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News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Radicalised Khalistanis, A Canadian Problem
For years, Canada's mainstream parties have courted Sikh immigrants to win votes. Now, they pander to Khalistani extremists for political gains As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canada for the G7 summit, an unsettling scene greeted international media: young children brandished 'Khalistan" flags and even defaced a Hindu temple in Surrey with secessionist graffiti. These images of toddlers taught to chant separatist slogans sparked outrage in India and around the world. Spokesman Sudeep Singh of the revered Patna Sahib Gurdwara, the birthplace of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji warned that 'the way children were used in the protests is highly condemnable". Similarly, Sikh seminary leader Sarchand Singh Khyala condemned the videos as 'spreading hatred by brainwashing children". Dressed-up flags and violent symbols at public parades horrify many Sikhs abroad who see these stunts as political theatre, not Sikhism. Mainstream Sikh leaders make the same point: Khalistanis in Canada are a tiny fringe, not the Sikh community. In late realisation of sorts, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasised, 'Many supporters of Khalistan in Canada… do not represent the Sikh community as a whole." Leading Sikh voices echo this. Jasdip Singh Jassee of Sikhs of America reminds Americans that 'the vast majority of Sikhs globally, including in the US and Canada, do not support separatist agendas". In India, religious seats like Takht Patna Sahib and Damdami Taksal have publicly denounced the protests. Their message is unequivocal: the Khalistan protesters are not Sikh martyrs. Patna Sahib's spokesman notes that all of Sikhism's pending issues are being resolved in India, so 'there should not be such protests" against PM Modi, 'no Sikh can tolerate this". In fact, these Khalistani stunts run directly counter to Sikh teachings. Sikhism emphasises service and harmony, not hate or violence. Provincial Sikh leaders emphasise, 'Sikhs have protected mandirs (Hindu temples)", as their sacred Dharmic duty. Yet last April in Surrey, vandals scrawled 'Khalistan" on the pillars of Shree Lakshmi Narayana Mandir. This hate-crime—denounced by the temple as 'an attack on a sacred space"—would deeply sadden ordinary Sikhs. Jasdip Jassee said it was 'disgusting" that extremists chose Diwali (a Sikh-protected festival) to vandalise a mandir, calling it 'shameful" and against Sikh values. Similarly, Damdami Taksal (a mainstream Sikh seminary) has openly criticized Canadians who use children to insult India's PM, saying these pro-Khalistan people 'are spewing venom against India". These Sikh authorities unanimously emphasise that Khalistan is not a Sikh cause and certainly not one worth teaching to children. On the contrary, Sikhism is deeply Dharmic and Indian. From the Punjabi heartland to global diaspora, Sikhs celebrate their faith's founder Guru Nanak and their tenets of service (seva) and protection. India's own armed forces and civil institutions reflect Sikh contributions: for example, Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh (a Sikh) was made India's first Air Force Field Marshal, and Sikh generals have led the Army in multiple wars. Sikh entrepreneurs, scholars and saints likewise uplifted Indian society. For modern Sikhs, the idea of carving out a separate nation feels alien—only a 'microscopic" minority even entertains it. A former Punjab Chief Secretary notes that hardcore Khalistani ideologues are 'not even one percent" of Sikh population while many others view Khalistan more as a business or polarizing narrative. Polls agree—Punjab elections show pro-Khalistan candidates picking up well under 1–2 percent of votes in Sikh-majority districts. In short, the Khalistan idea has virtually no grassroots support back in India; it lives on only in select pockets abroad. So why does the Khalistan fringe loom so large in Canada? The answer lies in Canadian diaspora politics and foreign meddling. For years Canada's mainstream parties have courted Sikh immigrants to win votes, often ignoring their excesses. Observers note a growing consensus among all Canadian parties to pander to Khalistan sympathies for electoral gain. Minister S. Jaishankar put it bluntly: By giving radical Sikhs impunity, 'the Canadian government… is repeatedly showing that its vote bank is more powerful than its rule of law." Veteran broadcaster Terry Milewski described it as a dirty deal: Canadian MPs attend Sikh parades and 'look the other way" at posters of terrorists, in exchange for '10,000 votes… because the people of the gurdwaras will vote as we tell them". In such a climate, small separatist groups found refuge on Canadian soil under the banner of free speech. Worse, intelligence services have cynically empowered them. Indian officials