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News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Radicalised Khalistanis, A Canadian Problem
For years, Canada's mainstream parties have courted Sikh immigrants to win votes. Now, they pander to Khalistani extremists for political gains As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canada for the G7 summit, an unsettling scene greeted international media: young children brandished 'Khalistan" flags and even defaced a Hindu temple in Surrey with secessionist graffiti. These images of toddlers taught to chant separatist slogans sparked outrage in India and around the world. Spokesman Sudeep Singh of the revered Patna Sahib Gurdwara, the birthplace of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji warned that 'the way children were used in the protests is highly condemnable". Similarly, Sikh seminary leader Sarchand Singh Khyala condemned the videos as 'spreading hatred by brainwashing children". Dressed-up flags and violent symbols at public parades horrify many Sikhs abroad who see these stunts as political theatre, not Sikhism. Mainstream Sikh leaders make the same point: Khalistanis in Canada are a tiny fringe, not the Sikh community. In late realisation of sorts, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasised, 'Many supporters of Khalistan in Canada… do not represent the Sikh community as a whole." Leading Sikh voices echo this. Jasdip Singh Jassee of Sikhs of America reminds Americans that 'the vast majority of Sikhs globally, including in the US and Canada, do not support separatist agendas". In India, religious seats like Takht Patna Sahib and Damdami Taksal have publicly denounced the protests. Their message is unequivocal: the Khalistan protesters are not Sikh martyrs. Patna Sahib's spokesman notes that all of Sikhism's pending issues are being resolved in India, so 'there should not be such protests" against PM Modi, 'no Sikh can tolerate this". In fact, these Khalistani stunts run directly counter to Sikh teachings. Sikhism emphasises service and harmony, not hate or violence. Provincial Sikh leaders emphasise, 'Sikhs have protected mandirs (Hindu temples)", as their sacred Dharmic duty. Yet last April in Surrey, vandals scrawled 'Khalistan" on the pillars of Shree Lakshmi Narayana Mandir. This hate-crime—denounced by the temple as 'an attack on a sacred space"—would deeply sadden ordinary Sikhs. Jasdip Jassee said it was 'disgusting" that extremists chose Diwali (a Sikh-protected festival) to vandalise a mandir, calling it 'shameful" and against Sikh values. Similarly, Damdami Taksal (a mainstream Sikh seminary) has openly criticized Canadians who use children to insult India's PM, saying these pro-Khalistan people 'are spewing venom against India". These Sikh authorities unanimously emphasise that Khalistan is not a Sikh cause and certainly not one worth teaching to children. On the contrary, Sikhism is deeply Dharmic and Indian. From the Punjabi heartland to global diaspora, Sikhs celebrate their faith's founder Guru Nanak and their tenets of service (seva) and protection. India's own armed forces and civil institutions reflect Sikh contributions: for example, Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh (a Sikh) was made India's first Air Force Field Marshal, and Sikh generals have led the Army in multiple wars. Sikh entrepreneurs, scholars and saints likewise uplifted Indian society. For modern Sikhs, the idea of carving out a separate nation feels alien—only a 'microscopic" minority even entertains it. A former Punjab Chief Secretary notes that hardcore Khalistani ideologues are 'not even one percent" of Sikh population while many others view Khalistan more as a business or polarizing narrative. Polls agree—Punjab elections show pro-Khalistan candidates picking up well under 1–2 percent of votes in Sikh-majority districts. In short, the Khalistan idea has virtually no grassroots support back in India; it lives on only in select pockets abroad. So why does the Khalistan fringe loom so large in Canada? The answer lies in Canadian diaspora politics and foreign meddling. For years Canada's mainstream parties have courted Sikh immigrants to win votes, often ignoring their excesses. Observers note a growing consensus among all Canadian parties to pander to Khalistan sympathies for electoral gain. Minister S. Jaishankar put it bluntly: By giving radical Sikhs impunity, 'the Canadian government… is repeatedly showing that its vote bank is more powerful than its rule of law." Veteran broadcaster Terry Milewski described it as a dirty deal: Canadian MPs attend Sikh parades and 'look the other way" at posters of terrorists, in exchange for '10,000 votes… because the people of the gurdwaras will vote as we tell them". In such a climate, small separatist groups found refuge on