An organic largely Sikh led protest movement dominated Panjab over the last two weeks, triggered by opposition to Indian State overreach into higher education in the state.
On 28th October, the Indian Ministry of Education issued a notification that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP government would be making changes to Panjab University, both at a leadership level and regarding student right to protest.
Panjab University, based in Chandigarh and nearly 150-years-old, has a history of student activism and is a site of efforts to preserve Panjabi culture and history, something which many Panjabis feel is under attack from India’s Hindutva (Hindu extremist) regime, which is seen as trying to force an umbrella Hindu/Hindi culture on all states considered part of India.
In response to the forced overnight changes, various actions were immediately undertaken by Panjab University (PU) activists, including a general student strike, staff walk outs, sit in campus protests and an indefinite hunger strike from Abhishek Dagar, the student campus general secretary. Dozens of interviews on social media saw students and staff speak against the government’s overhauling of the structure of PU, through converting an elected leadership syndicate into a completely nominated body, and reducing the numbers of the PU senate, whilst stopping elections for the senate altogether. Within the conflict, several senior PU staff members have been accused of being complicit in the government takeover of the institution, causing a complex back-and-forth regarding the PU position in the early days of the protest. Suggestions the protest should be confined to a petition or awaiting talks have largely been dismissed by lead protesters, who insist on taking more direct action.
As the issue became bigger in early November, every major Panjab political party issued a statement against the in-power BJP Party which was attempting to oversee the coup of Panjab University leadership, including Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, underlining the vast Panjab opposition to the move.
As is standard in such situations, Indian authorities met the peaceful protest with a violent response, which only strengthened the resolve of demonstrators. Many openly claimed the RSS (Hindu extremist faction which works as a goon agency for the nationalist government) were behind the attack on Panjab high education and were also present within the heavy-handed police response teams. In defiance of this RSS attack on Panjab, protesters held up khaki shorts (which is part of the militant marching wear of the RSS) with a big red cross drawn on it. Police were also accused of being visibly intoxicated, as they were seen drinking alcohol on the job over days of protest.
PU Student Council Vice-President Ashmeet (also spelled Ashmit in English language media) Singh was particularly praised for his role in speaking against the takeover of PU and the agenda behind it. Singh was vocal about government talks about the changes being used as “delay tactics” to stifle a growing protest. A popular figure, upon his election in September’s student election at the university, Ashmeet Singh’s team unveiled a celebratory image of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, as a sign of connection to the revered defiant philosophy advocated by the famous Shaheed (martyr), which also attempted to resist central state subjugation.
After days of protest and police clashes, a government withdrawal notice regarding the changes was issued on 4th November, presented as a victory to the protesters. However, when Panjab Uni leads came to sign off to accept the withdrawal notice, it was recognised that the wording of the latest withdrawal notice was changed from an earlier circulated statement, now less concrete, leaving space for continued government influence. Thus, PU leads and protesters refused to accept the withdrawal notice and continued protesting. However, Abishek Dagar did end his hunger strike.
It was after this second rejection of the government’s then amended PU changes that the protest took to a new level, as farmer groups and other Panjabi activists and political figures became directly involved to challenge this latest attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime to deconstruct Panjab’s cultural infrastructure. CM Bhagwant Mann did not hold back when he said, “The BJP is suffering from anti-Panjab syndrome, due to which they are hell-bent on destroying the state”. However, Mann is viewed by many as someone who has also inflicted untold damage on Panjab during his current reign as CM, in consideration of situations like the #PanjabUnderSiege period, the treatment of political prisoners and more.
On 7th November the government finally relented and entirely withdrew the changes being forced on PU altogether. Yet, protesters were concerned that there was no pending date for a senate election, indicating a potential absence of control which could later be exploited by the government. The reduction of the senate was one of the original changes by government contested by the Panjabi University protesters, a change which would also eliminate future elections. The last PU senate election was over one year ago.
As such, 10th November was set as a date for a mass protest to force a date for the PU senate elections and continue to show defiance against India’s centre (central government- viewed as a tool for the Hindu upper-caste elite to control India). Students under the banner ‘Panjab University Bachao Morcha’ called for an indefinite shutdown to the university and refused to end the agitation until at least a senate election date is set.
Over this entire period of protest, whilst videos of police using violence went viral online via attendees, such footage is noticeably absent from nearly the entirety of India’s mainstream press and news teams up until 9th November, when scenes peaked through to the 10th. Authorities claimed they were trying to prevent non-students from entering the campus. However, various videos embarrassed the police for heavy handed violence. A professor decried the police for acting against “empty handed” protesters and police were directly exposed on camera after their violence had subsided, in two viral clips. By this stage the agitation was so big it was impacting local traffic, as groups overcame barricades and police to get on to the PU site. Camps for overnight sit-ins were set-up. However, dozens (possibly hundreds) were arrested, including leading #FarmersProtest figures, as they attempted to attend.
The 10th November protest was a historic day of resistance for Panjab. Groups overcame locks, barricades and police lathi (stick- police weapon in India) charges to demonstrate on campus. Estimates suggest anything from 5000-15,000 protesters of all ages and backgrounds joined the stand, in a show of Panjabi solidarity against ongoing attempts to “centralize” the state’s institutions, bringing them under further control of the non-Sikh upper-caste Hindu establishment of India.
As of 11th November, the protest is still ongoing, and will remain so until a senate election date is approved by central government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to comment on the situation.
