Canada's stance on issues related to Khalistani separatism in India has sparked controversy, with some perceiving it as openly advocating for a separate Khalistani state within India.
“We [Canada] allow the Canadian’s to express their view that a part of country could separate peacefully and non-violent, whether through referendum or spending money on it and no one would go to jail”, Stanton noted.
Staton acknowledged the Sikh community's uncertainty regarding permissible political expression, affirming that holding such opinions are protected and not considered ‘extremism or terrorism’ in Canada, and similarly safeguarded by freedom of expression and speech under UK laws.
"Advocating for the separation of a specific area in another country [India] cannot be distinguished from someone in Quebec stating that they should separate from Canada and no longer belong here, for any reasons whatsoever," he affirmed.
Staton highlighted that as long as activities do not incite hate or support terrorism, and remain peaceful, they will continue to be ‘protected by the government’ from intervention, whether domestic or foreign.
India Warns Canada of Rising Khalistani Threats & Historical Militant Activities
During a meeting at the recent G20 Summit in Delhi, PM Narendra Modi expressed India's serious concerns to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau regarding the ongoing anti-India activities of Khalistanis in Canada.
Trudeau defended Khalistanis, asserting Canada's commitment to peaceful protest, despite symbols of violence being present. He acknowledged the Sikh community's diversity but did not commit to action against extremists.
In 1982, India requested Canada to extradite Khalistani terrorist Talwinder Parmar for his alleged involvement in the killing of police officers. However, under Pierre Trudeau's government, Canada refused the extradition request, citing India's insufficient recognition of the Queen as a legal reason.
Talwinder Parmar later orchestrated the bombing of Air India flight Kanishka in 1985, resulting in the deaths of all 329 passengers and crew.
Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar cautioned that the increasing Khalistani activity, associated with drug syndicates, poses a significant concern for Canada as well.