‘Kill India’ poster in Canada triggers outrage

The poster also mentions Sikh for Justice, an organisation associated with the Khalistani movement.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the former head of the Khalistan Tiger Force, was killed in the parking lot of a Gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. Gurpatwant Pannu, Chief of Sikh for Justice, had referred to it as a ‘murder.’

A senior officer from the External Affairs Department informed The Indian Express that the ministry is aware of the matter but only an authorised person can make a statement. The officer added, “This is a matter between the two governments, and Canada must handle it properly,” while requesting anonymity.

Efforts were made to reach out to the spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs, but a response is yet to be received.

Expressing concern, Terry Milewski, a veteran journalist and author of “Blood for Blood – Fifty years of the global Khalistan Project,” shared the poster on Twitter and tweeted, “This is extremely dangerous. Khalistanis are whipping up anger targeting Indian diplomats they call ‘Killers’ of ‘Shaheed’ (Martyr) Hardeep Nijjar, shot in a Mafia-style hit in Surrey BC on June 18. There is zero evidence of any Indian role. Grossly irresponsible.”

In another tweet, Milewski said, “Kill India,” the poster screams. No diplomat should be threatened like this. We have to hope the High Commissioner and the Consul are well protected and that the Nijjar murder is rapidly solved. (Whoever made the poster is no genius. There’s no Indian “embassy” in Toronto.)”

Puneet Sahani, an activist and expert on Sikh issues, also tweeted, “@narendramodi Ji, Khalistanis have now put a target on your seniormost diplomats in 🇨🇦! Can you NOW degrade diplomatic relations with #cdnpoli to chargé d’affaires level & proscribe WSO? You risk destroying your entire legacy with Khalistan mismanagement.”

Toronto-based Balraj Deol, a veteran journalist, replied to Sahani’s tweet, stating, “Canada is the base camp of Khalistanis. GOC (Government of Canada) and the establishment are in no mood to act.”

A Canada-based NRI, who also runs a large business in Toronto, expressed his concerns, saying, “Canada has been witnessing such incidents frequently in the recent past, and the Canadian government must put an end to such activities as they threaten the peace of the country,” adding that people come to Canada for a better future, and such activities are tarnishing the image of this peaceful nation.

“Government must solve the mystery surrounding the murder of the pro-Khalistani leader to clear the air and put an end to the baseless accusations against Indian officials. It is a major insult to the diplomatic relations between both countries, which share cordial relations,” said another Toronto-based NRI, who preferred not to be quoted,
emphasising that the majority of Sikh NRIs are peace-loving individuals facing threats to their peace. “How can Indian officials be accused of the murder of a pro-Khalistani leader when there is no evidence whatsoever?” he questioned.