Ottawa – Amid growing tensions over the Khalistan issue, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for the first time, openly stated that Khalistani separatists do not represent the entire Sikh community. He made this statement during a Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas event, a significant festival celebrated by Sikhs, held in the Canadian Parliament. The event was organized by Cabinet Ministers Anita Anand and Gary Anandasangaree. A participant at the event shared a video of Trudeau’s statement with the Hindustan Times, in which he can be heard addressing the issue.
Trudeau acknowledged that while there are many Khalistan supporters in Canada, they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. His statement comes shortly after a Khalistani attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada. Trudeau firmly stated that violence, intolerance, and division have no place in Canada. He added that Sikhs in Canada are peaceful people, and those who support Khalistan do not speak for the entire Sikh community. He also encouraged people to live in harmony with their cultural values and respect their community’s principles.
Trudeau noted the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints while avoiding division. He subtly shifted his stance amid India’s strong objections and expressed support for a “One India” policy. However, he also drew a parallel, suggesting that while there are many Modi supporters in Canada, they, too, do not represent the entire Hindu community in the country.
In response, former British Columbia MP Ujjal Dosanjh also commented on Trudeau’s statement, noting that this was likely the first time the Prime Minister had distinguished between the Sikh community and Khalistani supporters. Dosanjh, who has previously criticized Trudeau, suggested that people may have informed Trudeau about the violent actions of some Khalistan supporters, prompting his statement. Dosanjh had recently called Trudeau “socially and politically foolish” for supporting Khalistani elements in the past.