address the escalating Khalistan extremism issue. The disruption of events involving Indian officials, threats against vocal individuals, and the potential for further harm necessitate immediate attention and action.
It is incumbent upon Western governments to protect their Sikh communities from the divisive and dangerous actions of a small minority while upholding the values of free speech and religious freedom. Failure to do so may allow this issue to spiral out of control, harming more people and damaging the fabric of multicultural societies.
More than 100 locals, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus, gathered outside the consulate to show their support.
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the Indian consulate in San Francisco on Saturday to show solidarity after the consulate was vandalised by extremist and separatist elements last week.
More than 100 locals, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus, gathered outside the consulate to show their support. In order to emphasise their unity, the supporters were spotted hoisting both the American flag and the Indian tricolour. The diaspora also chanted ‘Vande Matram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ in loud voices during the gathering.
There were a few verbal altercations between the diaspora and Khalistan supporters who have been camping outside in tents for more than five days now.
Another pro-Khalistan protest in favour of Amritpal Singh has been scheduled for Saturday outside the consulate.
Speaking to ANI, US Congressional Candidate CA17, Ritesh Tandon said that he is proud of the people from the Sikh community as well as all the other Indian communities who participated in the support rally for Indian Consulate General in San Francisco.
He also condemned the attack and said that the government of San Francisco failed to provide security in such a situation.
“It is sad to see that San Francisco Government failed to provide security to our Government officials, and at the same time, they allowed people to camp outside. As far as I know, no arrest is made, despite the violence by Khalistani supporters,” Tandon told ANI.
He also demanded a prompt investigation into the violence and added such attacks anywhere are unacceptable.
“I would like to call for a prompt investigation into this unacceptable violence by Khalistanis. Any attack against diplomats or diplomatic facilities anywhere is unacceptable. We remind the Government of San Francisco and the US of its responsibility under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to protect foreign diplomats in the US,” he said.
After vandalism in London, Khalistan supporters attacked the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, following which the videos of supporters breaking the doors and barging into the office surfaced on social media.
“I like to assure our consulate, we are standing with you and we are always with you. Today all of us have left our jobs and we are here to support you. You can count on us. I hope that US government will act fast and take severe action and punish the culprits, so in future, no one will dare to repeat such incidents. Also, I would like to ask US government to take steps to secure all Indian consulate offices across the US and ensure that in future such incidents are never repeated,” Tandon told ANI.
A community leader, Satish Vale, showcasing his support to India said that the attack on Indian Consulate was disturbing to the world community as a whole.
#WATCH | United States: Indians gather outside the Indian consulate in San Francisco in support of India's unity pic.twitter.com/tuLxMBV3q0
“CGI-SFO was attacked a week back by fringe elements which was disturbing to not only Indian Americans but whole world community. We want show our solid support & solidarity to India and also show desh bhakti. Great to meet new brothers & sisters irrespective of religion & region,” he said.
In a separate statement, another community leader, Gaurang Desai told ANI, “It was truly heartening to see people of all backgrounds (Hindu, Sikhs and Muslims) and ages show up in solidarity with India against violence perpetrated by Khalistani terrorists who damaged Indian embassy in San Francisco. I am also disappointed that none of the Bay Area elected officials has condemned this act of violence against India.”
Calling the attack on Consulate in the US an ‘unceremonious’ one, poet and social activist Archana Panda said that Indians gathered in a huge crows today in front of the CGI office in San Francisco to portray solidarity and patriotism.
“To portray solidarity and patriotism to Mother India, Indians gathered in a huge score today in front of the CGI office in San Francisco to condemn the unceremonious attack on the CGI office by the Khalistani troupe. The whole area was echoing with unanimous cheers and chorus from dedicated Indian diaspora who stood together to honour heritage and legacy of our Matrabhumi!,” she told ANI.
More than 200 protesters waving Khalistan flags descended upon the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Wednesday this week for a planned demonstration amid a heightened security presence of the San Francisco Police Department (SFDP).
Unlike the violent disorder on Sunday when the Consulate came under attack, the protesters were heavily barricaded across the road with uniformed SFPD officers standing guard and patrolling the area.
Protesters waving Khalistan flags gathered outside the Indian Consulate amid heightened security, in San Francisco on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)
Regarding the attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco, the visuals circulated online showed a huge mob brandishing Khalistan flags mounted on wooden poles, using them to smash glass doors and windows of the consulate building. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans as they broke through makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and installed two Khalistani flags inside the premises.
In a meeting with the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi on Monday this week, India conveyed its strong protest at the vandalisation of the property of the Consulate General of India, San Francisco.
“The US Government was reminded of its basic obligation to protect and secure diplomatic representation. It was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Our Embassy in Washington D.C. also conveyed our concerns to the US State Department along similar lines,” read the Ministry of External Affairs press release. (ANI)
British High Commissioner Alex Ellis condemned the “disgraceful acts” outside the Indian High Commission, calling it totally unacceptable…reports Asian Lite News
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly responded to the attack on Indian High Commission and called the attack by the Khalistani elements “unacceptable” in a statement on Thursday.
Cleverly said in a statement that the acts of violence towards staff at the Indian High Commission in London are unacceptable. He said that the police investigation is ongoing and UK Government is in close contact with the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian government in New Delhi. “We are working with the Metropolitan Police to review security at the Indian High Commission, and will make the changes needed to ensure the safety of its staff as we did for today’s (Wednesday) demonstration,” the statement said further.
Suspected pro-Khalistan supporters on Wednesday held a fresh demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in the UK. However, unlike the earlier demonstration during which the tricolour was taken down and an attempt made to raise the Khalistan flag, the protest this time was confined behind police barricades.
The statement released by the UK Foriegn Secretary further said, “We will always take the security of the High Commission, and all foreign missions in the UK, extremely seriously, and prevent and robustly respond to incidents such as this.”
Highlighting the UK-India relationship, he further said that both nations’ relations are driven by “deep personal connections” and are thriving.
“Our joint 2030 Roadmap guides our relationship and shows what we can achieve when we work together, creating new markets and jobs for the two countries and helping to tackle shared challenges. We want to build deeper ties between the UK and India for the future,” the statement said further.
Since the weekend, several uniformed officers had been patrolling the area in Aldwych and Metropolitan Police vans were stationed at India Place.
Earlier on Wednesday, barricades from outside British High Commission in New Delhi were removed.
The seniormost UK diplomat in New Delhi was summoned on Sunday night after the Indian High Commission was vandalised, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official release earlier.
An explanation was demanded about the complete absence of British security that allowed suspected pro-Khalistan elements to enter the High Commission premises. The diplomat was reminded in this regard of the basic obligations of the UK Government under the Vienna Convention.
“India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK Government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK,” the MEA release said.
British High Commissioner Alex Ellis condemned the “disgraceful acts” outside the Indian High Commission, calling it totally unacceptable.
“I condemn the disgraceful acts today against the people and premises of the High Commission of India – totally unacceptable,” British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis tweeted earlier.
The desecration of the national flag last Sunday led to an unprecedented outpouring of support from the diverse Indian community settled in Britain. (ANI)