Canadian soil under the banner of free speech. Worse, intelligence services have cynically empowered them. Indian officials repeatedly assert that Pakistan's ISI funds the Khalistani network in Canada. Union Minister Hardeep Puri openly called protesters 'kiraye ke tattu" (mercenaries on hire) whose demonstrations were staged 'from the neighbouring country [Pakistan] where they get funding." Security analysts back this up. Several top analysts observe that these activists have their own underworld and are often involved in deadly gang rivalries and are essentially 'helping Pakistanis spend whatever remains of their money". Indeed, he warns that Sikh extremists in Canada 'will continue to be funded and fuelled by the ISI". Put bluntly, this looks less like a grass-roots Sikh movement than a criminal-intelligence network. It is a problem imported into Canada by a hostile state, not spawned by Sikh communities. The political consequences in Canada have been dramatic. In the 2025 federal elections, Jagmeet Singh, NDP leader who long voiced support for Sikh protestors, saw his party collapse. Singh lost his own seat and announced he would step down as leader. Earlier, in September 2024, Singh had even 'ripped up" his confidence-and-supply deal with Trudeau's 'Liberals", erasing the government majority he once helped engineer. Meanwhile Trudeau's gamble backfired. As Sikh ally Singh turned on him, Trudeau's Liberals barely clung to power under newcomer Mark Carney. By early 2025 Trudeau himself resigned as a result of his Khalistan miscalculation. In short, Ottawa's flirtation with diaspora extremism not only frayed Canada-India ties, it torpedoed the careers of Western politicians. Against this turmoil, Sikhs have reaffirmed their core values. Sikh institutions wasted no time republishing lessons of unity. Damdami Taksal's Sarchand Singh praised PM Modi for resolving Sikh concerns 'not done in 70 years" by previous governments, noting Modi even received the SGPC's 'Qaumi Seva Award" for Sikh welfare. Jasdip Jassee urged local Sikh majorities to publicly condemn the Khalistan fringe, stressing Sikhism's long history of Hindu-Sikh oneness and harmony. Even survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots say their fight is now within India's democratic fabric, not through separatism. The real Sikh agenda is contributing to India's progress, not division. In the end, the Khalistan agitation proves to be a Canadian export problem. As journalist Terry Milewski notes, the movement in India is essentially dead; it survives only where foreign money flows. Canada's own spin on multiculturalism created a 'Khalistani Frankenstein's monster", normalised by political expediency. top videos View all Around the world, Sikhs insist that this beast is not their child. Sikhism is proudly Indian in heritage: its generals and air marshals defended India, its entrepreneurs and scholars build the nation. As one Patna Sahib leader put it simply, 'no Sikh can tolerate" these anti-India theatrics. The Khalistan crisis is Canada's headache, not a fault of the Sikh faith or its global community. (Rahul Pawa is an international criminal lawyer and director of research at New Delhi based think tank Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies. He tweets @imrahulpawa. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views) view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 18, 2025, 18:49 IST News opinion Opinion | Radicalised Khalistanis, A Canadian Problem Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Patna Sahib blinks, accepts Akal Takht's supremacy
The ongoing confrontation between Akal Takht and Takht Patna Sahib was resolved on Monday after the clergy of Bihar-based Sikh temporal seat withdrew its resolution issued to challenge the supremacy of the highest temporal seat and on request of the Patna Sahib management, Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht also withdrew its edicts. Presided over by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) was held at the supreme temporal seat in the Golden Temple complex to discuss two letters sent by the clergy and management of Takht Patna Sahib. (HT File) Presided over by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) was held at the supreme temporal seat in the Golden Temple complex to discuss two letters sent by the clergy and management of Takht Patna Sahib. In both letters, Akal Takht was recognised as the supreme and highest Sikh Takht. 