https://sputniknews.in/20240816/khalistani-protests-pose-threat-to-indian-diaspora-diplomatic-assets-abroad-8023441.html
Khalistani Protests Pose Threat to Indian Diaspora, Diplomatic Assets Abroad
Khalistani Protests Pose Threat to Indian Diaspora, Diplomatic Assets Abroad
Sputnik India
Western nations are increasingly using organised Khalistani protests to leverage their own diplomatic influence while stunting India's growth, experts revealed to Sputnik.
2024-08-16T20:23+0530
2024-08-16T20:23+0530
2024-08-16T20:23+0530
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On India’s Independence Day, Khalistani supporters vandalised the Indian flag near the Indian embassy in downtown Toronto, as reported by journalist Mocha Bezirgan on X. Similar protests took place in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, all organised by the banned in India group Sikhs for Justice.However, this is not the first occurrence in Canada or other Commonwealth countries, experts have informed Sputnik India.Roy suggested that Canada has a significant and influential Punjabi lobby that is both well-funded and politically active.Consequently, with several ministers from this demographic, Canadian political parties “are cautious not to offend these groups, allowing demonstrations to a certain extent,” he contended.The expert highlighted that Khalistanis are active and well-supported, using their resources and political backing to expand their influence, raising concerns about whether Western nations are managing the situation effectively.It's a complex issue because while democratic states permit protests, the actions of Khalistani groups, organised by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun a designated ‘terrorist’ in India, involve a broader conflict of interest, he affirmed.The reasons are unclear, but some political parties see these groups as crucial supporters, which makes sense for the US and Canada, he noted.‘Khalistan Criminals Find Refuge and Support in Western Countries’The goal appears to be, according to Roy, to “consistently embarrass the country in a way that avoids triggering major government action, thereby leveraging India while limiting its growth.”The ties between India and Canada, the expert asserted that “haven’t been at its best, making it hard to get them to act to limit the damage”.The military analyst noted that these criminals use religious networks to raise money and are involved in various criminal activities.Groups like the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Dal Khalsa are banned in India, but some escapees have found sanctuary in Western countries, which allow them to operate for political reasons, he argued.Some countries see these actions as freedom of speech, but groups like Sikhs for Justice, where Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has openly threatened attacks on the Indian Parliament and Air India, are not held accountable, he explained.The military pundit highlighted that protests in Western countries mainly threaten embassy security, not India's internal security, and the host nations are responsible for protecting Indian envoys and diplomatic facilities.
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Khalistani Protests Pose Threat to Indian Diaspora, Diplomatic Assets Abroad
Western nations are increasingly using organised Khalistani protests to leverage their own diplomatic influence while stunting India's growth, experts revealed to Sputnik.
On India’s Independence Day, Khalistani supporters vandalised the Indian flag near the Indian embassy in downtown Toronto, as reported by journalist Mocha Bezirgan on X. Similar protests took place in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, all organised by the banned in India group Sikhs for Justice.
However, this is not the first occurrence in
Canada or other
Commonwealth countries, experts have informed Sputnik India.
“It has become increasingly common for such Khalistani protests to be more organized and systematic, rather than being occasional or linked to specific commemorative events,” Dr Ash Narain Roy, Director, Institute of Social Science, told Sputnik India. “India isn't receiving the expected support from these governments, which may have led to these groups becoming bolder in their acts of vandalism and defacement.”
Roy suggested that Canada has a significant and influential Punjabi lobby that is both well-funded and politically active.
Consequently, with several ministers from this demographic, Canadian political parties “are cautious not to offend these groups, allowing demonstrations to a certain extent,” he contended.
The expert highlighted that Khalistanis are active and well-supported, using their resources and political backing to expand their influence, raising concerns about whether Western nations are managing the situation effectively.
It's a complex issue because while democratic states permit protests, the actions of Khalistani groups, organised by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun a designated ‘terrorist’ in India, involve a broader conflict of interest, he affirmed.
Therefore, Roy stressed that Western governments “must address this issue to avoid seeming ineffective or uncooperative, as failing to do so could be viewed as a broader failure in management and anticipation.”
The reasons are unclear, but some political parties see these groups as crucial supporters, which makes sense for the
US and Canada, he noted.
‘Khalistan Criminals Find Refuge and Support in Western Countries’
The goal appears to be, according to Roy, to “consistently embarrass the country in a way that avoids triggering major government action, thereby leveraging India while limiting its growth.”
The
ties between India and Canada, the expert asserted that “haven’t been at its best, making it hard to get them to act to limit the damage”.
There is no traction for the Khalistan movement in India; it is mainly supported by criminals who have found refuge in some Western countries, Maj Gen (Dr) S B Asthana, an International Strategic & Military Analyst told Sputnik India.
The military analyst noted that these criminals use religious networks to raise money and are involved in various criminal activities.
Groups like the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Dal Khalsa are banned in India, but some escapees have found sanctuary in Western countries, which allow them to operate for political reasons, he argued.
For instance, Asthana mentioned that, in Canada, “the ruling party seeks the support of the Sikh community, which is why it tolerates these groups.”
Some countries see these actions as freedom of speech, but groups like Sikhs for Justice, where Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has openly threatened attacks on the Indian Parliament and
Air India, are not held accountable, he explained.
The military pundit highlighted that protests in Western countries mainly threaten embassy security, not India's internal security, and the host nations are responsible for protecting Indian envoys and diplomatic facilities.
"If Justin Trudeau wants to have a Khalistan, let him have one Khalistan in Canada, as there's no real demand or support for Khalistan within India", Asthana concluded.