Another prominent Sikh businessman was murdered this week in Canada, just before a popular Sikh artist was shot at, in two new incidents claimed by the Indian nationalist Lawrence Bishnoi terror group.
Darshan Singh Sahsi, a 68-year-old businessman living in Canada for decades, was shot dead outside his home in Abbotsford on the morning of 27th October, and on 30th October at approximately 2am Punjabi singer Chani Nattan had his home in Surrey (both in BC) shot at in a filmed incident, which later went viral via Indian nationalist networks.
Indian media report confessions about both incidents circulating, both from the notorious Bishnoi figure Goldy (Goldie) Dhillon via Facebook. The post on Sahsi stated he was targeted for owing “protection money” related to “the drug trade”, although no evidence exists to suggest Sahsi was involved in such criminality. Accusations of this kind have been used to justify attempts to extort legitimate businessmen. Sahsi’s family said Darshan was known to support people from his part of Punjab when they came to Canada. The organic support network of Punjabi communities in Canada is believed to be a target of Bishnoi terror for extortion and coercion.
Meanwhile, singer Nattan was said to be targeted due to “his closeness to Sardar Khehra”, another Punjabi artist, with the post going on to state it was only Khehra who is their target and the gang have nothing personal with Nattan. Nevertheless, Nattan has long felt the ire of Indian nationalists for showing support to Sikh political prisoners, activists and wider causes such as the Farmers Protest through his music.
NOTE- Sikh PA do not share links to Indian outlets known for anti-Sikh disinformation. The two incidents came just after Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand received criticism for meeting her Indian counterpart in early October without appropriately addressing the Indian nationalist crimewave putting Sikh lives in danger in Canada. The assassination of Shaheed (martyr) Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar is yet to be adequately addressed according to groups including Sikh Federation Canada and World Sikh Organization, both calling for more focus on India’s consular activities. Yet, meetings with India and Canada have largely celebrated “renewed ties” since Prime Minister Mark Carney came into power for the Liberal Party, instead of concluding issues around transnational repression, as Sikh community groups have requested.
This sentiment was reinforced with footage from an Indo-Canadian networking event Anand spoke at on 23rd October, when Anand spoke about her “emotional” experience meeting India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Gandhi was infamously behind the beginning of India’s 1984 Sikh genocide, before she was assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards. Modi was behind a different massacre by Hindu mobs, this time as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2002, in an incident which saw over 1000 Muslims killed over days of carnage in the state. Anand’s fawning over the notorious figures has many asking whether she has a conflict of interest as Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, with some suggesting she should resign.
Meanwhile, Sikhs For Justice bluntly asked “How Many More Dead Bodies Carney Government Wants To See Before Acting Against Indian Consulate Officials” in an official statement. SFJ also stated Carney’s government are “dismissing RCMP warnings”, an accusation which has oft been repeated since police warnings went public from 2023. Contrastingly, Nattan has simply thanked supporters for their well wishes and prayers in a social media post, whilst continuing general posts of his day-to-day life.
Sikh groups are anticipating ongoing police action and subsequential charges asap. However, other acts of Bishnoi-India government terrorism in Canada are still being investigated, such as the May murder of Parmjit Singh Dhadda and other recent extortion shootings in Surrey (BC).
Amid global concern of a rise in anti-Sikh hate, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Kaur Dhillon condemned attacks on “law-abiding Sikhs…simply because of who they are” this week.
The statement by Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, the Sikh Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights Division, came after widespread bigoted reactions to a reckless driving incident by a Sikh driver in Ontario (California) on 21st October. Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old Yuba City resident, was in control of a truck when it sped through slow traffic, destroying vehicles and leaving three dead.
Jashanpreet Singh entered the US illegally in 2022 and was intoxicated when the collisions happened, prompting a furious backlash within an already prominent anti-immigrant political climate in the country. Jashanpreet’s incident is similar to the recent Florida Turnpike accident in August, involving another illegal immigrant Sikh trucker, Harjinder Singh, which also provoked an anti-Sikh backlash, now reignited by Jashanpreet Singh’s collision. Note- Harjinder Singh was not said to have been intoxicated like Jashanpreet Singh was. Jashanpreet Singh is being charged with driving under the influence of drugs, causing bodily injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Reports of racist incidents targeting Sikhs have increased since the Florida incident, an issue exacerbated online by Hindutva (Hindu extremist) groups maligning the wider Sikh community and Khalistan (free Sikh homeland) movement as somehow to blame for Jashanpreet’s acident.
Immediately after the crash became public knowledge, humanitarian charity and advocacy group United Sikhs released statements calling for a fair trial for Jashanpreet, having also stated the trial of Harjinder Singh was being impacted by anti-immigrant sentiment, points raised in TV interviews by United Sikhs reps recently. See more here.
Jashanpreet Singh remains on trial, having pleaded not-guilty on 24th October at San Bernardino County Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga (California). During the hearing, Jashanpreet Singh appeared stripped of his dastaar (Sikh turban), an issue which was raised by many, underlining concerns of the lack of human rights afforded to Jashanpreet and Sikhs facing incarceration in the USA.
