Latest news with #SikhsforJustice
India Gazette
4 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Canadian politicians must distance themselves from extremists": Journalist Mocha Bezirgan alleges assault by Khalistanis at Vancouver rally
Vancouver [Canada], June 8 (ANI): An independant Canadian investigative journalist on Sunday alleged that he was physically assaulted and 'threatened' by a group of Khalistan supporters and had his phone snatched while reporting their rally in Vancouver. The journalist, Mocha Bezirgan, who posted his ordeal on social media platform X said that the Khalistani extremist movement in Canada has raised serious security concerns and strained ties between India and Canada. 'It just happened two hours ago and I'm still shaking,' Bezirgan told ANI in a phone interview. 'They acted like thugs - crowding in on me, grabbing my phone, trying to stop me recording.' The incident occurred while Bezirgan was in Vancouver city to cover a rally organised by Khalistan supporters. The Canadian journalist described the attack as 'thuggery' and said he was targeted for his editorial independence and past coverage of Khalistan-related protests. Earlier he took to X to post, 'I've been surrounded by a group of Khalistanis who grabbed my phone out of my hand and threatened me. Naturally I'm a bit shaken, but not deterred.' Bezirgan further said that the pro-Khalistan movement has led to acts of vandalism, intimidation, and violent rhetoric, despite not being widespread within the Sikh community. On being asked about Khalistani extremism, the Canadian investigative journalist said, 'This is a movement headed by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). They are the ones organising it, and most of the time, it's the same people attending these protests, whether it be in Ontario, British Columbia, US, UK, New Zealand. They mobilise people to come from local Gurudwaras to create a little bit of crowd, but there are bigger political organizations like the World Sikh Organization which is based in Canada and they are they have a troubled history and they do the political cover in Canada. He highlighted that larger political organizations such as the World Sikh Organization, based in Canada, provide political cover for the movement. 'Their executives include current and former MPs and ministers, who have spread influence across Canadian institutions,' said the Canadian journalist. Bezirgan also expressed concern over the reluctance of Canadian politicians to condemn these extremist groups. 'Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, the NDP, and some Liberal MPs recently attended a Nagar Kirtan in Surrey, BC, which had significant Khalistani influence. They shared the stage with Santokh Singh Kelha, a convicted Sikh Canadian who conspired to bomb an airplane,' Bezirgan said. Bezirgan condemned the glorification of violence by these groups, who the journalist said speak openly about plans to ambush and kill India's current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. '...Because of the tensions between Canada and India, it's a very highly political subject, but I feel like we are disregarding what's happening underground. What these people are saying, how they are exercising their free speech while they are celebrating the assassins of Indira Gandhi and saying that they are going to ambush and kill India's Prime Minister, Modi's politics at the G7. I asked them Are you going to kill his politics the same way you killed Indira Gandhi's politics? Because they refer to the assassins as their forefathers. They say we are the descendants of the killers of Indira Gandhi, and they are glorifying these acts of violence...' 'It is disturbing that Canadian politicians continue to associate with such extremists, despite their violent history and inflammatory rhetoric,' Bezirgan said. He warned that lack of media coverage and public awareness in Canada allows such events and political participation to go unchecked. Bezirgan called for greater accountability and awareness to prevent normalization of extremism. 'As a citizen, I expect my representatives to distance themselves from extremists and those with violent pasts.' The investigative journalist emphasized that ignoring these issues would embolden extremist groups and escalate tensions between India and Canada. 'Today's thuggery I was subjected to was not the first time,' said the journalist who posted visuals on his social media platform X about an event from March 2024 when 'Khalistan supporters, armed with daggers, swords, and spears, gathered in Edmonton, Alberta to protest against India's high commissioner to Canada.' Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed on June 6 that he will represent India at the upcoming G-7 summit in Canada next week, after he was invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a telephone call. (ANI)
Canada Standard
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Canada Standard
"Canadian politicians must distance themselves from extremists": Journalist Mocha Bezirgan alleges assault by Khalistanis at Vancouver rally
