Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Verma Addresses Khalistani Extremism, Calls Out Canadian Support

In a recent exclusive interview with ANI, recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, emphasized that a small fraction of the Canadian Sikh community supports the Khalistani movement and challenged Canada to address the issue directly. Verma’s remarks come amidst strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada over alleged ties to Khalistani extremists.

Verma clarified that Khalistani extremists in Canada, who are advocating for a separate state of “Khalistan,” are challenging India’s territorial integrity. “These are Canadian citizens challenging Indian territorial integrity and sovereignty. As long as they keep talking about Canada, I have no issues,” he explained. However, he emphasized, “As soon as they look at dividing India, then it is my problem. And that problem, I will certainly take to the Canadian authorities.”

The former envoy suggested that if Canada is willing to support these individuals, they could consider creating “Khalistan” within Canadian territory. “If Canada wants them to be there and they are so kind to them, Canada is a huge country. Give a space to them, call it Khalistan,” Verma stated, reiterating that “if Khalistan is to be made, it is in Canada, never in India.”

Verma highlighted that the Khalistani movement does not represent the wider Sikh community in Canada. He noted that “98% of the Indo-Canadian community go about their lives peacefully, contributing to the Canadian economy and society,” but a vocal minority has succeeded in building a narrative that they represent the Sikh community.

The former envoy also expressed concern over how Khalistani sympathizers have gained influence in Canadian institutions and government. “They have been able to put their own people in positions of authority, not only in parliament but also across various departments, creating an impact on political and executive decisions,” he remarked, emphasizing how these supporters have been able to push the Khalistani narrative within Canada.

Verma reiterated that no evidence has been provided by Canada regarding alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist designated as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency. “So far, no evidence has been shared with us… They keep saying ‘credible allegations.’ But what is that? Either they are credible, or they are allegations,” he said, adding that any claim would need to be judicially and legally backed.

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Verma’s remarks follow the accusations made last year in the Canadian Parliament by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who alleged India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India has refuted these claims, calling them “absurd” and “motivated,” and has pointed to Canada’s permissive stance on extremist and anti-India elements within its borders.

Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani activist, was killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June 2023. His designation as a terrorist in 2020 by India had marked him as a significant figure in the pro-Khalistan movement.