The controversial Sikh group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has sparked a fresh wave of concern by putting up provocative posters in Surrey, British Columbia, advocating for a "referendum" on the creation of a separate state outside of India. This comes in the wake of the tragic killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18, believed to be related to a gang conflict, according to media reports.
According to insiders, the SFJ plans to organize a "referendum" event in Vancouver on October 29, following a protest scheduled to commence on October 21 from Surrey to the Indian consulate. These posters are the latest in a series of inflammatory actions taken by the SFJ, which had previously called for the assassination of Indian high commission to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma, as well as consul generals Manish and Apoorva Srivastava.
Advertisement
Amid these developments, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has upgraded the security of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Z category. This move was prompted by new posters put up by Khalistani groups in Canada, featuring images of the minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and calling for their assassination.
The situation has also seen the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay, summoned to South Block, where India conveyed a strong protest. They urged the Canadian government to promptly remove the contentious posters at Surrey Gurudwara, investigate the threats against the Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister, and India's top diplomat in Canada, and take decisive action against those responsible. A parallel protest was also registered with Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa.
Advertisement
In light of these escalating threats, Jaishankar will now receive protection from the VIP security wing of the Central Reserve Security Force (CRPF), a move typically reserved for individuals with the highest threat perception. Delhi Police officials have also received intelligence regarding threats to Jaishankar from separatist groups.
It's worth noting that Nijjar's tragic death has turned into a significant diplomatic crisis, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting a "potential link" between Indian government agents and the killing. India vehemently refuted these allegations as "absurd and motivated," leading to the suspension of new visas for Canadians on September 22.
Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has expressed a desire for private talks with India to resolve the diplomatic dispute, which has escalated to the point where India requested the withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats. Trudeau has indicated that Canada aims to approach the situation responsibly and constructively, although they have not yet shared credible evidence with India.