Vancouver [Canada], June 8 (ANI): An independant Canadian investigative journalist on Sunday alleged that he was physically assaulted and 'threatened' by a group of Khalistan supporters and had his phone snatched while reporting their rally in Vancouver. The journalist, Mocha Bezirgan, who posted his ordeal on social media platform X said that the Khalistani extremist movement in Canada has raised serious security concerns and strained ties between India and Canada. 'It just happened two hours ago and I'm still shaking,' Bezirgan told ANI in a phone interview. 'They acted like thugs - crowding in on me, grabbing my phone, trying to stop me recording.' The incident occurred while Bezirgan was in Vancouver city to cover a rally organised by Khalistan supporters. The Canadian journalist described the attack as 'thuggery' and said he was targeted for his editorial independence and past coverage of Khalistan-related protests. Earlier he took to X to post, 'I've been surrounded by a group of Khalistanis who grabbed my phone out of my hand and threatened me. Naturally I'm a bit shaken, but not deterred.' Bezirgan further said that the pro-Khalistan movement has led to acts of vandalism, intimidation, and violent rhetoric, despite not being widespread within the Sikh community. On being asked about Khalistani extremism, the Canadian investigative journalist said, 'This is a movement headed by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). They are the ones organising it, and most of the time, it's the same people attending these protests, whether it be in Ontario, British Columbia, US, UK, New Zealand. They mobilise people to come from local Gurudwaras to create a little bit of crowd, but there are bigger political organizations like the World Sikh Organization which is based in Canada and they are they have a troubled history and they do the political cover in Canada. He highlighted that larger political organizations such as the World Sikh Organization, based in Canada, provide political cover for the movement. 'Their executives include current and former MPs and ministers, who have spread influence across Canadian institutions,' said the Canadian journalist. Bezirgan also expressed concern over the reluctance of Canadian politicians to condemn these extremist groups. 'Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, the NDP, and some Liberal MPs recently attended a Nagar Kirtan in Surrey, BC, which had significant Khalistani influence. They shared the stage with Santokh Singh Kelha, a convicted Sikh Canadian who conspired to bomb an airplane,' Bezirgan said. Bezirgan condemned the glorification of violence by these groups, who the journalist said speak openly about plans to ambush and kill India's current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. '...Because of the tensions between Canada and India, it's a very highly political subject, but I feel like we are disregarding what's happening underground. What these people are saying, how they are exercising their free speech while they are celebrating the assassins of Indira Gandhi and saying that they are going to ambush and kill India's Prime Minister, Modi's politics at the G7. I asked them Are you going to kill his politics the same way you killed Indira Gandhi's politics? Because they refer to the assassins as their forefathers. They say we are the descendants of the killers of Indira Gandhi, and they are glorifying these acts of violence...' 'It is disturbing that Canadian politicians continue to associate with such extremists, despite their violent history and inflammatory rhetoric,' Bezirgan said. He warned that lack of media coverage and public awareness in Canada allows such events and political participation to go unchecked. Bezirgan called for greater accountability and awareness to prevent normalization of extremism. 'As a citizen, I expect my representatives to distance themselves from extremists and those with violent pasts.' The investigative journalist emphasized that ignoring these issues would embolden extremist groups and escalate tensions between India and Canada. 'Today's thuggery I was subjected to was not the first time,' said the journalist who posted visuals on his social media platform X about an event from March 2024 when 'Khalistan supporters, armed with daggers, swords, and spears, gathered in Edmonton, Alberta to protest against India's high commissioner to Canada.' Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed on June 6 that he will represent India at the upcoming G-7 summit in Canada next week, after he was invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a telephone call. (ANI)
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First Post
7 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
‘Acted like thugs:' Canadian journalist shares ordeal after being assaulted by Khalistani extremists
