As India and Canada attempt to normalize diplomatic relations, tensions have flared again with a fresh threat from Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based pro-Khalistan organization.
The group has announced plans to “lay siege” to the Indian Consulate in Vancouver on Thursday, intensifying its campaign against Indian diplomatic missions abroad.
SFJ Issues Threat, Targets New High Commissioner
SFJ released a provocative poster featuring India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, Dinish Patnaik, with a target on his face. The organization urged Indo-Canadians who had scheduled appointments at the consulate to “choose another date,” claiming they would take over the premises as part of their protest.
In a statement, SFJ accused Indian consulates of running a “spy network” that allegedly monitors pro-Khalistan activists in Canada. The group linked its threat to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s September 2023 statement in Parliament, in which he said there were “credible allegations” of Indian agents’ involvement in the assassination of Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Allegations of Surveillance and Intimidation
According to SFJ, Indian diplomatic missions have continued surveillance activities despite Trudeau’s public remarks. The group alleged that the threat to its members was so severe that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had to offer witness protection to Inderjeet Singh Gosal, who took over leadership of the Khalistan Referendum campaign after Nijjar’s killing.
Through the planned “siege,” SFJ said it intends to demand “accountability” for what it calls “espionage and intimidation on Canadian soil.”
No Official Response Yet
As of the time of reporting, there was no official comment from either India’s Ministry of External Affairs or the Indian Consulate in Vancouver regarding SFJ’s threat.
Canada’s Own Admission on Extremism
Earlier this month, the Canadian government, in an internal security report, acknowledged that extremist Khalistani groups are still active and receiving financial support from networks within Canada. The report named groups like Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) — both designated terrorist organizations under Canada’s Criminal Code — as part of the network. It further stated that such outfits now largely operate through smaller, loosely organized groups and individual supporters.
Diplomatic Sensitivities Remain High
The renewed threat comes at a sensitive time as India and Canada attempt to move past months of diplomatic strain following Trudeau’s 2023 allegations. Political observers warn that incidents like these could complicate ongoing efforts to restore full consular operations and revive bilateral cooperation in trade, education, and security.