'On Monday, a meeting of Panj Pyaras Singh Sahiban was held at Takht Sri Harmandar Ji Patna Sahib. While the birth birthplace of Guru Gobind Sahib Jee, Takht Patna Sahib, is the great Takht of the Sikhs, Akal Takht Sahib which was founded by Guru Hargobind Sahib, is the highest seat. The edicts issued from here as per the resolutions passed on May 21 and July 5 are withdrawn in larger interests of khalsa panth, panthic unity, sentiments of Sikh sangat', reads the resolutions passed by the clergy of Patna Sahib. Signed by president Jagjot Singh and general secretary Inderjit Singh, the letter addressed to Giani Gargaj states that they are dedicated to the Akal Takht which is the highest forum among all the five Sikh temporal seats. 'Some matters are going on between both the Takhts. We request you to review the decisions taken by Akal Takht regarding Takht Patna Sahib keeping in view of larger interests of khalsa panth, panthic unity and respect and dignity of the Takhts and give more time to the management to present its side in these matters', reads the letter. The July 5 edict of Takht Patna Sahib had declared the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for ignoring its summons. Considering the communique, the Sikh clergy at Akal Takht also revoked the resolutions passed on May 31 and July 5. Under the May 31 edict, the ban imposed on panthic services of Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Baldev Singh and additional head granthi Giani Gurdial Sing was lifted. 'Considering request from the management of Patna Sahib, the July 5 edict is also revoked in larger interests of khalsa panth and Sikh sentiments', said Giani Gargaj while reading out the fresh resolution. The SGPC had on Sunday called a session on August 5 over the issue. How row unfolded? On May 21 Giani Gargaj-led Sikh clergy, during a meeting at Akal Takht, took notice of Takht Patna Sahib management's failure to comply with its 2022 decree in which the management was asked to examine incumbent jathedar Baldev Singh's gurbani recitation skills and transfer of additional head granthi Gurdial Singh. Both individuals were barred from performing panthic duties. Hours later, Patna Sahib panj pyaras also comprising Giani Baldev Singh and Giani Gurdial Singh issued a parallel decree, turning down the Akal Takht's decree and on July 5, declared SAD chief 'tankhaiya' for failing to appear before it. The move of the Sikh clergy to acquit former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar in the May 21 edict was also rejected by Takht Patna Sahib Panj Pyaras. On July 5, Giani Gargaj called an emergency meeting at Akal Takht and denounced the action of the Patna Sahib. The Akal Takht also took action against Gurdial Singh and two members of the management for allegedly conspiring to breach the jurisdiction of the highest Sikh temporal seat and challenging its supremacy. In the resolution passed during the meeting, which was pronounced as a 'decree' from the platform of the Takht, the Sikh clergy revisited the 2003 edict of the highest Sikh temporal, which was signed by jathedars of all five Sikh Takhts and termed the move of Takht Patna Sahib as a gross violation of the 2003 edict.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Sikh temporal seats reconcile, uphold Akal Takht's primacy; religious rift ends in show of unity
Amritsar: A significant religious dispute within Sikhism has been resolved after two prominent seats of Sikh authority, the Akal Takht in Amritsar and Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib in Patna, agreed to withdraw their rival edicts and reaffirmed the supremacy of the Akal Takht. The reconciliation brings to an end months of tensions that saw each Takht declare religious misconduct — known as 'tankhah' — against prominent Sikh leaders, including Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and the respective Jathedars (head priests) of the two takhts. Addressing the media on Monday, Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, said the issue was resolved in the interest of Panthic (community) unity and the wider Sikh sangat (congregation). A meeting of five senior Sikh high priests, including granthis from Sri Harimandir Sahib — Giani Rajdeep Singh, Giani Sultan Singh, and Giani Kewal Singh — and the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Bhai Tek Singh, was held at the Akal Takht secretariat to address the concerns surrounding Takht Patna Sahib. Gargaj claimed to have received a formal request on May 12 from the Patna Sahib Management Committee, seeking a review of earlier decisions and pledging full submission to the Akal Takht's authority. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Following deliberations, the high priests amended previous resolutions passed on May 21 and July 5, which had contributed to the standoff. Simultaneously, the Panj Piaras Singh Sahiban (collective leadership) at Takht Patna Sahib also met on Monday and accepted Akal Takht's supremacy formally, withdrawing their own conflicting declarations. Gargaj confirmed receipt of the formal resolution, describing the development as a reaffirmation of Sikh unity and respect for institutional tradition.
