‘Few radicals promoting discord’: After Brampton clashes, Canadian youth organisation demands attention on student rights

The incident comes amid strained ties between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the “potential” involvement of the Indian government in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Recently, two top Canadian officials also confirmed that they had leaked information to The Washington Post that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was behind the campaign to target Khalistan separatists in Canada.

Khushpal Grewal, a volunteer of MYSO, said the governments of both countries were also to blame. “Any form of foreign interference resulting in violence between individuals of different opinions on any land, whether it be Canada, the USA, Palestine, or any other country, is condemnable. Instead of cooperating to address diplomatic issues fairly, the governments of both countries are politicising these matters,” Grewal said. “Diplomatic statements and government-driven propaganda by officials and media in both countries is further poisoning the atmosphere, creating divisions and spreading hatred among the diverse communities living in Canada,” Grewal added.

“With elections in Canada around the corner, the government seems more focused on engaging people in imperialist-driven diplomatic disputes rather than addressing fundamental issues like inflation, unemployment, the tax burden, housing shortage, and lack of health services,” Varun Khanna, another MYSO volunteer, said.

MYSO members also observed that the Indian government tends to overlook the issues and demands of Indian immigrants and students in Canada. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the “deliberate attack on a Hindu temple”, Mandeep said, “We question why Prime Minister Modi does not speak up for the thousands of students struggling abroad, forced to leave India due to unemployment.”

MYSO volunteers appealed to international students and immigrant communities in Canada to rise above divisive tactics and sectarian hatred and foster communal harmony and unity. By maintaining communal harmony, students can build a stronger international community and advocate for their legitimate demands, the members said.

Meanwhile, thousands of students have been staging a protest in Brampton since August 29 demanding an extension in Post Graduate Work Permits, a fair policy for permanent residency, and an end to exploitation.