repeatedly assert that Pakistan's ISI funds the Khalistani network in Canada. Union Minister Hardeep Puri openly called protesters 'kiraye ke tattu" (mercenaries on hire) whose demonstrations were staged 'from the neighbouring country [Pakistan] where they get funding." Security analysts back this up. Several top analysts observe that these activists have their own underworld and are often involved in deadly gang rivalries and are essentially 'helping Pakistanis spend whatever remains of their money". Indeed, he warns that Sikh extremists in Canada 'will continue to be funded and fuelled by the ISI". Put bluntly, this looks less like a grass-roots Sikh movement than a criminal-intelligence network. It is a problem imported into Canada by a hostile state, not spawned by Sikh communities. The political consequences in Canada have been dramatic. In the 2025 federal elections, Jagmeet Singh, NDP leader who long voiced support for Sikh protestors, saw his party collapse. Singh lost his own seat and announced he would step down as leader. Earlier, in September 2024, Singh had even 'ripped up" his confidence-and-supply deal with Trudeau's 'Liberals", erasing the government majority he once helped engineer. Meanwhile Trudeau's gamble backfired. As Sikh ally Singh turned on him, Trudeau's Liberals barely clung to power under newcomer Mark Carney. By early 2025 Trudeau himself resigned as a result of his Khalistan miscalculation. In short, Ottawa's flirtation with diaspora extremism not only frayed Canada-India ties, it torpedoed the careers of Western politicians. Against this turmoil, Sikhs have reaffirmed their core values. Sikh institutions wasted no time republishing lessons of unity. Damdami Taksal's Sarchand Singh praised PM Modi for resolving Sikh concerns 'not done in 70 years" by previous governments, noting Modi even received the SGPC's 'Qaumi Seva Award" for Sikh welfare. Jasdip Jassee urged local Sikh majorities to publicly condemn the Khalistan fringe, stressing Sikhism's long history of Hindu-Sikh oneness and harmony. Even survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots say their fight is now within India's democratic fabric, not through separatism. The real Sikh agenda is contributing to India's progress, not division. In the end, the Khalistan agitation proves to be a Canadian export problem. As journalist Terry Milewski notes, the movement in India is essentially dead; it survives only where foreign money flows. Canada's own spin on multiculturalism created a 'Khalistani Frankenstein's monster", normalised by political expediency. top videos View all Around the world, Sikhs insist that this beast is not their child. Sikhism is proudly Indian in heritage: its generals and air marshals defended India, its entrepreneurs and scholars build the nation. As one Patna Sahib leader put it simply, 'no Sikh can tolerate" these anti-India theatrics. The Khalistan crisis is Canada's headache, not a fault of the Sikh faith or its global community. (Rahul Pawa is an international criminal lawyer and director of research at New Delhi based think tank Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies. He tweets @imrahulpawa. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views) view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 18, 2025, 18:49 IST News opinion Opinion | Radicalised Khalistanis, A Canadian Problem Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘They are spreading hatred': Damdami Taksal criticises pro-Khalistan groups in Canada ahead of G7 Summit
In a rare public statement, Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal Monday openly criticised pro-Khalistan groups in Canada for their recent anti-India demonstrations ahead of the G7 Summit, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend. Professor Sarchand Singh Khyala, spokesperson for Damdami Taksal and a BJP leader, said in a statement, 'In the video, I can see that innocent children aged between five and seven years disrespecting the pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The pro-Khalistani people are spewing venom against India. They are spreading hatred by brainwashing children, and I strongly condemn this,' Khyala said. Khyala also praised PM Modi, who reached Canada Tuesday for the G7 Summit at Kananaskis in Alberta, for his efforts on behalf of the Sikh community. 'Sikhs are known for their brotherly harmony and for helping people. PM Modi has done a lot for our Sikh community. Whatever has not been done in the last 70 years, PM Modi has done it. This is the reason PM Modi has been awarded the Qaumi Seva Award by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for his contributions to the Sikh community,' he said. Khyala was the spokesperson for Damdami Taksal, and he has continued to communicate with the media on behalf of the organisation even after joining the BJP in January 2022 during the Punjab Assembly elections campaign. Damdami Taksal, which primarily focuses on training Sikh preachers, previously supported the BJP in Maharashtra during the 2024 Assembly polls. It maintains influence within the Sikh community through its network of trained preachers and maintains links to several gurdwaras, including some under SGPC management and others in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It was once led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the radical Sikh preacher who was killed in Operation Bluestar in 1984. Bhindranwale was seen as a prominent figure by many within the Damdami Taksal.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘No greater joy': Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma welcomes suggestion for Balwant Singh Rajoana as jathedar
