The Justin Trudeau government is aware of the anti-India activities and propaganda of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada, but is sitting on several extradition requests from Indian authorities to protect its constituency in domestic politics under the guise of upholding freedom of speech, top Indian intelligence sources told News18.
According to sources, pro-Khalistani entities in Canada are using Operation Blue Star and the anti-Sikh riots that broke out in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination as tools to radicalise generations born after 1984. At parades like the recent ‘Khalistan Freedom Rally’ in Toronto, such groups have openly called for violence against India, but no action has been taken against them by the Canadian authorities.
“Like the US, Canada should realise that these protests are supported by Pakistan’s ISI and that they aim to spread disharmony in the society,” an intelligence officials told News18, adding that Khalistani groups have also threatened Indian diplomats. “It is the responsibility of the Canadian government to protect them fully as per diplomatic norms.”
Sources added that while the entities are backed by ISI, killings and violence at their behest are being executed in India by gangsters operating from jails in Delhi and Punjab.
“They have raised a large terror force within Canada. From there, they are directing killings, bomb blasts and non-state activities. Diplomatic channels have failed time to time on this issue, and the present dispensation is not ready to help us on any count. A number of deportation requests are pending with Canadian authorities, but there has been no response,” the official quoted above said.
Pending Extradition Requests
Sources said extradition requests sent by the NIA involve individuals accused of terrorism, murder and other related offences, but cooperation has not been forthcoming from Canadian quarters.
Prime among these requests is one for the extradition of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) member Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa (originally from Tarn Taran in Punjab) who carried a reward of Rs 15 lakh.
A close associate of Landa was arrested for allegedly carrying out a rocket-propelled grenade attack on Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali in May last year.
Landa’s aide Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla is also based in Canada and is linked to the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Dalla was designated as an “individual terrorist” by the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 9, 2023.
In February, the NIA arrested six people related to the terrorist-gangster drug smuggling nexus, including Dalla’s associate Lucky Khokhar, a resident of Bhatinda (Punjab). He had allegedly provided arms and ammunition to Dalla’s men in Punjab. The weapons were allegedly used to kill one Paramjit Singh in Jagraon (Punjab) in January.
Another accused wanted by the NIA is Canada-based Satwinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar, who is an accused in the killing of Pradeep Kumar, a Dera Sacha Sauda follower, in Faridkot in November 2022. He also allegedly works for Landa.
Action is also pending against elements like SFJ’s United States-based chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who was booked by the NIA in December 2020.
Officials said the issue of Khalistani separatism is complex and sensitive, and Canada must tread carefully to avoid damaging its relationships with India and the Sikh community. The Canadian government must recognize that it has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, both at home and abroad, they added.
BKI chief Wadhawa Singh alias Dharam Singh alias Chacha is currently in Pakistan and reportedly maintains close association with radical Sikh elements based in the UK, US, Canada and European countries. He also allegedly provides funds for carrying out anti-India propaganda and militant activities in India.
Ranjeet Singh alias Manpreet alias Bittoo alias Atinderpal alias Ajeet Singh is the chief of KZF and is allegedly actively involved in smuggling of arms in Pakistan.
Lakhbir Singh Rode has also been associated with many terrorist attacks in India. He is based in Pakistan and is allegedly aggressively involved in smuggling of drugs.
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