Amritsar: The BJP has raised serious concerns over the “growing spread of Khalistani extremism” within sections of Sikh organisations in Canada, particularly in Ontario.Punjab BJP spokesperson Sarchand Singh said on Monday that the recent conflicts within the Sikh diaspora were not routine community disputes but reflected a deeper attempt by certain groups to impose ideological dominance in the name of Sikh identity, rights and justice.He alleged that threats, misuse of gurdwara platforms and efforts to silence dissent indicated a shift from rhetoric to organised attempts to control institutions.He emphasised that Sikh identity and Khalistani extremism were distinct, adding that the global Sikh community did not support violence. However, without naming anyone, Sarchand Singh claimed that some factions exploited religious sentiments and the legacy of 1984 for political purposes.Referring to the historical context, the BJP leader pointed out that Punjab witnessed over 21,000 deaths during militancy between 1981 and 2000, with civilians being the worst affected. He also cited the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing as evidence of the dangers of extremism.Highlighting the developments in the recent past, he said that the Canadian agencies had acknowledged the presence of extremist networks involved in funding and promoting violence.Sarchand Singh warned that misuse of religious and charitable institutions could deepen divisions within the community.Meanwhile, a source in Canada informed that self-styled leaders operating under the Khalistan banner, in recent days, announced an “international-level” campaign, calling for large protests on April 5 outside the Triveni temple in Brampton and the Lakshmi Narayan temple in Surrey to showcase their strength. However, the plan fell apart as only 10 supporters attempted to gather, and they too were stopped by the police from approaching the temple areas.Despite heavy deployment, anticipating 50-100 participants, the turnout remained negligible, exposing the gap between claims and ground reality.Adding to the irony, the source informed that earlier claims of around 1,35,000 participants in a Surrey “referendum” have now come under question, as most supporters appear “missing”, adding that the authorities were reportedly “searching” for these supporters, even as critics warned that such activities undermined Sikh values and reflected a worrying trend within sections of the diaspora.MSID:: 130056666 413 |