Amritsar: Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal, which was once led by extremist Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, on Tuesday said it will welcome former CM Beant Singh assassination convict Balwant Singh Rajoana's potential appointment as the jathedar of Akal Takht. This endorsement lends significant credence to widespread rumours that a faction within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is advocating for Rajoana, who is incarcerated at Patiala central jail, to assume the position of Akal Takht jathedar. Asked about discussions regarding the Rajoana's appointment to the post, Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma said Rajoana had made a tremendous sacrifice for the 'panth' (Sikh community). "He is a highly respected personality in the panth and there could be no greater joy in welcoming him as jathedar," he said. Refraining from directly putting a demand for appointing Rajoana as the jathedar, Dhumma said there was still a need to establish rules and procedures for the appointment or retirement of jathedars. He said such procedures could take time and cannot be created hastily or based solely on the opinion of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo He said this required the consensus of Sikhs worldwide, Sikh scholars, saints, Damdami Taksal, Nihang Singh organisations, various sects (Sikh Sampradas), and more. Last week, Damdami Taksal had managed to force the SGPC and Akal Takht to withdraw Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj from delivering a speech on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar on June 6. The taksal had objected to what it described as Giani Gargaj's appointment to the post being "against maryada (Sikh tenets)". Gianji Gargaj not delivering a speech meant that the Akal Takht secretariat and SGPC had altered an established tradition of the jathedar delivering a speech on the occasion. On Monday, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhammi visited the headquarters of Damdami Taksal at Mehta Chowk, near Amritsar, and got it to postpone its decision of protesting outside SAD chief Sukhbir Badal's house in Badal village. The influence of Rajoana within a faction of the SAD and his perceived closeness to the Badal family gained credence from a decision made by the SGPC in the recent past after it temporarily deferred to a portrait of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the Central Sikh Museum following a two-page letter from Rajoana, penned on May 14 from Central Jail, Patiala, to Dhami. MSID:: 121755028 413 |
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Dhumma's Bluestar event messaging went beyond Gargaj, had a Patna Sahib outreach
Jalandhar: On the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar at Akal Takht, Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma-led Damdami Taksal showed it clout by not letting Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to speak or honour the families of the "martyrs" (people who were killed in the Army action in 1984), but the messaging went beyond this. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Damdami Taksal also made it a point to invite two Takht Patna Sahib high priests and give them prominence at a function held at its Mehta Chowk headquarters on the same day. These high priests were barred by Akal Takht on May 21 from 'panthic services'. Both priests, along with three others, retaliated on the same day by declaring the jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Damdama Sahib "tankhaiya" and summoned Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. The two high priests in question were Patna Sahib head granthi Giani Baldev Singh and granthi Gurdial Singh. Both, along with three other priests, issued another directive on June 1, giving Sukhbir an extension and asking him to appear before them on June 10 to present his side, warning him with "stringent action" if he failed to do so. To communicate the message further, both were made to stand next to Darbar Sahib head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh when he addressed the congregation. Two others who were made to flank him included Darbar Sahib granthi Palwinderpal Singh, a former student of taksal, and a representative from Takht Hazur Sahib. Baldev Singh also addressed the congregation. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami also addressed the function, while quite a few granthis of Darbar Sahib and leaders of different sampardas (traditional groups) attended the gathering. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A press statement issued by the taksal mentioned Raghbir Singh as "jathedar", while former Kesgarh Sahib jathedar Giani Sultan Singh, who is now working as granthi at Darbar Sahib, was mentioned as Kesgarh Sahib jathedar. Both Raghbir Singh and Sultan Singh were unceremoniously sacked from their posts of jathedars in March, and their removal led to a big controversy. Taksal chief Baba Dhumma has been agitating against their removal and has been objecting to Gargaj's appointment and taking charge as jathedar, arguing that 'maryada' was not followed. At the June 6 function at Akal Takht, Gargaj gave his message through the 'ardas'. While Baba Dhumma got an upper hand as his point prevailed, Gargaj, after the function, gained some sympathy from the community members. The tradition of Akal Takht jathedar not giving his message on that day was broken to avert a clash. Box – Clash between Akal Takht and Patna Sahib clergy Five Sikh high priests at Akal Takht, including Akal Takht acting jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Tek Singh Dhanaula, in their meeting on May 21 held that an earlier directive by Akal Takht on Dec 6, 2022, about Baldev Singh and Gurdial Singh was not complied with, and barred them from rendering panthic services. At that time, Giani Harpreet Singh was acting jathedar of Akal Takht. The May 21 directive also explicitly mentioned that Baldev Singh was not fit to render services at Takht Patna Sahib or in the panthic sphere. Both priests were also asked to appear at Akal Takht and present their side. Until then, they were barred from rendering 'panthic services'. The Akal Takht directive also asked the Takht Patna Sahib management committee to appear at Akal Takht and present its side. Hours after this directive, the five granthis (priests) of Takht Patna Sahib, including Baldev Singh and Gurdial Singh, hit back by declaring Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Tek Singh Dhanaula 'tankhaiya'. They asked Sukhbir Singh Badal to appear there for "his interference and being a conspirator" in the whole affair and asked the Patna Sahib management committee to not appear at Akal Takht. They also held that from now on, no directive from Akal Takht or from any other yakht would be implemented at Takht Patna Sahib nor complied with. When Baba Dhumma announced his opposition to Gargaj's address, to further buttress his case, he prominently cited the Takht Patna Sahib clergy declaring him 'tankhaiya'. MSID:: 121707935 413 |
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Under pressure, Akal Takht jathedar skips speech on Operation Bluestar anniversary; breaks tradition; SGPC chief steps in, honours ‘martyrs'
Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, along with a large group of supporters, arrived early Friday morning at the Akal Takht, underscoring the Taksal's firm opposition. Baba Harnam Singh had previously urged the SGPC to prevent Giani Gargaj from speaking and claimed backing from various Sikh sects, Nihang Singh groups, and other religious bodies. Breaking with long-standing tradition, Giani Gargaj neither spoke nor honoured the families of those recognised as 'martyrs'—Sikhs who lost their lives during the 1984 military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Instead, the ceremony of honour was carried out by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami. However, Giani Gargaj did perform the ardas (prayer) marking the solemn occasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Following the ardas, activists from radical Sikh organisations raised pro-Khalistan slogans, brandishing posters depicting the damaged Akal Takht and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th chief of Damdami Taksal who was killed during the Army operation. On the other hand, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand—the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht appointed at a gathering held under the name of Sarbat Khalsa—delivered his address to the community from within the Akal Takht complex. Ardas by Giani Gargaj During the ardas, Giani Gargaj prayed for strength, unity, and harmony within the Khalsa Panth, seeking blessings for the community to emulate its warriors and martyrs. He voiced concerns over alleged efforts to dilute Sikh identity nationwide and condemned perceived anti-Sikh govt policies targeting Sikh articles of faith (kakaars). He appealed for communal unity in demanding the release of all Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Highlighting the targeted killings of Sikhs both in