For her statement, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon was met with both support but also completely bigoted criticism. Some prominent bigoted accounts have been shown to be followed by Vice-President JD Vance. Harmeet was also target of a vicious backlash by Christian supremacists and white supremacists when she performed an ardaas (Sikh prayer) at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in July, receiving accusations of pushing “demon worship” and more. Dhillon also performed an ardas at the RNC in 2016. Within her work as a longtime Republican Party figure and respected lawyer, Dhillon has still regularly supported Sikh issues through her career, including raising concerns around transnational repression and supporting identity rights. Harmeet Kaur Dhillon was appointed as Assistant Attorney General by President Donald Trump, who has publicly praised her work on several occasions.
The fallout of the Jashanpreet Singh tragedy also includes a deeper look at how immigrants in the USA obtain trucking licenses, an issue which is already under intense anti-migrant scrutiny, much to the concern of much of the Sikh community. Read more on that here. Meanwhile, Sikh groups remain rallying the wider community in response to intensified hate and policy changes impacting lawful workers, such as the estimated 100,000+ working in the trucking industry.
As the trials against Harjinder Singh and Jashanpreet Singh continue, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon (who is one of three Assistant Attorney Generals) made her stance clear, saying her team would “aggressively prosecute or pursue justice against those engaged in such discrimination” targeting Sikhs.
Indian government linked criminal network the Bishnoi Gang has been officially designated a terrorist entity by the Canadian government (29.09.25). However, Sikh groups have criticized the move for erasing the gang’s link with the Indian government.
The formal announcement by Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government came after months of talk about the possibility of categorizing the group as a terror entity, which will allow authorities to take further measures to tackle the gang’s nationwide extortion racket and more.
The decision most certainly largely pertains to targeting of Sikh communities of Canada, which has been raised by various advocacy groups and figures, particularly since the 2023 assassination of Shaheed (martyr) Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said “specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi gang”.
Sikh Federation Canada reacted immediately to the news by calling the designation “insufficient”, adding; “According to government officials, the Bishnoi gang was not acting independently; it was being directed by senior officials of the Government of India”. Spokesperson Moninder Singh even said the move would have “little impact” on curbing crime, as it is the Indian government “orchestrating widespread violence”. Moninder Singh, a former close associate of slain Sikh leader Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, is one of several Sikhs who has been given a “duty to warn” notice regarding a potential Indian State threat to his life.
Having welcomed the ruling on the Bishnoi gang, Canada’s World Sikh Organization (a political and community advocacy body) followed up by demanding the government now “expose and sanction those Indian officials who have directed, financed, or facilitated this gang”, which Canadian authorities previously confirmed was the case. See the statement- WSO Calls Out India After Bishnoi Gang Terrorist Listing – World Sikh Organization of Canada.
Check out a series of media interviews by WSO reps on the terror designation of the Bishnoi gang, and concerns about it:
The Sikhs For Justice group, led by New York (USA) based lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who was targeted for assassination by India in a foiled 2023 plot, also criticized the intent of the Bishnoi gang’s categorization. Pannun called the decision “political deflection”, again raising the lack of accountability for Indian officials known to be directing the criminal actions of so-called Bishnoi gang members. Pannun also stated Canada was trying to “outsource blame to a gang…to renew relations with the Modi government, which has never been held accountable”. Pannun also spoke further on the issue in a TV news interview.
The lack of addressal of Indian Government connections to the gang was also picked up on by some Canadian journalists and Sikh media too.
Sikh-focused news outlet Baaz News released an article from editor Jaskaran Singh Sandhu which also reiterated the concerns about the terror designation. Read it here.
Speaking on the Sikh community reactions, Sikh PA Senior Press Officer said: “The concerns from Sikh groups regarding the Bishnoi gang are clear, and they go beyond the idea of street thugs terrorising Sikhs in Canada. As previously mentioned by Canadian authorities, there is a known link between senior Indian government figures and coordination of crime at a street level in Canada, crimes often targeting Sikhs, nearly always politically motived. As such, this designation will do nothing to stop the protests and lobbying efforts from Sikh groups working to see Indian officials made accountable for their crimes in Canada. Efforts to make Indian officials face the law will continue, seemingly now in face of a new closer relationship with India and the Mark Carney Liberal government.”
The first sentencing of a Bishnoi affiliate came within days, as 26-year-old Abhijeet Kingra was jailed for six-years for firing a gun at the home of Sikh superstar musician AP Dhillion on Vancouver Island last year in September. After being arrested in January, Kingra was sentenced yesterday (1.10.25).
A UK Indian High Commission court case against a Sikh activist has been stayed by the presiding judge, two-years since the initial incident, which is linked to another Sikh activist’s alleged murder by India.
On 16th September 2025, proceedings brought against Gurcharan Singh at Southwark Crown Court concerning alleged attempted criminal damage to the Indian flag during a protest at its London High Commission building in March 2023 were stayed (meaning temporarily halted).
The ruling brings a long-running saga into its final chapter. The initial incident began with Indian media accusations of “violent terrorism” by British Sikhs, then triggered a major diplomatic fallout, and is linked to the poisoning of a Sikh activist who was the main person accused of desecrating the flag, despite not even being in attendance.
Gurcharan Singh (a noted UK activist part of the Dal Khalsa UK group) and two other Sikh activists (who will remain anonymous) currently face no charges regarding the accusations from an Indian High Commission rep. One activist was arrested on the day of the protest (19th March 2023) and the other was arrested later that year in August, whilst Gurcharan Singh was arrested even later that year, in October, at another protest outside the same Indian High Commission.
The initial incident occurred around midday on 19th March 2023, when Sikh protests broke out across the world after Indian authorities locked down parts of Punjab. Invasion by thousands of paramilitary groups and a communications shutdown were part of mass state action against critics of India in Punjab, which was mainly focused on targeting Bhai Amritpal Singh.
