Toronto (IANS): Stating that pro-Khalistan Sikhs have always been loyal to Canada, US-based Gurpatwant Pannun of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) threatened Indo-Canadian Hindus and asked them to leave the country in a video which went viral on Wednesday.
“Indo-Canadian Hindus, you have repudiated your allegiance to Canada and Canadian constitution. Your destination is India. Leave Canada, go to India,” Pannun said in the 45-second video clip.
“Pro-Khalistan Sikhs have always been loyal to Canada. They have always sided with Canada and have [upheld] the laws and the constitution,” Pannun said.
Pannun announced in the video that another referendum to weigh support for Khalistan will be held in Canada on October 29, and it will be asking voters whether Indian high commissioner Sanjay Verma was responsible for Nijjar’s killing in June.
The VOICE adds:
ON Wednesday, Liberal MP Chandra Arya tweeted:
“Few days back Khalistan movement leader in Canada and the president of Sikhs for Justice which organizes the so-called referendum Gurpatwant Singh Pannun attacked Hindu-Canadians asking us to leave Canada and go back to India.
“I have heard from many Hindu-Canadians who are fearful after this targeted attack.
“I urge Hindu-Canadians to stay calm but vigilant. Please report any incident of Hinduphobia to your local law enforcement agencies. The Khalistan movement leader is trying to provoke the Hindu-Canadians to react and divide the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada.
“Let me be clear.
“Vast majority of our Canadian Sikh brothers and sisters do not support Khalistan movement.
“Most Sikh Canadians may not publicly condemn the Khalistan movement for several reasons but they are deeply connected to the Hindu-Canadian community.
“Canadian Hindus and Sikhs are connected through family relationships and shared social and cultural ties.
“This direct attack on Hindu-Canadians by the leader of Canadian Khalistan movement is further escalation of the recent attacks on Hindu temples and public celebration of the assassination of Hindu Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by terrorists.
“Canada has high moral values and we fully uphold the rule of law. I can’t understand how glorification of terrorism or a hate crime targeting a religious group is allowed in the name of freedom of speech and expression.
“There would be an outrage in Canada if a white supremist attacked any group of racialized Canadians asking them to get out of our country. But apparently this Khalistani leader can get away with this hate crime. Hindu Canadians keep a low profile and are considered soft targets. The anti-Hindu elements cannot digest the success of Hindu-Canadians.
“Two well-organized groups claiming to represent their faiths have been attacking Hindu-Canadian community leaders, Hindu organizations and even me. For over ten months, I have been attacked for raising a flag with our Hindu religious sacred symbol Aum on our parliament hill.
“I again call upon Hindu-Canadians to stay calm but vigilant.
“As Canadians, we can be proud of our Hindu faith and heritage and our impressive contribution to the socio-economic success of our country Canada.”
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