India recently summoned Canada’s High Commissioner over concerns about Sikh protesters. The protesters have been demonstrating in front of the Indian embassy in Ottawa, demanding justice for the victims of the 1984 Sikh riots in India.
The Canadian government has been accused of providing a platform for Sikh separatists to spread their anti-India propaganda. This has caused a strain on the relationship between the two countries.
The Indian government has expressed its concerns to the Canadian government, urging them to take action against the protesters and not allow such anti-India activities on Canadian soil.
The protests have also raised questions about the Canadian government’s stance on the issue of Sikh separatism. The Indian government has accused Canada of supporting the Khalistan movement, which aims to create a separate Sikh state in India.
The history of the Sikh riots in India
In 1984, the Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for the Indian Army’s attack on the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine, earlier that year. The assassination led to widespread riots in which thousands of Sikhs were killed.
The Indian government has been criticized for its handling of the riots and for not bringing the perpetrators to justice. The issue remains a sensitive topic for Sikhs around the world, and many continue to demand justice for the victims.
The role of Sikh separatists
Sikh separatism is a movement that advocates for a separate Sikh state, known as Khalistan, to be created in India. The movement has been active for several decades and has been responsible for several acts of violence in India.
The Indian government has accused Canada of supporting the Khalistan movement by allowing Sikh separatists to operate freely in the country. Canada has denied these allegations, stating that it supports a peaceful resolution to the issue of Sikh separatism.
The impact of the protests on India-Canada relations
The protests have put a strain on the relationship between India and Canada, with the Indian government urging Canada to take action against the protesters. The Canadian government, on the other hand, has stated that it supports the right to peaceful protest.
The issue has also raised questions about the Canadian government’s stance on the issue of Sikh separatism. The Indian government has accused Canada of supporting the Khalistan movement, while Canada has denied these allegations.
