Terrorist Sponsorship and Protests: Canada's Diplomatic War with Khalistan Supporters
Indian intelligence sources reveal that pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, including slain terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, are sponsoring visas for Punjab youths to work in gurdwaras controlled by them. These youths, brought in for medium-skilled jobs and religious duties, are then manipulated into joining the separatist movement and organizing anti-India protests. The Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar political party in Punjab is also charging money to issue letters for seeking political asylum in Canada, falsely claiming religious persecution. Canadian agencies are accused of turning a blind eye to the activities of pro-Khalistan elements, allowing them to intimidate the local Indian diaspora and threaten defacement of temples. The human trafficking channel is seen as a means to compensate for the lack of support for the Khalistani cause among Sikhs in Canada.