The situation became known as #PanjabUnderSiege. Bhai Amritpal Singh became subject of one of the largest manhunts in history during the period, only to turn himself in later. He remains a Sikh political prisoner since, but is now also an elected MP, having contested and won – voted in by 400,000 people – in last year’s India general election. During the 19th March 2023 protest at India’s London High Commission (IHC), amongst dozens of protesters some criminal damage to the building allegedly occurred. However, it was video footage of a Sikh man – unidentifiable from footage – pulling down India’s tiranga (tri-colour; national flag) from the front of the building which sparked global Indian outrage. Footage of the incident was broadcasted worldwide by Indian media and Hindu nationalist social media users (including official government and army reps), all of which sensationalised the incident as “terrorism” and a “violent attack”.
In response to the Indian reaction, a viral take from Professor Andrew Macleod seemed to express wider sentiment, when the Australian geopolitical expert accused Indians of overreacting and being “petulant”, whilst speaking on the incident on a news panel show.
In what is in hindsight a completely sinister move, Indian media quickly blamed noted Sikh activist Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda for the incident, despite Khanda not being in attendance. Khanda was a respected figure of the Khalistan (free Sikh homeland) movement, demonised by Indian media and authorities even before the March 2023 incident. His false framing as the culprit of the overblown incident is cited as pre-emptive justification for his death, which was celebrated as an Indian State murder on social media before the news had even been confirmed in Sikh communities.
As well as the fallout targeting Sikh activists, the UK also faced diplomatic pressure after the incident. Firstly, the UK consulate head of Delhi was summoned to answer questions, whilst simultaneously security (in the form of basic gating) was removed from the UK Delhi High Commission building, with Indian media commentators openly saying it was retaliation for a perceived failure of the UK to protect India’s High Commission in London.
Weeks later, using the false framing against Khanda as justification, the mother of the Birmingham (Midlands) based activist was imprisoned in India for a period, in what was seen as an attempt to hurt and discourage Khanda’s activism.
Then, just a month later, Khanda succumbed to a very short and serious illness, passing away after a public claim that he would be “eliminated”, made by Hindu extremist India national security commentator Major Gaurav Arya.
At the time, Punjab and the Sikh diaspora communities seemed to be becoming more understanding of the Khalistan movement post the 2020 Farmers Protest stand against Narendra Modi’s Indian government, based on social sentiment and grassroots support for Khalistan orgs. In response, India’s demonisation of noted Sikh activists intensified, including toward Shaheed (martyr) Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, killed soon after Khanda died, in Surrey (BC, Canada).
Even after the fallout around the assassinations of Sikh activists (which included the killing of Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Pakistan in May 2023), efforts to target the alleged perpetrators of the London High Commission “attack” continued, with India sending intelligence officers into the UK for further investigation in September 2023.
After reports of India’s NIA (National Investigation Agency) presence in the UK, Gurcharan Singh found himself under arrest weeks later for desecration of India’s flag in March 2023, whilst protesting at the same site. Despite Gurcharan Singh’s arrest and the fact he was officially named as the accused by Indian diplomats, there was no attempt to absolve Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda, who was named in headlines across India regarding the incident.
Once the case against the protesters was underway, Sikh PA is aware that a diplomat even waived diplomatic immunity in order to participate in the case by giving witness statements.
Although the initial police charge related to damage to the India Consulate flag, later allegations from the Indian diplomat included: – Gurcharan Singh broke bones in his hand, resulting him requiring surgery – 12 windows were smashed and the VIP entrance door of the building, causing approximately £20,000 worth of criminal damage to the consulate building
Evidence for the alleged damage to the building was also presented through a receipt for a £13,000 payment from the consulate to a maintenance company.
Tellingly, no Indian media have yet covered the news of the case being dismissed, despite the mass coverage which occurred when the initial accusations began, after the 2023 March #PunjabUnderSiege protest.
Speaking on the current status of the case, Gurcharan Singh said “At this stage, there is no case to answer. I am pleased with this outcome. I thank everyone who has supported me through this.
“The Indian government has been unable to provide evidence as to the monetary value of the flag or the cost of any alleged damage. In the absence of such evidence, there is no basis for sustaining a criminal charge.
“It is clear that the case was an attempt to curtail the fundamental right of Sikhs to peacefully protest against the actions of the Indian state while in the United Kingdom. The right to protest is a cornerstone of democratic society and attempts to criminalise legitimate dissent undermine this principle.”
Gurcharan Singh remains involved in Sikh activism, and specifically standing against Hindutva tyranny and in support of the Khalistan movement.
NOTE- The Sikh Press Association is aware of further impact regarding the March 2023 protest and Indian accusations towards attendees. However, in respect of sangat (Sikh congregation) wishes, we will not be specifying other impacted parties.
And in an additional twist, Indian media reported the news before any Canadian authorities released public details on it, posing questions as to how India’s notoriously nationalist media would get such information on someone viewed as an enemy of India.
Inderjit Singh Gosal was charged with a dozen firearms-related offences after being arrested by Ontario Provincial Police in Whitby on 19th September. He appeared in court in Oshawa on Monday, but even before then Indian media were pushing out the story. The 36-year-old was arrested with fellow activists Arman Singh, 23, of Toronto, and Jagdeep Singh, 41, a resident of New York. News of the arrest was first broken by Indian nationalist news outlets like NDTV.
