Around 5000 Sikhs in Canada support Khalistani ideology under peer pressure: Intelligence source

Khalistan ideologues are a tiny minority within Canada’s Sikh community with control over less than four per cent of the Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) in the country.

Amid the ongoing diplomatic strife between India and Canada, a source from an Indian intelligence agency has revealed that eight out of approximately 250 gurdwaras in Canada are controlled by Khalistani groups, News18 reported.

These groups have a significant presence in Surrey, British Columbia, Brampton, Abbotsford, and select areas in Toronto.

The source suggests that around 10,000 Sikhs in Canada support Khalistani ideology, with 5,000 being hardcore supporters and the rest sympathising due to peer pressure.

In Canada, there are two types of gurdwaras – private and non-profit. Private gurdwaras are privately owned, while non-profit gurdwaras, which are larger, hold elections to determine their administrative leadership.

A long-standing dispute over the use of chairs and mats during langar (community meal) in gurdwaras has persisted since the 1980s. Moderates advocate for chairs, while extremists prefer mats. The outcome of elections typically determines the arrangement in the langar hall.

The India-Canada relationship took a hit during Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to India, particularly during the G20 Summit. During this visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s concerns regarding the anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. In response, Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar earlier in the year. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs dismissed Trudeau’s claims as “motivated and absurd.”

Canadian Gurdwaras under Khalistani influence

1. Gurunanak Sikh Temple Gurudwara in Surrey: Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a two-time president of the gurdwara, had Khalistani ties. The gurdwara initially had moderate leadership but later saw Khalistani supporters winning elections.

2. British Columbia Sikh Gurdwaras Council: This council oversees eight gurdwaras, with four believed to be under separatist groups’ control and four under moderate leadership. Gurdwaras like Gurudwara Dashmesh Darbar, Gurunanak Sikh Temple, and Banda Bahadur Singh Temple have Khalistani supporters in their committees.

3. Dixie Gurudwara in Ontario Province: Controlled by Khalistani groups.

Khalistani outfits

World Sikh Organisation (WSO): A Sikh advocacy organisation that promotes Sikh interests in Canada and worldwide. It has members in various sectors, including politics and the judiciary. The WSO is considered to support the Khalistani narrative in Canada.

Sikh Youth Federation, Sikhs For Justice, Khalistani Zindabad Force, Khalistani Liberation Force, Khalistani Commando Force, Khalistani Tiger Force, Babbar Khalsa International: These are various Khalistani organizations with operatives spread across Western countries, including Canada.

The Khalsa Deewan Society, a moderate pro-India Sikh society, controls gurdwaras that have been visited by prominent Indian leaders like Jawahar Lal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, and Narendra Modi. Founded in 1906, it is the oldest Sikh society in Greater Vancouver.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election, he sought reconciliation with Sikh communities in Canada, leading to several organizations ceasing their anti-India activities. However, groups like Sikhs For Justice, with backing from multiple intelligence agencies, continue to obstruct India’s outreach efforts.

India also suspects that Canadian intelligence has disrupted its attempts to reconcile with certain anti-India elements.