Khalistan Referendum In Canada As PM Modi Flags Extremism With Trudeau

Sikhs turned up in large numbers at a Khalistan referendum event in Canada just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed New Delhi's strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities in the North American nation to his counterpart Justin Trudeau at the G20 Leaders' Summit.

The referendum was organised by secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in British Columbia, Canada on Sunday.

The voting occurred at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, the very gurdwara that was previously led by Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the prominent figure of SFJ in the province. Tragically, Nijjar was fatally shot by unidentified attackers in the gurdwara's parking lot on June 18.

PTI

While SFJ has accused India of being responsible for Nijjar's assassination, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), which is handling the case, has not made any arrests in connection with the murder and has not officially determined a motive for the crime.

SFJ has also announced another round of the referendum on October 29, also in Surrey.

AFP

While India has repeatedly raised the matter with the Canadian government, irked by Ottawa allowing the country¡¯s territory to be used for separatist activity, action is unlikely to be taken in this regard.

Trudeau had said this while addressing media persons in New Delhi, where he was attending the G20 leaders¡¯ summit and met Modi on the margins of the global event for a pull-aside bilateral.

PTI

¡°Diaspora Canadians make up a huge proportion of our country, and they should be able to express themselves and make their choices without interference from any of the many countries that we know are involved in interference challenges,¡± he said.