Only a week before Gosal’s arrest the respected activist was offered witness protection services based on a threat to his life, related to his role as the Canadian coordinator of the Khalistan (free Sikh homeland), a role previously held by Shaheed (martyr) Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, killed by criminals funded by the Indian State in 2023 in Surrey (BC). The arrest also comes shortly after Canada’s National Security Advisor Nathalie G Drouin met with her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, a notorious figure exposed by Washington Post via intelligence leaks as leading “harassment” of Sikh diaspora activists.
Gosal was also involved in an incident which sparked a day of anti-Sikh unrest across Canada, when he was targeted by a Hindu extremist mob whilst protesting outside a Brampton Mandir last November, resulting in his arrest for his role in a skirmish. Indian media currently link Gosal’s arrest to the meeting between Drouin and Doval, raising suspicion in Sikh circles about what has led to the arrest of Gosal.
A statement by Sikhs For Justice on the arrest highlighted India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s threat about eliminating enemies of India “in their foreign homes”, whilst also raising the incident as a test for Canada PM Mark Carney, regarding the rights of Sikhs advocating for Khalistan in Canada.
Speaking on the arrest, Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said:
“There must be serious questions as to how news of this arrest reached Indian media and random Indian nationalist accounts first. The process of the arrest means it makes no sense for intricate detail of the arrest to reach Indian media first. Canadian authorities need to be clear about how this could happen, or else it leaves many questions about Inderjit Singh Gosal’s situation.
“Furthermore, global Sikh attention will be on this case, given the shocking amount of murders of Sikhs in Canada within the last two-years linked to the Indian State, via criminal networks like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. There is a growing belief that Sikhs are being forced to be sitting-ducks for Indian violence whilst Canadian authorities do nothing and also allow nothing for those targeted to protect themselves.”
LATEST UPDATE- The 20th Sept demonstration outside the Bakersfield ICE detention facility was cancelled due to Harjit Kaur being removed from the site. Her current whereabouts are unknown, as ICE refuse to divulge more info.
Sikh groups are rallying in support for a 73-year-old Sikh grandmother who has been in the USA for 33-years, currently suffering amid imprisonment by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in California (USA).
Harjit Kaur, a resident of Bakersfield in California since 1992, was “dragged away by guards” on 8th September during a routine ICE check-in, which she had been doing for 13-years as required. She has been left in a local detainment facility since where she says she “would rather die” than be, due to various human rights breaches.
According to reports from her attorney Deepak Ahluwalia and also her daughter-in-law Manjit Kaur, Harjit Kaur has faced:
being refused water
staying in a cell without a chair or bed, with a broken toilet and no toilet paper
denial of medicine and required medical treatment
not being given a vegetarian meal for a week
handcuffed and feet shackled for hours-at-a-time
The grandmother is considered an illegal alien because she did not have the required travel documents when arriving in the USA, coming as a widow with her two young sons as India’s Sikh genocide was still in a peak period. India would have only been four-years into existence as an independent nation when she was born, making it a period when not all individuals were able to obtain modern legal documentation such as a birth certificate. Harjit Kaur was allowed to stay in the USA based on a lengthy series of legal challenges she raised regarding her status. In 2012 her final appeal to stay was rejected, and Harjit Kaur accepted she would leave to return to Punjab. However, to return Harjit Kaur needed an emergency certificate – a one-way travel document for Indians of invalid status to enable them to return. This would require verifying Harjit Kaur’s origin and identity in Punjab through photos, cross-checking with relatives or acquaintances or finding old records. A decade since applying for this, between US immigration and India’s US embassy, Harjit Kaur has not received her emergency travel certificate. As such, she is still allowed to legally remain in the USA. The fact that she had 13-years of regular immigration check-ins makes her detainment with ICE seems unnecessary to many. Harjit Kaur has had a knee replacement and also deals with a variety of other medical issues, which are not being treated under ICE, according to her attorney.
Harjit Kaur worked several different jobs as legally entitled to do during her time in the USA, paying taxes and having an unblemished record whilst raising a family in Bakersfield. A rep of the local Gurdwara where Harjit Kaur attended daily said “she always helped people”. Hundreds of supporters turned up to a 12th September protest regarding her detainment. Harjit Kaur spent much of her day-to-day caring for her grandchildren, before her callous incarceration. Her family also say her Harjit Kaur no longer has any support (home or a family) in India.
Protests have been held across the US against a perceived heavy-handed approach by ICE, amid wider divisions around anti-immigrant sentiment under the President Trump regime. Much of the support for the current ICE campaign was based on an idea the “worst-of-the-worst” would be targeted according to Trump, and not “peaceful grandmothers”, as Harjit Kaur’s local Senator Jesse Arreguin put it, whilst calling her imprisonment “shameful”.
Harjit Kaur’s local congressman John Garamendi said ICE’s treatment of Harjit Kaur showed “misplaced priorities of Trump’s immigration enforcement”, whilst calling her a “respected member of the community”. An official ICE response to the situation said they were simply “enforcing the law” and that Harjit Kaur would not be allowed to “waste any more US tax dollars”. Contrary to this, some estimate the cost of imprisoning Harjit Kaur is costing the taxpayer more than it would be to simply appropriately process her case, without needing to imprison her. Harjit Kaur’s family are also saying they will immediately facilitate her travel to India upon release when the necessary certification is received.