India and abroad, he asserted that Punjab remains the sacred homeland of Sikhs and must never become a battlefield. Giani Gargaj prayed for adherence to the principle of unity and peace, as demonstrated during the commemorations of the Ghallughara, and called for continued unity among Sikh taksals, religious organisations, and Nihang sampradas under the Khalsa's Nishan Sahib. Activists from radical Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Dal Khalsa, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale raised slogans in support of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Khalistan movement. BOXES Opposition to 'crusade' religious conversion events Speaking to mediapersons, Giani Gargaj strongly condemned planned events being held in Batala city under the term, 'crusade,' linked to religious conversions. He stated Punjab, sanctified by Sikh Gurus, should not be a ground for sowing hatred. Emphasising compassion, he urged the Sikh community to embrace those who have shifted toward other faiths and expressed hope that the 'Khuar hoye sab milenge' campaign for religious preaching would address conversions effectively. Concern over jathedar's position Sarchand Singh, former spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), said, "For the first time since 1984, the jathedar of the Akal Takht was compelled to forgo delivering the customary message on Ghallughara Diwas amid widespread protests due to his politically controversial appointment in violation of maryada—the Sikh code of conduct." He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, along with a large group of supporters, arrived early Friday morning at the Akal Takht, underscoring the Taksal's firm opposition. Baba Harnam Singh had previously urged the SGPC to prevent Giani Gargaj from speaking and claimed backing from various Sikh sects, Nihang Singh groups, and other religious bodies. Breaking with long-standing tradition, Giani Gargaj neither spoke nor honoured the families of those recognised as 'martyrs'—Sikhs who lost their lives during the 1984 military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Instead, the ceremony of honour was carried out by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami. However, Giani Gargaj did perform the ardas (prayer) marking the solemn occasion. Following the ardas, activists from radical Sikh organisations raised pro-Khalistan slogans, brandishing posters depicting the damaged Akal Takht and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th chief of Damdami Taksal who was killed during the Army operation. On the other hand, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand—the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht appointed at a gathering held under the name of Sarbat Khalsa—delivered his address to the community from within the Akal Takht complex. Ardas by Giani Gargaj During the ardas, Giani Gargaj prayed for strength, unity, and harmony within the Khalsa Panth, seeking blessings for the community to emulate its warriors and martyrs. He voiced concerns over alleged efforts to dilute Sikh identity nationwide and condemned perceived anti-Sikh govt policies targeting Sikh articles of faith (kakaars). He appealed for communal unity in demanding the release of all Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Highlighting the targeted killings of Sikhs both in India and abroad, he asserted that Punjab remains the sacred homeland of Sikhs and must never become a battlefield. Giani Gargaj prayed for adherence to the principle of unity and peace, as demonstrated during the commemorations of the Ghallughara, and called for continued unity among Sikh taksals, religious organisations, and Nihang sampradas under the Khalsa's Nishan Sahib. Activists from radical Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Dal Khalsa, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale raised slogans in support of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Khalistan movement. BOXES Opposition to 'crusade' religious conversion events Speaking to mediapersons, Giani Gargaj strongly condemned planned events being held in Batala city under the term, 'crusade,' linked to religious conversions. He stated Punjab, sanctified by Sikh Gurus, should not be a ground for sowing hatred. Emphasising compassion, he urged the Sikh community to embrace those who have shifted toward other faiths and expressed hope that the 'Khuar hoye sab milenge' campaign for religious preaching would address conversions effectively. Concern over jathedar's position Sarchand Singh, former spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), said, "For the first time since 1984, the jathedar of the Akal Takht was compelled to forgo delivering the customary message on Ghallughara Diwas amid widespread protests due to his politically controversial appointment in violation of maryada—the Sikh code of conduct." He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
