Ottawa: Pro-Khalistan protesters tried to attack India's High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma with a sword, which was foiled by Canadian police. The incident occurred when Verma had arrived in Edmonton on March 11 to attend an event organized by the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce. During this, Khalistan supporters also raised derogatory slogans against Verma. A video of the incident has also surfaced, in which it is seen that Canadian police personnel are pushing back the Khalistan supporters who were moving forward with weapons.
Indian Officials in Canada Targeted
Officials working in the Indian Mission in Canada have been the target of Khalistan supporters for some time. This has gained momentum following an appeal by Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, in which Pannu had appealed to target the Indian Embassy over the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia in June 2023. India and Canada had come face to face regarding this matter, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had expressed the suspicion of Indian agents being behind it.
Disruption Attempt during Program
Khalistani protesters raised slogans against the Indian High Commissioner and India during the March 11 incident. During this, a protestor also insulted the Indian tricolor. Khalistanis also tried to disrupt the programme. Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma told the media that "Pro-Khalistan elements tried to disrupt the program, but did not succeed."
Poster Campaign to Spoil the Program
In anticipation of the program on March 11, Pannu's supporters released a poster calling for protests, reminiscent of a similar campaign in 2023 where Khalistanis in Canada advocated violent attacks against Indian diplomats. In response to the poster, Canadian authorities deployed a substantial number of security forces at the venue, ensuring the safe arrival of the Indian High Commissioner and his wife to the event.
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