Canada-based independent journalist Mocha Bezirgan expressed concerns over extremists associated with the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit exercising freedom of speech and glorifying violence read more Pro-Khalistani radicals reportedly assaulted a Canadian independent journalist while he was covering a rally in Vancouver on Sunday (June 8). Mocha Bezirgan revealed that he was targeted by violent Khalistani elements over his editorial stance and previous Khalistan-related posts. 'It just happened 2 hours ago and I am still shaking. I was surrounded by multiple Khalistanis who acted like thugs. They surrounded me, threatened me, and got physical with me, and they grabbed my phone out of my hand,' said the journalist in a post on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said he was attacked by an individual who had been harassing him for a 'long time online using dehumanising language'. 'I have been covering Khalistan protests in Canada, UK, US, New Zealand. My only goal is to do independent journalism and record and report what's going on and because I'm editorially independent, this frustrates some people,' Bezirgan added. 'What's up now bro!?' Here's the view from my main camera of two Khalistani thugs blocking my exit as I try to get away from a serial harasser who can't keep his distance from me. These intimidation tactics won't stop me or influence my editorial independence. — Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) June 8, 2025 The independent journalist then claimed Khalistanis wanted to 'influence' and 'buy' him. 'These intimidation tactics won't stop me or influence my editorial independence,' Bezirgan said, sharing a video of the alleged incident, which shows a man confronting the journalist. 'He refused to keep his distance from my face and began making threats of violence if I were to touch him. I kept walking away from him but his harassing behaviour wouldn't stop… He continued following me around, mobilising others to interfere with my job, and kept appearing behind me despite being told to stay away from me,' Bezirgan explained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He stated that the alleged attacker had previously targeted him, and he had reported it to the police then. He also filed another report today. While speaking to news agency ANI, he expressed concerns over extremists related to the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit exercising freedom of speech and glorifying violence. The SFJ is outlawed in India for terrorism. #WATCH | Vancouver, Canada: On being asked about Khalistani extremism, Canadian Investigative Journalist Mocha Bezirgan, says "This is a movement headed by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). They are the ones organising it, and most of the time, it's the same people attending these… — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2025 'Because of the tensions between Canada and India, it's a very highly political subject, but I feel like we are disregarding what's happening underground. What these people are saying, how they are exercising their free speech while they are celebrating the assassins of Indira Gandhi and saying that they are going to ambush and kill Indian Prime Minister Modi's politics at the G7. I asked them are you going to kill his politics the same way you killed Indira Gandhi's politics? Because they refer to the assassins as their forefathers. They say we are the descendants of the killers of Indira Gandhi, and they are glorifying these acts of violence…," he said. India has consistently voiced concerns about Canada's alleged leniency toward Khalistani extremists and their supporters. Ties between the two nations have reached a new low recently, primarily due to Ottawa's perceived failure to address the issue and its accusations that New Delhi is targeting pro-Khalistani elements in Canada
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'They say they'll kill PM Modi's politics at G7': Canadian journalist flags Khalistani extremism; alleges free speech abuse
Representative image A Canadian investigative journalist raised serious concerns about the presence and activities of Khalistani extremists in Canada, highlighting growing threats against the Indian establishment from Canadian soil. This comes just days before the G7 Summit , which is set to be hosted by the Great White North. Mocha Bezirgan, speaking to ANI news agency, said that he was attacked by Khalistan supporters during a rally in Vancouver, hours after warning of rising extremism targeting Indian leaders. 'It just happened two hours ago and I'm still shaking,' Bezirgan told ANI over the phone. 'They acted like thugs — crowding in on me, grabbing my phone, trying to stop me recording.' Bezirgan, known for covering Khalistan-linked activities across North America, was reporting from a pro-Khalistan demonstration when he said he was physically confronted. In a post on X, he said: 'I've been surrounded by a group of Khalistanis who grabbed my phone out of my hand and threatened me. Naturally I'm a bit shaken, but not deterred.' Calling the incident 'thuggery,' Bezirgan said the attack was a direct result of his independent editorial work. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo He added that this was not an isolated case. 'Today's thuggery I was subjected to was not the first time,' he wrote, referring to an earlier incident from March 2024 where he reported Khalistan supporters 'armed with daggers, swords, and spears' gathering in Edmonton to protest against India's High Commissioner. Bezirgan's comments come amid heightened tensions between India and Canada, particularly over Ottawa's perceived inaction against extremist groups operating from Canadian soil. He also claimed that the Khalistani movement is largely orchestrated by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and receives support from political organisations like the World Sikh Organization, which he described as providing political cover in Canada. 'This is a movement headed by Sikhs for Justice. They mobilise people to come from local Gurudwaras to create a bit of a crowd,' he said. 'But there are bigger political organizations like the World Sikh Organization, based in Canada, which has a troubled history. Their executives include current and former MPs and ministers, who have spread influence across Canadian institutions.' He expressed concern over the reluctance of Canadian politicians to condemn such extremist groups. 'Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, the NDP, and some Liberal MPs recently attended a Nagar Kirtan in Surrey, BC, which had significant Khalistani influence. They shared the stage with Santokh Singh Kelha, a convicted Sikh Canadian who conspired to bomb an airplane,' Bezirgan said. The journalist condemned what he called the glorification of violence by Khalistan sympathisers. 'They are celebrating the assassins of Indira Gandhi and openly saying they will ambush and kill India's Prime Minister, Modi's politics at the G7,' he told ANI. 'They say, 'We are the descendants of the killers of Indira Gandhi,' and glorify these acts of violence.' He also raised concerns over lack of media attention and accountability within Canada. 'It is disturbing that Canadian politicians continue to associate with such extremists, despite their violent history and inflammatory rhetoric,' he said. 'As a citizen, I expect my representatives to distance themselves from extremists and those with violent pasts.' For the upcoming G7 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently received an invitation from Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney defended the move, citing India's status as the world's "fifth-largest economy" and a key player in global supply chains. Though PM Modi's travel plans are yet to be finalised, he is expected to arrive in Alberta in time for the G7 outreach session on June 17. Meanwhile, India's concerns over Khalistani extremism operating from Canadian soil have long strained bilateral ties. With Mark Carney's rise to the top office after Trudeau, there were expectations of a reset in relations, but tensions seem to persist.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Sikh groups plan protests during PM Modi's G7 visit to Canada
LONDON: Sikh groups tied to the Khalistan movement are preparing a wave of protests against PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Canada for the G7 summit at Kananaskis in Alberta from June 15 to 17. Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a banned outfit leading an unofficial global Khalistan referendum, released a video vowing to 'ambush Modi politics from landing to take-off'. SFJ's general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated a terrorist by India, accused Modi of exporting 'transnational terrorism from Pakistan to Canada'. 'I want to thank Mark Carney — more of a businessman than a Canadian PM — for giving pro-Khalistan Sikhs a historic opportunity to ambush Modi's politics right in front of G7 nations,' Pannun said in the video. SFJ claimed the protests aim to force G7 nations to hold Modi accountable for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistan advocate killed last June, as well as an alleged 'murder-for-hire' plot targeting referendum organisers. Pannun also accused India of unleashing Operation Sindoor, which he described using Pakistani terminology as a 'terror attack on Pakistan targeting masjids'. India conducted precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor on sites tied to Pakistan-backed terrorism, a fortnight after the April 22 terrorist attack in J&K's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives — all men, mostly tourists. Sikh Federation Canada also condemned Modi's invitation, urging Ottawa to rescind it unless New Delhi cooperates with criminal probes linked to Nijjar's killing and other alleged transnational plots. The group demanded targeted sanctions on Indian brass, including Union home minister Amit Shah. It further called on Canada to 'publicly reaffirm that it will demand accountability from India for documented interference, violence, and assassination plots in Canada'. Canadian govt has yet to respond to the protest calls or the demand to revoke Modi's G7 invitation.
