Amidst escalating tensions, the Bharatiya High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, faces threats from the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) ahead of his scheduled visit to Surrey, British Columbia. The threats come in the wake of the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan figure, in Surrey last year.
Verma’s itinerary in British Columbia includes meetings with local officials in Victoria, Vancouver, and Surrey, with a key focus on fostering bilateral relations. However, SFJ’s general counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, has vowed to confront Verma during his visit, accusing India of orchestrating Nijjar’s assassination.
In response, Verma has alerted Canadian authorities regarding the threats against him, emphasizing SFJ’s status as a banned organization in Bharat under the Unlawful Association Prevention Act. He underlines SFJ’s disruptive efforts aimed at derailing Canada-Bharat relations and expresses concerns over the misuse of freedom of speech.
The assassination of Nijjar, who was affiliated with SFJ, has strained relations between Canada and Bharat. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s acknowledgment of “credible allegations” linking Bharatiya agents to the killing further exacerbated tensions. SFJ’s poster campaign targeting Indian diplomats in Canada, including Verma, has added fuel to the fire.
Previous incidents underscore the volatile atmosphere surrounding Verma’s visits to Surrey. Last year, a reception organized by the Friends of Bharat& Canada Foundation was canceled due to protests, some of which involved individuals wielding swords, outside the venue.
As Verma prepares for his upcoming engagements in Surrey, security measures have been heightened to ensure his safety amidst the looming threats. The Bharatiya High Commissioner remains committed to advancing diplomatic relations between Bharat and Canada, despite facing challenges posed by extremist elements.
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