Recalled Indian Envoy Criticizes Pro-Khalistani Influence

New Delhi- Sanjay Verma, India’s recalled High Commissioner to Canada, suggested that if Canada sympathizes with pro-Khalistan groups, it should "give them space and call it Khalistan." Verma stressed that a small but vocal faction of Canadian Sikhs supports the Khalistani cause, which he views as a threat to India’s territorial integrity. "These are Canadian citizens challenging Indian sovereignty," Verma stated, affirming that he would continue to raise the issue with Canadian authorities if such activities target India's unity.

Verma criticized Khalistani extremists for falsely representing the Canadian Sikh community. "The Indo-Canadian community, which largely lives peacefully and contributes to society, is overshadowed by this vocal minority of around 10,000 extremists who distort the community’s image," he remarked. He noted how these factions have secured political influence in Canada, impacting both parliamentary and executive institutions to propagate Khalistani narratives.

Verma reiterated India's position on the murder of Hardeep Nijjar, a designated terrorist by India's NIA, asserting that Canada has provided no evidence linking India to the case. Tensions between the two countries intensified after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year alleged India's involvement, which India firmly denied, calling the claims “absurd” and accusing Canada of sheltering anti-India elements.