Toronto’s pro-Khalistan rally features anti-India slogans and imagery
New Delhi: A pro-Khalistan rally was held in Toronto, featuring floats and speeches made by Sikh leaders and their supporters against India and the Modi government.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this follows a similar event last Sunday, where pro-Khalistan chants were heard in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The 6-km parade included floats with slogans and imagery that targeted the Indian government, including a depiction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi behind bars. Another float displayed a map of Khalistan and called for participation in an upcoming referendum.
Speakers at the event included Paramjit Mand of the Dal Khalsa and Avtar Singh Pannu. However, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent figure in pro-Khalistan circles, was not present.
The Indian government has expressed concerns about the rally, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoning Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner over the issue. The MEA has stated that the event highlights the “political space given to separatism, extremism, and violence” in Canada.
The rally was part of the annual Nagar Kirtan Parade organized by the Ontario Gurdwara Committee (OGC). The event was attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who posted on social media about the celebrations.
It’s worth noting that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recently arrested three Indian nationals on study visas in connection with the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year. Reports suggest that the three individuals were linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently in a Delhi jail. KMS-7K