“The latest statistics (2021) point out that there were approximately 1.4 million people of Indian origin residing in Canada. Among them, a significant proportion identify as Punjabi, the community that constitutes the largest ethnic group among Indian immigrants.”
As per reports, out of the total layoffs, around 30 to 40 percent of Indian IT professionals, many of whom were H-1B and L1 visa holders. The revision in the immigration policy has given a new lease of life to such professionals who were being forced to move back to India.
The Khalistan movement, which has seen sporadic support from the Indian diaspora in Canada, has recently found champions among several lawmakers who, despite the divisive implications, seem to be uninformed of the broad consensus within the Indian community.
The Indian diaspora in Canada is one of the largest and most significant immigrant communities in the country, with its roots dating back to the late 19th century. The latest statistics (2021) point out that there were approximately 1.4 million people of Indian origin residing in Canada. Among them, a significant proportion identify as Punjabi, the community that constitutes the largest ethnic group among Indian immigrants, reported associatestimes.com.
According to the 2016 Canadian Census, over 500,000 Canadians reported Punjabi as their mother tongue, highlighting the substantial presence of Punjabis in the country. The community has made significant contributions to Canadian society, economy, and culture, and their perspectives hold considerable influence within the broader discussions about India-Canada relations.
According to a recent survey conducted by Associates Times, only 2% of the Indian diaspora in Canada, most from Punjab, supports the Khalistan agenda. This minute fraction of supporters is in stark contrast with the overwhelming majority. Over 98% of respondents view the Khalistan movement as a device of anti-national elements designed to disrupt and distress the common public in Punjab.
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The survey results also unveiled unsettling information about certain high-profile Canadian politicians and individuals. Reportedly, these persons are using the Khalistan issue for personal gain, raising eyebrows about their true intentions
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Some have been securing substantial funds from sympathisers of the Khalistan cause on a weekly or monthly basis, purportedly to aid families suffering back in India under government policies. However, the respondents cast doubts on whether these funds are being sent to India at all
Analysts fear that the Canadian politicians’ stance, seemingly guided more by short-term political calculations than a nuanced understanding of the complex realities on the ground, may have dire consequences in future. They warn that these politicians’ endorsement of the Khalistan movement could unnecessarily fan the flames of an issue that is largely seen by the Indian community as a propaganda tool rather than a genuine call for independence.
The detailed survey conducted by Associates Times took place in several key regions of Canada with a significant Indian diaspora, primarily in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. In these regions, where many Punjabi Indians reside, a large number of respondents vehemently rejected the Khalistan propaganda. They expressed the belief that only a small group of people is driving the push for Khalistan, leading to suspicions of ulterior motives behind this agenda.
The survey results also unveiled unsettling information about certain high-profile Canadian politicians and individuals. Reportedly, these persons are using the Khalistan issue for personal gain, raising eyebrows about their true intentions. Some have been securing substantial funds from sympathisers of the Khalistan cause on a weekly or monthly basis, purportedly to aid families suffering back in India under government policies. However, the respondents cast doubts on whether these funds are being sent to India at all.
Several respondents pointed out an alarming trend: a few individuals who are unemployed are seemingly making millions by claiming they are collecting funds to support the struggling families in India. Instead of sending this aid to India as promised, they are allegedly pocketing these donations for personal enrichment. Some are said to be building houses and establishing businesses in Canada with these ill-gotten funds, amounting to large-scale fraud. The revelation has caused shockwaves throughout the community, raising questions about accountability and the true nature of the Khalistan movement in Canada.
Political support for Khalistan sympathisers from Canadian politicians may have far-reaching implications for the diplomatic relations between Canada and India. The bilateral relationship between these two countries has historically been cordial, with robust exchanges in the fields of trade, education, defence, and technology.
However, Canada’s apparent endorsement of the Khalistan movement can be viewed as interference in India’s internal affairs, which may potentially strain this relationship. As the survey indicates, a majority of the Indian diaspora in Canada disapproves of the Khalistan agenda, meaning that politicians who continue to support this movement could be jeopardising Canada’s standing with one of the world’s largest economies.
India has on multiple occasions communicated its concern to Canada about the support for the Khalistan movement from some Canadian entities. The Indian government has consistently held the position that the Khalistan issue is a matter of India’s internal affairs and that any support from foreign entities for separatist movements is unacceptable.
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