A public celebration by pro-Khalistan supporters of the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Brampton, Canada, has stirred controversy, drawing criticism in India and Canada alike. The incident comes amidst heightened concern over Khalistani militancy, with the recent arrest of a terrorist, Amritpal Singh, in Punjab under National Security Act charges.
The commemoration of Indira Gandhi’s assassination has provoked widespread condemnation in Punjab, cutting across political lines. Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa, Senior BJP leader and Vice President of Punjab BJP, criticises the Canadian response, saying, “Any country that glorifies terrorism or assassination, is certainly demonstrating itself as a sympathiser of terrorism. Canada is stooping down to a new low. It has become a hub for these separatists. No Sikhs here in Punjab wish for Khalistan. Essentially, these separatists are exploiting the situation for financial gain under the guise of extremism, and Trudeau must foresee the repercussions for allowing this to happen on Canadian soil”.
The incident has increased pressure on the Canadian government and elicited a firm response from India. Union Minister of State, Meenakshi Lekhi, has demanded strict action against those involved, while Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar warned of potential deterioration in India-Canada relations.In her criticism of the Canadian government, Lekhi stated that ‘a crime cannot be celebrated’. She pointed out that the incident occurred in Canada and thus falls under Canadian jurisdiction, thereby the Government of Canada should take action.
Earlier, Punjab Congress leader Raja Warring echoed a similar sentiment, asserting, “We will not let anyone create Khalistan on our soil, come what may”.
Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has also called for stringent action from the Canadian government, emphasising that the incident is ‘a serious issue’ and insinuating it may be driven by vote bank politics. He warned of the potential harm to bilateral relations and cautioned that it is not in Canada’s best interest either.
Congress also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the celebration of Indira Gandhi’s assassination. Randeep Surjewala, Congress General Secretary, at a press conference, criticised the actions of Khalistan supporters. He noted the sacrifices made by thousands of Congress workers, including Mrs. Gandhi and Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, in maintaining the country’s unity and integrity. The incident has also drawn severe criticism on social media.
Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her bodyguards in protest against Operation Blue Star, which was launched during her tenure to combat terrorism in the Golden Temple in Amritsar.