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Another Canada? Australian Hindus Slam Authorities for Promoting Khalistan Seperatism

In recent years, banned US-based extremist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has been spearheading a pro-Khalistan referendum in countries such as Canada and Australia. New Delhi has objected to these secessionist activities.
Sputnik
The Australian Hindu Association (AHA) has expressed concern over a decision by a local council in Sydney’s outer suburbs to "insensitively" promote and parade Khalistan flags at a rally over weekend.

"It is no business of council to fund, promote or publicise a terrorist political movement with direct links to terror," Australian Hindu Association said in a letter to Blacktown City Council Mayor Brad Bunting, as the organisation questioned the basis on which Khalistan flags were authorised at council's Streets Alive and Parade Day on 25 May.

The diaspora Hindu group further expressed grave concerns over the "real possibility" of Khalistan sympathisers having infiltrated the administrative and decision-making of the Council.

AHA warned that there was a real risk of mainstreaming of the "dangerous" ideology through the Council.

"This was the modus operandi of Khalistanis in Canada, which has caused widespread and ongoing violence, animosity and disharmony among communities," stated the Hindu group, noting India’s ongoing concerns over the "operating space" given to Khalistan radicals by Canada’s ruling establishment in the country.

It underscored the fact that Hindus and people of Indian-origin constitute one of the largest group of rate-payers in the Blacktown City Council area.

"The families of many of these ratepayers have been victims of Khalistani terror," the Hindu group noted.

The rising pro-Khalistan activism in Australia has been a matter of concern for the Indian government in recent years. During a state visit to Australia last March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed regret over "regular reports of attacks on temples" Down Under.
"Naturally these reports of temple attacks concern us all Indians. It is depressing for our hearts," Modi said at a joint presser with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the time.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census 2021 findings, Hinduism is one of the fastest growing religions in the country, with over 680,000 adherents in Australia.
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