Another rally is set for TODAY (20th September) as efforts for her release continue.
A fatal accident involving a Sikh truck driver residing in the USA illegally has caused a global news storm over the last few weeks, prompting Sikh orgs to react to the “bigotry”.
Harjinder Singh performed an illegal u-turn maneuver which led to three deaths as a vehicle collided with his 18-wheeler truck in Turnpike (St Lucie County, Florida) on 12th August. Beyond the tragic outcome on the day, a wider fallout has occurred, which Singh’s public defendant said was “politically charged”.
After the accident, over the next week, the story slowly became one of the biggest in the USA and subsequently the world, with major political figures and social commentators speaking on it as an example of all that is wrong with America’s immigration policies, thus making visibly Sikh man Harjinder Singh (28-years-old) the face of immigration evils in the country.
Speaking on the fallout, Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said, “There was a perfect storm of events which led to this story becoming as big as it did.
“Firstly, we are in midst of a massive focus on immigration in general in the USA, and the tone has become overtly harsher amid the violent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) campaign. Secondly, despite growth in awareness of the Sikh faith, turbaned-bearded men remain a defining image of anti-immigration rhetoric. Finally, the presence of Sikhs in North America’s trucking industry was already under attack. It is the essence of the success of many Sikh families and the influence which comes from that threatens both far-right racists and Hindu nationalist extremists.
“Also, the Trump admin and its supporters would have been relieved to have a story to redirect attention away from things like the Epstein list and ongoing questions about Israel’s influence in the USA. As such, many major pro-Trump figures amplified the story.”
Likely due to a carryover of skills from Punjab which are valued and common, with driving large vehicles a key part of farm life in the agricultural state, Sikhs are estimated to hold over 150,000 trucking positions in the USA. Read more on this via Sikh Coalition.
Harjinder Singh’s Tik-Tok account revealed support for Khalistan, leaving Hindu nationalists rabid in pushing a completely baseless allegation there was a sinister political motive behind the truck accident. However, the ridiculous claims remain circulating only within Hindutva circles, whilst being ignored by US media. Further insight into Harjinder Singh revealed he received his trucking licence in California through loopholes allowing someone with his status to take up the occupation, further fracturing political differences between California’s allegedly super-liberal approach to migration, compared to other US states.
Underlining the impact of the incident, on 21st August the Trump admin via Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the government would immediately stop the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers.
On the same day a petition was started by a non-Sikh which sparked even more backlash by calling for “fair sentencing” for Harjinder Singh. The petition was not started by any Sikh org nor official spokesperson, family member or even friend of Harjinder Singh, but started by a non-Sikh, Manisha Kaushal. Although openly supported by countless individual Sikhs, suspicions about the petition arose as many duplicate names and messages indicated bots were used to push up the numbers of signatures. Simultaneously, Indian nationalist profiles used the petition to portray the Sikh community as unsympathetic and violent. Even state senator Ron De Santis spoke on the petition, condemning it.
Seemingly in response to the petition for leniency, at least two others were started calling for maximum punishment for Harjinder Singh, including calls for him to be deported to the infamous El Salvador super-maximum security prison known for its shocking factory-farm-like living conditions, where allegedly some ICE deportees are being sent.
Due to the backlash, some Sikhs outright condemned the leniency petition. USA community figure Karanveer Singh Pannun created a viral response to the petition which was well received by thousands, in which he outlined it as “ragebait”. No Sikh organizations pushed the petition in any way, despite claims to the otherwise by Hindutva accounts.
As the furore continued, the first official court hearing for Harjinder Singh on 23rd August came around and caused alarm for Sikh groups wondering why he had been stripped of his religious right to keep his head covered.
Singh was flown into Florida from California – where he resided and legally flew back to after the accident – in a very public display, as his case continued to dominate US media. Harjinder Singh was denied bond, charged with vehicular homicide and also with manslaughter. His brother Harneet – his passenger in the truck at the time – was also later arrested for his immigration status, and remains incarcerated pending deportation.
The relentless racist rhetoric and the disinformation around his case prompted Sikh orgs to respond, with some offering legal support.
However, it was the response of Sikhs For Justice which garnered most attention on 26th August, when the group behind the Khalistan (free Sikh homeland) Referendum sent a delegation to meet with Harjinder Singh and had spokesperson Gurpatwant Singh Pannun speak outside his jail. Pannun’s speech was aired across the USA, as the SFJ General Counsel and New York based lawyer spoke to show “solidarity” with the victims, saying Harjinder Singh was “grieving” for them, whilst also emphasizing his religious rights through the prosecution process. Pannun also announced SFJ would donate $100,000 to the victims’ families. Pannun’s media addressal had a positive impact on perceptions of how the incident is viewed by Sikhs, as seen through some social media posts.
Following Pannun’s involvement, Harjinder Singh was finally allowed headwear, as part of his rights as a Sikh.
Two days later, SFJ held a public ardas (Sikh prayer) for the victims outside the jail, whilst also advocating for a fair trial for Harjinder Singh. In an incredible turn of events, the vigil was also sight of another truck crash, which then saw SFJ sevadaars (selfless servants) stage an impromptu rescue of the stuck driver.
The victims were recently revealed to be three Haitian migrants, all related, aged 30, 37 and 54. Some have suggested there may now be less focus on Harjinder Singh then there would have been had the victims been white. However, US media commentators continue to state the case is political and will be processed differently as a result.
