In Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed a gathering of Sikhs on Khalsa Day (Baisakhi), pledging his government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community in Canada. He emphasized the importance of protecting the approximately 800,000 Sikhs residing in the country from discrimination and hatred.
Trudeau reiterated that, under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Sikhs, like all citizens, have the right to freely practice their religion without fear of persecution. The event saw slogans advocating for the separatist movement Khalistan raised by some attendees. Additionally, four cabinet ministers and four members of parliament from the Liberal Party joined Trudeau on stage.
Posters and images of Hardeep Singh Nagra, a Khalistan advocate slain in Canada last year, adorned the ceremony. Trudeau referenced ongoing tensions between Canada and India, blaming India for Nagra’s murder and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
The strained relations between the two nations have led to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats, with tensions remaining high.
