Pro-Khalistan chants raised as Canadian PM addresses Khalsa Day event

TORONTO: Pro-Khalistan slogans echoed through the air during the Khalsa Day celebrations in Toronto, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre present, according to a report by NDTV. This incident coincides with a surge in anti-India sentiment in Canada.

As PM Trudeau prepared to address the crowd, the chants grew louder, captured in a video released by Canada-based CPAC TV. Slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad” filled the atmosphere, with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also in attendance.

Similar chants arose as Pierre Poilievre, leader of the official opposition, took the stage to address the gathered crowd.

Also read: Referendum for separate Sikh state Khalistan held in California

Thousands convened in downtown Toronto for this annual event, organized by the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC), marking Vaisakhi, or Khalsa Day, commemorating the founding of the Sikh community in 1699 and the Sikh New Year. The parade down Lake Shore Boulevard, a tradition organized by the council, draws large crowds annually, CBC News reported.

Addressing the Sikh community during the event, PM Trudeau reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding their rights and freedoms. He emphasized Canada’s strength derived from its diversity, stating, “Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths.”

Trudeau pledged ongoing support, saying, “To the nearly 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage across this country, we will always be there to protect your rights and your freedoms, and we will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination.”

Acknowledging recent tensions between India and Canada, Trudeau’s remarks come amid strained diplomatic relations, notably exacerbated by the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.

The incident led to allegations from Trudeau against the Indian government, which were denied, further straining ties between the two nations.