Harvard University is facing criticism after deleting an article on Sikh separatist terrorism and its impact on Indo-Canadian relations from *The Harvard International Review (HIR)*. The article, titled *”A Thorn in the Maple: How the Sikh separatist Question is Reshaping India-Canada Relations”*, was authored by Harvard student Zyna Dhillon and published on February 15, only to be removed on February 22.
Dhillon, a student from Amritsar, claimed HIR gave in to pressure, calling the decision a “knee-jerk reaction.” The article detailed the rise of Sikh separatist terrorism in Canada and its effect on diplomatic ties. Following its removal, even Dhillon’s author bio disappeared from the HIR website. The HIR editors defended the move, stating the piece was more opinionated than their usual analytical reporting.
The decision has sparked backlash, with activists warning it sets a dangerous precedent for academic freedom. Groups like the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) condemned the removal as a “shameful” act. Amid the controversy, archived links to the deleted article continue circulating on social media.
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