In the initial phase of balloting conducted in Canada’s British Columbia, an impressive turnout of over 135,000 voters showcased the passion and engagement of the Sikh community in the region
The Indian government and NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) find themselves deeply perturbed by the unfolding developments surrounding the second stage of the Sikh referendum in Canada, spearheaded by the Sikhs for Justice organization. This non-binding vote, aimed at addressing the issue of Sikh independence, has captured significant attention, reported vancouversun.com.
In the initial phase of balloting conducted in Canada’s British Columbia, an impressive turnout of over 135,000 voters showcased the passion and engagement of the Sikh community in the region. However, it is the forthcoming second stage of this referendum, scheduled for October 29, that has sparked fresh controversy. This phase introduces a provocative question regarding the alleged involvement of High Commissioner Sanjay Verma in the “assassination” of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as reported by vancouversun.com.
It’s important to note that local law enforcement authorities have not established any links between Nijjar’s tragic demise and foreign interference. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has remained tight-lipped regarding whether this assessment still stands.
The second stage of the Sikh referendum in Canada is amplifying tensions, both within the Sikh community and on the international stage, as it delves into highly contentious matters and continues to stoke the flames of the Sikh independence movement, while simultaneously irking the Indian government and NRIs
Surprisingly, both the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Consulate General of India in Vancouver have maintained their silence, declining to comment on the contentious referendum question. This silence reflects the sensitivity of the issue and the Indian government’s discomfort with the entire Sikh independence movement.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal advocate for an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, met a tragic end when he was fatally shot outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey on June 18. Homicide investigators are actively pursuing leads, seeking two “heavy-set” gunmen and the driver of a getaway car, a silver 2008 Toyota Camry.
The shocking assassination of Nijjar has not only elicited widespread outrage but has also led to protests outside Indian consulates, with accusations swirling about potential foreign involvement in this brutal murder. Consequently, this sequence of events has further strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying his “strong concerns” to his Canadian counterpart, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, regarding Canada’s handling of the Sikh referendum issue.
The second stage of the Sikh referendum in Canada is amplifying tensions, both within the Sikh community and on the international stage, as it delves into highly contentious matters and continues to stoke the flames of the Sikh independence movement, while simultaneously irking the Indian government and NRIs.
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