'Will take control of Indian Consulate in Canada'; Khalistani organisation issues threat

OTTAWA: A Khalistani organisation has threatened to siege the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, Canada. The US-based group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) issued the warning, claiming that they would “take control” of the Indian Consulate on Thursday. The group also asked Indians living in Canada to avoid visiting the Consulate on Thursday for any official work. Along with the threat, they released a poster with a target mark placed on the face of the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik.

In a statement, the group alleged that the Indian Consulate has been engaged in surveillance and spying activities against Khalistan supporters. The move comes soon after India and Canada resumed diplomatic engagement. The statement also recalled that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had told Parliament two years ago that Indian agents were suspected of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. It alleged that even after two years, Indian consulates continue to conduct spying activities and surveillance against Khalistan referendum campaigners.

The group further claimed that Inderjit Singh Gosal, who took over leadership of the Khalistan referendum campaign after Nijjar’s death, had faced serious threats, forcing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to provide him protection. The organisation added that it would seek an official response from Canadian authorities regarding alleged surveillance and threats, and would demand accountability.