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Khalistanis in Canada have stirred controversy again, by targeting Canadians this time. A video going viral on X shows participants in a 'Nagar Kirtan' procession calling Canadians "invaders" and demanding that they go "back to England and Europe". "This is Canada, our own country. You (Canadians) go back," the Khalistani sympathisers can be heard saying in the video. Times Now could not verify the authenticity of the video.
Canada's 'New Normal'
Indian intelligence sources termed the incident Canada's "new normal", warning that Khalistanis will gradually overrun the country, "capturing" all its key aspects. "In the absence of proper surveillance, these groups are taking over control from local Canadians too. Hindus are being asked money for protection, and now, there is a threat to locals in their colonies," the sources said, according to a News18 report.
India-Canada Standoff Over Khalistanis
The escalating tensions come against the backdrop of deteriorating India-Canada ties following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a Khalistani sympathiser, was labelled a terrorist by India. After Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in Nijjar's killing in June 2023, India expelled Canada's top diplomats, while recalling its own High Commissioner from Ottawa.
India dismissed Trudeau's allegations as "preposterous" and accused him of harbouring Khalistani elements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the recent attacks on Hindu"deliberate attack" on Hindu devotees in Canadian temples.
Vote Bank Politics To Blame?
Indian agencies believe Trudeau is backing Khalistani groups to secure MP Jagmeet Singh's support in the upcoming election. Trudeau has admitted his allegations against India were based on intelligence inputs with "no concrete evidence", plummeting his popularity further.
"Trudeau is behaving in a childish way by accusing India for everything without realising how he is playing in the hands of ISI and Khalistanis. These allegations are damaging bilateral ties and spoiling his personal image," intel sources said, according to the News18 report.