The trucking company behind Harjinder Singh’s employment have since been cited for violations, with official charges pending. A Republican backed senate bill is also in motion to make wider changes regarding trucking proficiency, specifically based on the Harjinder Singh accident. Furthermore, in Florida truck inspection stations are now being used as ICE checkpoints, showing the ongoing impact of Harjinder Singh’s case.
In a change of his legal circumstances, on 3rd September United Sikhs announced they would be representing Harjinder Singh through the charity’s legal division.
In summary of the situation, Jasveer Singh said, “Comments from the likes of Ron De Santis and the State Prosecutor of Florida show intention to make an example of Harjinder Singh. Whilst not intentional, his actions were reckless and his immigration status is being viewed as accountable for that recklessness.
“Of course, Harjinder Singh must be accountable for his mistakes, but there is no doubt there is extra negative attention being given to his case too, and unfortunately that will only have an impact on wider Sikh communities, especially in the USA.”
The conclusion of a six-year Charity Commission investigation on a UK Gurdwara sent shockwaves through global Sikh circles this week, as an “objection” to “Khalistan boards” was dropped, prompting some to ask “How was this even up for debate?”.
Based on a 2019 “mischievous reporting” by “Indian journalist”Loveena Tandon, an employee of India’s notoriously nationalist media, the Charity Commission were said to have been misled into spending half-a-decade investigating a so-called issue of Slough Singh Sabha Gurdwara (Berkshire) having the word “Khalistan” on display boards, which they have had up for 40-years.
In a statement on the outcome Slough Singh Sabha committee said it “welcomes the decision” by the Commission “to withdraw its objection”, with it now “recognising the long-standing spiritual significance” of the displays in support of Khalistan. The group also highlighted that the investigation caused “considerable anxiety in the congregation and wider Sikh community” due to the constraints and needless debate it put on ideas of Sikh expression. The Slough Singh Sabha statement also revealed the Charity Commission took six-years to realise “‘Khalistan’ has both an important religious meaning…also a physical political meaning”…and thus does “not wish to interfere in theological issues”.
The Charity Commission move against Sikh expression likely stemmed from “pressure from the Indian government” according to Sikh Federation UK. Following the conclusion, the community advocacy body also said Gurdwaras can now “prominently display Khalistan plaques” joining “a number of Gurdwaras in Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, East Ham, Gravesend, Leicester, Smethwick, West Bromwich and Watford already display Khalistan plaques where the Charity Commission had raised no objections.” SFUK are also chasing up transparency on correspondence the Charity Commission had regarding the investigation, to expose who was influencing the regulatory body to chase up what is now officially a non-issue.
In response to the news, former MP Claudia Webbe called the investigation “concerning”. Respected educational outlet Akaal Publishers also questioned why Charity Commission would be “on a political mission to demonise self-determination, a UN recognised human right”.
Singh Sabha Slough also publicly thanked Sikh community groups and individuals – including MPs – involved in ensuring a just outcome (see below).
Speaking on the story, Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said, “Many community figures are hoping this will be a breakthrough moment for the Charity Commission regarding perceptions of Khalistan support. We are aware various Sikh organisations have been pressured about support or connection with the Khalistan movement, in a way which suggests the Commission is simply acting upon Indian government narratives. Some investigations are ongoing. The idea of foreign interference impacting British Sikhs this way is clearly concerning to the community, and thus there is expectation for this outcome to create a domino effect, which includes a push for transparency around who they corresponded with too. Especially in light of geopolitical revelations around India’s anti-Sikh transnational repression campaign, there will be a global Sikh focus on the UK Charity Commission from hereon.”
See the SFUK statement in full here. See the Singh Sabha Slough statement here.
World Sikh Organization this week called for Sikh constituents to contact their local MPs about “Indian diplomats…running clandestine operations on Canadian soil”, as efforts to tackle India’s “Bishnoi” crime network continue.
The national call by the advocacy body is calling Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to rekindle relations with India “Too Soon, Too Dangerous”, as part of a campaign working against the now undeniable anti-Sikh Indian criminal network carrying out crimes such as extortion and murder in Canada.
The call comes amid ongoing terror from the Indian nationalist criminal network known as the “Lawrence Bishnoi Gang”. However, the gang – which refers to infamous nationalist criminal Lawrence Bishnoi and his criminal syndicate – is largely viewed as a proxy for actions facilitated by Indian State diplomats, giving license to Indian nationalist criminals to target certain individuals. As historically seen with the case of Vishal Jood in Australia, such criminals are rewarded for their actions.
Only last week Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joined British Columbia Premier David Eby and Brampton (Ontario) Mayor Patrick Brown as major Canadian political figures to have recently officially called for the Bishnoi group to be designated a terror group, which will open up legislation allowing authorities to clamp down on relevant crimes.
During a recent interview with CBC News on the topic, BC Gurdwaras Council spokesperson Bhai Moninder Singh asked “if the Bishnoi gang is a terrorist org, wouldn’t that make India a terrorist state for operating through them in Canada as per RCMP claims in October 2024?”. The suggestion is being echoed by wider Sikh communities, with the expulsion of India’s diplomats from Canada underlining the belief Indian State staff were the ones orchestrating what is now being called “terrorism” in Canada.
Panjab rises against Indian government university subjugation
/0 Comments/in News /by adminAn organic largely Sikh led protest movement dominated Panjab over the last two weeks, triggered by opposition to Indian State overreach into higher education in the state.
