India-Canada Tension:  Raises Concerns Over Khalistani Extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu’s Entry into Canadian Territory

In recent developments, the Hindu Forum Canada (HFC), a prominent Hindu advocacy group, has called for a ban on the entry of Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu into Canadian territory. This move comes in response to a hate speech delivered by Pannu, which has raised concerns among the Hindu community residing in Canada and Indians at large. HFC’s legal representative, Peter Thorning, has urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation in collaboration with the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to declare Pannu ‘inadmissible’ to Canada.

The Letter’s Content

In a letter addressed to Mark Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), HFC’s legal representative expressed deep concerns regarding Gurpatwant Singh Pannu’s affiliations and activities. Pannu is presently working as a legal representative for the Sikh For Justice (SFJ), an organization advocating for the establishment of a separate Sikh state. Furthermore, Pannu is the same lawyer who issued a statement in support of Hardeep Singh Nijjar after his assassination on June 18.

Pannu’s alleged association with ‘extremism’ and SFJ’s unlawful status within India has placed Canadian officials in a precarious position. The continuous strain on diplomatic relations between the two countries, exacerbated by the promotion of hatred by Khalistani elements, has become a political challenge.

The letter read, “We bring to your attention the deep concerns about Gurpatwant Singh Pannu’s involvement. He currently serves as legal counsel for Sikh For Justice, an organization advocating for a separate Sikh state, and has also publicly supported those accused of violent separatism.”

Pannu’s Controversial Video

HFC became alarmed by a recent video in which Pannu issued a warning to all Indian-Canadian Hindus about leaving Canada. In the video, he accused Canadian Hindus of “working against the very country that provides them economic prosperity.”

HFC’s legal representative underscored the relevant sections of the Criminal Code, particularly Section 319, which makes it illegal to incite or promote hatred against an identifiable group. There is no doubt that Hindus qualify as an ‘identifiable group,’ as defined under Section 318 (4) of the Criminal Code.

Long-Standing Bilateral Relations

Canada and India share longstanding bilateral relations based on democracy, pluralism, and strong mutual cultural and political ties. Canadians of Indian origin form a significant community, comprising about 4% of Canada’s population (1.3 million people). The strengthening of cultural and political ties between Canada and India has been facilitated through official dialogues, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and working groups.

Conclusion

The tension arising from the presence of Khalistani elements like Gurpatwant Singh Pannu within Canada has put Canadian officials in a delicate position. Balancing the right to freedom of speech with the responsibility to prevent the spread of hatred and extremism is a challenge that requires careful consideration. HFC’s request for a thorough investigation into Pannu’s activities and a potential ban on his entry into Canada highlights the importance of maintaining the country’s values of tolerance and inclusivity while safeguarding against those who seek to exploit them for divisive purposes.