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As diplomatic relations between India and Canada begin to show signs of improvement, Khalistani organizations appear displeased with the development. The US-based separatist outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has once again stirred controversy by issuing threats against Indian diplomatic missions.

SFJ has announced plans to surround and “occupy” the Indian Consulate in Vancouver. The group also circulated a poster targeting India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik.

Threat issued through posters

In its posters, SFJ alleged that the Indian Embassy in Canada is running surveillance operations against Khalistan supporters. It further warned that Indo-Canadians scheduled to visit the consulate on September 19 for visa or passport services should reschedule their appointments.

Nijjar’s killing raised again

The group revived the controversy surrounding the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. SFJ claimed that despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement in Parliament linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s murder, Indian intelligence activities continue on Canadian soil.

The outfit also alleged that threats against Khalistani leaders are so serious that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had to extend witness protection to Inderjit Singh Gosal, who took charge of the Khalistan Referendum campaign after Nijjar’s death. SFJ said the planned seizure of the consulate is meant to “hold Indian agencies accountable.”

Canadian report highlights extremist funding

Adding weight to these concerns, a recent Canadian government report noted that extremist Khalistani groups continue to receive financial backing from individuals and networks within Canada. The report specifically named banned organizations like Babbar Khalsa International and International SYF, both listed as terrorist outfits under Canadian law.

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