In a significant move, Canada’s House of Commons passed the ‘Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9)’ that has long sought action against the glorification of Khalistani extremism and attacks on places of worship.
This marks a major victory for the Indo-Canadian community in Canada.
According to a report by CNN-News18, the new law introduces criminal penalties for the public display of symbols linked to listed terrorist organisations and for acts that promote hatred against identifiable groups.
This includes outfits like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), both designated as terrorist entities under Canada’s Criminal Code.
Practices such as the display of Babbar Khalsa flags and the glorification of individuals linked to terror incidents, including the 1985 Air India bombing that killed 329 people, most of them Indo-Canadians, will now not be allowed.
This act also addresses a pattern of vandalism, protests and threats targeting Hindu temples and incidents that India has repeatedly flagged as a serious concern.
This law is seen as a response to India’s long-standing concerns that Canada has served as a safe haven for Khalistani extremists.
The move could also help in the extradition of terrorists and separatists sitting in Canada and spitting venom against India and Hindus.
