Widespread Threats and Harassment of Canadian Sikhs by Indian Government
Documents Reveal Coordinated Efforts by Diplomatic Missions
Documents released by the foreign interference inquiry on Thursday describe widespread threats and harassment of Canadian Sikhs by the government of India, much of it coordinated by diplomatic missions.
Witnesses Describe Threats and Meddling
Witnesses told the Hogue Commission behind closed doors that India had threatened their families, spied on temples, and meddled in Canada’s elections, according to the newly unsealed documents. India “interferes in Canada because there is no reason not to,” one witness told the commission, adding that “the Canadian government has been largely impotent in the face of interference.” “There have been no consequences.”
Indian Foreign Interference Accelerates
Indian foreign interference has seen “an acceleration” since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, with high-ranking officials vowing that “dissidents in other countries would be eliminated,” one witness said. Canada has labeled India the second most serious foreign interference threat to the country, behind only China. India’s campaign focuses largely on the Khalistan movement, which advocates for independence for the Sikh-majority Punjab region.
Witnesses Describe Election Interference and Online Harassment
A candidate who ran for municipal council in an unnamed Canadian city alleged being targeted during the campaign by “online bots and agents” of the Indian government. Witnesses described attempts to sway elections, and alleged India “exerts influence in the Canadian political party nomination process,” and applies pressure to “red light” candidates critical of the Republic of India, or ROI.
Sikh Temple Elections and Visa Denials
Sikh temple elections were another alleged target of India’s consulates, according to the submissions, which also claimed consulate officials routinely denied visa services to Sikh advocates trying to travel to India. It is “commonplace for members of the Sikh Canadian community to discuss whether elected officials in Canada are agents of the ROI or manipulated by the ROI,” another participant said.
Consequences and Calls for Action
The witnesses called for more transparency from Canadian intelligence agencies and decision-makers, and better ways of reporting incidents of Indian foreign interference and transnational repression. A permanent task force is needed to investigate and counter foreign interference and “coordinate between relevant agencies” while reporting its findings to the public, another witness suggested. Those warned by police that their lives are in danger “must also be offered some sort of protection.” One community member said that “without this protection, people may stay silent for fear of being murdered on Canadian soil.”
Conclusion
The documents released by the foreign interference inquiry paint a disturbing picture of widespread threats and harassment of Canadian Sikhs by the government of India. The allegations of election interference, online harassment, and visa denials are a stark reminder of the need for increased transparency and action to counter foreign interference.
FAQs
Q: What is the scope of Indian foreign interference in Canada?
A: The documents released by the foreign interference inquiry describe widespread threats and harassment of Canadian Sikhs by the government of India, much of it coordinated by diplomatic missions.
Q: What are the allegations of election interference?
A: Witnesses described attempts to sway elections, and alleged India “exerts influence in the Canadian political party nomination process,” and applies pressure to “red light” candidates critical of the Republic of India, or ROI.
Q: What is the significance of the Khalistan movement?
A: The Khalistan movement is a political movement that advocates for independence for the Sikh-majority Punjab region.
Q: What is the role of Canadian intelligence agencies in countering foreign interference?
A: The witnesses called for more transparency from Canadian intelligence agencies and decision-makers, and better ways of reporting incidents of Indian foreign interference and transnational repression.