Anti-India, Anti-Modi Canada Protests Driven By ISI-Backed SFJ, Other Groups: Sources
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The Khalistani presence in Canada is a complex issue, raising concerns about radicalisation, terrorism, and diplomatic tensions between India and Canada
Anti-India and anti-Modi protests in Canada are being driven by the ISI-backed Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and other radical groups, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. Funds from drug and illegal weapons supplies fuel these protests, they said. Divisions have emerged within gurdwaras following the previous Justin Trudeau government's stance on the Khalistan issue, they added. Most Sikhs oppose unnecessary community conflict under ISI influence, said the sources.
'The G7 countries are keen to engage with India on business and trade, but Pakistani terror groups create obstacles. Former Trudeau government ministers, such as Sukh Dhaliwal, have been sidelined due to past activities. Canada has become a haven for gangsters and Pakistan-backed Khalistani groups, sheltering banned terror groups from India and showing no cooperation in investigating Khalistani crimes," a source said.
Khalistani groups in Canada
1. International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF)
2. Babbar Khalsa
3. Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF)
4. Sikh For Justice (SFJ)
5. Dal Khalsa
Terrorists in Canada
1. Hardeep Singh Nijjar (deceased)
Radicalisation hubs
1. Surrey, British Columbia
2. Brampton, Ontario
3. Toronto, Ontario
4. Montreal, Quebec
Indian concerns referred to Canadian government
1. Terrorist financing
2. Radicalisation of youth
3. Hate speech and incitement
4. Violence and intimidation
Numerous letters rogatory (LRs) and deportation requests remain pending with Canadian authorities, without response, the sources said. On June 4, 2023, a tableau depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards was paraded through Brampton, Canada. It was organised by Khalistani groups to mark the thirty-ninth anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The Indian government strongly condemned this display, labelling it vote bank politics.
Khalistani elements in Canada are not confined to protests; they also engage in physical assaults and violence, with many cases awaiting investigation by Indian federal agencies. Accused individuals linked to the Khalistan movement allegedly orchestrate killings and terror activities in Punjab and other parts of India, collaborating with gangsters in Delhi and Punjab jails.
Several extradition and deportation requests from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for terrorists and pro-Khalistan elements remain pending with the Canadian government. These accused are wanted for terrorism, murder, and other offences. Key requests include Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) member Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, alias Landa, with a Rs 15 lakh reward for information leading to his capture. Landa's associate was arrested for a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the Punjab police intelligence headquarters in Mohali in May 2022.
Landa's aide, Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, based in Canada and linked to the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was designated an individual terrorist by the ministry of home affairs on January 9, 2023. In February, the NIA arrested six individuals connected to the terrorist-gangster-drug smuggler nexus, including Dalla's associate, Lucky Khokhar, who provided arms to Dalla's men in Punjab for a killing in Jagraon in January.
Another wanted individual is Canada-based Satwinderjeet Singh, alias Goldy Brar, accused of killing Pradeep Kumar, a Dera Sacha Sauda follower, in Faridkot in November 2022. He is also implicated in the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, who had returned to India for the Punjab state elections.
'No action is being taken against individuals like SFJ's US-based chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who incites communal disharmony on social media. He was booked by the NIA in December 2020, along with Nijjar and Paramjit Singh Pamma, who resides in the UK," a source said. 'The Canadian government is providing a platform for extremists, separatists, and those advocating violence. It must recognise its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, both domestically and internationally, and take the threat of Khalistani extremism seriously through concrete action."
Multiple attacks on Indian temples have occurred, but Canada's commitment to Hindus remains unclear, said sources. The Khalistani presence in Canada is a complex issue, raising concerns about radicalisation, terrorism, and diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
About the Author
Manoj Gupta
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 02:15 IST
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