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Akal Takht, Takht Patna Sahib resolve differences as edicts declaring members 'tankhaiya' were withdrawn
In the letter the management of Takht Patna Sahib had expressed full submission to the supreme authority of Akal Takht and pledged continued allegiance in the future. They stated that for the 'panthic' unity and larger interests of the Khalsa, they had requested Gargaj to review the decisions and demanded more time to present their side. To deliberate on the contents of the letter, a meeting of the Sikh clergy was convened on Monday. In this, earlier resolutions passed during meetings of five high priests on May 21 and July 5 were reconsidered in light of panthic unity, the broader interests of the community and necessary amendments were made accordingly. Gargaj further said that simultaneously, the Takht Patna Sahib also convened a meeting and accepted the supreme authority of Akal Takht. "They decided to withdraw the resolutions passed on May 21 and July 5 by Takht Patna Sahib," he said. Gargaj announced that the five high priests at Akal Takht, on May 21, had passed a decree stopping 'panthic' services of Head Granthi of Takht Patna Sahib Bhai Baldev Singh and additional head Granthi Gurdial Singh, stood cancelled today. Former Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar was directed to withdraw the case filed against the management committee of Takht Patna Sahib. He ordered the president and general secretary of the management committee of Takht Patna Sahib to pay all pending dues of Gauhar. Gargaj added that it is heartening that the recent discord between the two Takhts has now been completely resolved through mutual cooperation. He further said that he will soon visit Takht Patna Sahib and pay obeisance.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Row after Sukhbir declared ‘tankhaiya': Golden Temple head granthi extends support to jathedar Giani Gargaj
Amid the ongoing confrontation with 'panj pyaras' (five beloved ones of Guru) of Takht Patna Sahib, estranged head granthi of the Golden Temple Giani Raghbir Singh on Sunday extended support to Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the acting jathedar of Akal Takht. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj paying obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple in presence of head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh in Amritsar on Sunday. (HT Photo) A day after denouncing the Takht Patna Sahib 'panj pyaras' move to declare Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for failing to appear before them, Giani Gargaj paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple during presence of Giani Raghbir Singh. Giani Raghbir Singh, ever since being removed as Akal Takht jathedar unceremoniously a few months ago by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee, has avoided meeting his successor. However, on Sunday he wished Giani Gargaj with folded hands when the latter paid obeisance. He also presented Giani Gargaj with a 'siropa' (robe of honour), garland of flowers and prasad. In an official communique, a spokesperson of the Akal Takht secretariat termed this gesture as an act of backing and cooperating with the acting jathedar on the matter of Akal Takht's supremacy. The official statement claimed that during the meeting of Sikh clergy presided over by Giani Gargaj at Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, over the issue, Giani Raghbir Singh extended his support by sending his junior granthis—Giani Sultan Singh, Giani Rajdeep Singh and Giani Kewal Singh—for the meeting. Giani Raghbir Singh has been unhappy since he was removed by the SAD-controlled gurdwara body allegedly in wake of December 2 edict of the Sikh clergy led by him, that called for change of the party leadership, comprising Sukhbir Singh Badal, and constituted a panel to reorganise the party, besides stripping Sukhbir's father and former CM Parkash Singh Badal title of 'Panth Rattan-Fakhr-e-Qaum'. On Saturday, Sikh clergy from Akal Takht rejected the Patna Sahib's edict that declared Sukhbir tankhaiya for not responding to their summons. Earlier, the Bihar-based Sikh temporal seat had declared Giani Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Tek Singh Dhanaula tankhaiya.
