Recent revelations by Indian intelligence sources have shed light on a concerning trend involving pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. These elements, including the late terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, have been actively engaged in sponsoring visas for vulnerable Punjab youths, subsequently recruiting them into a local “pro-Khalistan brigade.” This recruitment drive includes offering medium-skilled jobs and involving them in religious duties within gurdwaras controlled by pro-Khalistan factions. Additionally, these impressionable youths are provided shelter and modest employment using gurdwara resources, which serves as a means of sustenance while they become embroiled in the separatist movement.
Building a Pro-Khalistan Brigade: The Inside Story
Indian intelligence sources have unveiled a concerted effort by pro-Khalistan elements, notably orchestrated by the late Hardeep Singh Nijjar, to assemble a “pro-Khalistan brigade” within Canadian borders. To achieve this, visas are facilitated for Punjab youths, enticing them with the promise of medium-skilled jobs and religious responsibilities within pro-Khalistan-controlled gurdwaras. These gurdwaras, intended to be places of worship and community, are repurposed into hubs for advancing the separatist cause.
Involvement of Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar
The Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar, a political entity in Punjab, has also come under scrutiny for its role in this operation. It has been alleged that the party charges a significant sum, ranging from Rs 1-2 lakh, to issue a politically motivated “letter” that falsely claims these Punjab youths are being persecuted in India due to religious reasons. Once on Canadian soil, these impressionable young individuals are swiftly enlisted into pro-Khalistan activities.
Canadian Agencies’ Apathy
Indian security agencies have not minced words in accusing Canadian counterparts of turning a blind eye to the activities of pro-Khalistan elements within their borders. This complacency has inadvertently allowed these elements to gain influence and traction within gurdwaras scattered across Canada. Disturbingly, these same elements have now ventured into the unsettling territory of intimidating Hindu members of the Indian diaspora and menacingly threatening the sanctity of their temples.
Khalistan Referendum and Terror Ties
The foot soldiers of the “Khalistan brigade” have played pivotal roles in mobilizing support for the ‘Khalistan Referendum’ campaign led by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Additionally, these elements have formed worrisome alliances with gangsters hailing from Punjab, coercing them to relocate to Canada. This relocation is carried out in exchange for deploying their operatives within Punjab for orchestrating terror attacks.
Canada’s Reluctance to Act
Canada’s reluctance to act firmly against pro-Khalistan elements has contributed significantly to their burgeoning influence within Canadian gurdwaras. This brazen emboldening has paved the way for blatant intimidation of Hindus in Canada and the ominous threat of defacing their sacred places of worship.
Role of Canada-Based Gangsters
The involvement of Canada-based gangsters has further complicated matters. These criminals have been actively engaged in drug trafficking operations, smuggling narcotics from Pakistan into Punjab. The ill-gotten proceeds from these illegal activities are then funneled to finance Khalistan-related endeavors. Inter-gang rivalries among these Punjab-origin gangsters have escalated on Canadian soil.
In summation, Indian intelligence officials have sounded alarm bells regarding the lack of proactive measures taken by Canadian agencies against pro-Khalistan elements. The unabated support for visa sponsorships for Punjab youths, coupled with the apparent soft-pedaling of these elements, poses not only a formidable threat to the Indian diaspora in Canada but also gravely undermines security conditions in Punjab. The question that remains is whether Canadian authorities will heed these warnings and take decisive action to curb the rise of pro-Khalistan elements within their borders.
