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The Members of the Hindu Canada Forum wrote to the country’s Minister of Public Safety, Dominic Le Blanc, requesting protection of the nation’s Hindu population and community against aggressive Khalistani elements. The Hindu Forum Canada is an Ontario-based non-profit humanitarian organisation that campaigns for policies that aim at enhancing the main well-being of minority populations in Canada
Reasons for Protection
This comes amid a deterioration in India-Canadian ties after PM Justin Trudeau claimed on September 18, 2023, that the Indian government is solely responsible for the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. On June 18, 2023, Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist was killed outside the Gurudwara in a parking lot in Surrey, British Columbia.
This request for protection also comes after Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a designated Khalistani terrorist in a viral video stated that the pro-Khalistani Sikhs had constantly demonstrated their allegations to Canada and subsequently threatened the Indo-Canadian Hindus to leave the country. In the video, he said, “Hindus living in Canada, leave Canada as soon as possible.”
Details of the Letter
In a letter to Blanc, the forum expressed its serious worry over recent remarks made by the head and leader of the Sikhs For Justice banned organisation Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. We implore the authorities to treat this matter with utmost seriousness as it directly impacts the safety and security of Canadian citizens. Our alarm has been exacerbated by the dissemination of a hateful video on social media,” the Hindu Forum of Canada said.
According to the Forum, both Justin Trudeau and New Democratic Political leader Jagmeet Singh have previously justified similar occurrences as concerns of free expression. “We implore them to address Pannu’s threat to Indo-Canadian citizens, particularly, the Hindus residing in Canada. With the support of over a million Canadian Hindus, we earnestly beseech PM Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to recognise Pannu’s threat as a hate crime, the letter said.
“We anticipate that the Canadian authorities will take decisive decisions to address the matter. Will they persist in classifying this as an exercise of freedom of expression, or will they acknowledge the danger that has inadvertently befall Canadian citizens?” the letter added.
Message by Hindu Canada Forum
According to Hindu Forum Canada, the cornerstone of foreign partnerships is based on a long-term strategy of mutual benefit and it is critical that local reasons do not trump wise judgement. The Forum has stated that Pannu has stated unequivocally, on behalf of himself and his Khalistani comrades that they want to attack those who do not agree to their philosophy. These threats have been magnified and manifested in Canada and the Canadian government must not underestimate their significance.
Government Precautions
On September 20, 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warned Indian nationals and students in Canada and those travelling to Canada and advised them to exercise caution. The MEA also advised them to avoid visiting the areas where anti-India statements and activities are active. Students in particular have been asked to remain vigilant in all cases and emergency situations.
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