On 28th October, the Indian Ministry of Education issued a notification that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP government would be making changes to Panjab University, both at a leadership level and regarding student right to protest.
Panjab University, based in Chandigarh and nearly 150-years-old, has a history of student activism and is a site of efforts to preserve Panjabi culture and history, something which many Panjabis feel is under attack from India’s Hindutva (Hindu extremist) regime, which is seen as trying to force an umbrella Hindu/Hindi culture on all states considered part of India.
In response to the forced overnight changes, various actions were immediately undertaken by Panjab University (PU) activists, including a general student strike, staff walk outs, sit in campus protests and an indefinite hunger strike from Abhishek Dagar, the student campus general secretary. Dozens of interviews on social media saw students and staff speak against the government’s overhauling of the structure of PU, through converting an elected leadership syndicate into a completely nominated body, and reducing the numbers of the PU senate, whilst stopping elections for the senate altogether. Within the conflict, several senior PU staff members have been accused of being complicit in the government takeover of the institution, causing a complex back-and-forth regarding the PU position in the early days of the protest. Suggestions the protest should be confined to a petition or awaiting talks have largely been dismissed by lead protesters, who insist on taking more direct action.
As the issue became bigger in early November, every major Panjab political party issued a statement against the in-power BJP Party which was attempting to oversee the coup of Panjab University leadership, including Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, underlining the vast Panjab opposition to the move.
As is standard in such situations, Indian authorities met the peaceful protest with a violent response, which only strengthened the resolve of demonstrators. Many openly claimed the RSS (Hindu extremist faction which works as a goon agency for the nationalist government) were behind the attack on Panjab high education and were also present within the heavy-handed police response teams. In defiance of this RSS attack on Panjab, protesters held up khaki shorts (which is part of the militant marching wear of the RSS) with a big red cross drawn on it. Police were also accused of being visibly intoxicated, as they were seen drinking alcohol on the job over days of protest.
PU Student Council Vice-President Ashmeet (also spelled Ashmit in English language media) Singh was particularly praised for his role in speaking against the takeover of PU and the agenda behind it. Singh was vocal about government talks about the changes being used as “delay tactics” to stifle a growing protest. A popular figure, upon his election in September’s student election at the university, Ashmeet Singh’s team unveiled a celebratory image of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, as a sign of connection to the revered defiant philosophy advocated by the famous Shaheed (martyr), which also attempted to resist central state subjugation.
After days of protest and police clashes, a government withdrawal notice regarding the changes was issued on 4th November, presented as a victory to the protesters. However, when Panjab Uni leads came to sign off to accept the withdrawal notice, it was recognised that the wording of the latest withdrawal notice was changed from an earlier circulated statement, now less concrete, leaving space for continued government influence. Thus, PU leads and protesters refused to accept the withdrawal notice and continued protesting. However, Abishek Dagar did end his hunger strike.
It was after this second rejection of the government’s then amended PU changes that the protest took to a new level, as farmer groups and other Panjabi activists and political figures became directly involved to challenge this latest attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime to deconstruct Panjab’s cultural infrastructure. CM Bhagwant Mann did not hold back when he said, “The BJP is suffering from anti-Panjab syndrome, due to which they are hell-bent on destroying the state”. However, Mann is viewed by many as someone who has also inflicted untold damage on Panjab during his current reign as CM, in consideration of situations like the #PanjabUnderSiege period, the treatment of political prisoners and more.
On 7th November the government finally relented and entirely withdrew the changes being forced on PU altogether. Yet, protesters were concerned that there was no pending date for a senate election, indicating a potential absence of control which could later be exploited by the government. The reduction of the senate was one of the original changes by government contested by the Panjabi University protesters, a change which would also eliminate future elections. The last PU senate election was over one year ago.
As such, 10th November was set as a date for a mass protest to force a date for the PU senate elections and continue to show defiance against India’s centre (central government- viewed as a tool for the Hindu upper-caste elite to control India). Students under the banner ‘Panjab University Bachao Morcha’ called for an indefinite shutdown to the university and refused to end the agitation until at least a senate election date is set.
Over this entire period of protest, whilst videos of police using violence went viral online via attendees, such footage is noticeably absent from nearly the entirety of India’s mainstream press and news teams up until 9th November, when scenes peaked through to the 10th. Authorities claimed they were trying to prevent non-students from entering the campus. However, various videos embarrassed the police for heavy handed violence. A professor decried the police for acting against “empty handed” protesters and police were directly exposed on camera after their violence had subsided, in two viral clips. By this stage the agitation was so big it was impacting local traffic, as groups overcame barricades and police to get on to the PU site. Camps for overnight sit-ins were set-up. However, dozens (possibly hundreds) were arrested, including leading #FarmersProtest figures, as they attempted to attend.
The 10th November protest was a historic day of resistance for Panjab. Groups overcame locks, barricades and police lathi (stick- police weapon in India) charges to demonstrate on campus. Estimates suggest anything from 5000-15,000 protesters of all ages and backgrounds joined the stand, in a show of Panjabi solidarity against ongoing attempts to “centralize” the state’s institutions, bringing them under further control of the non-Sikh upper-caste Hindu establishment of India.
After the day of protest, questions have been put to the in-power party AAP, as to why Punjab Police -deployed at AAP demand- were acting violently to a protest AAP claimed to support. Although largely Sikh led, it was evident that countless Hindu Punjabis also stood against the BJP overreach, only to themselves become targeted by the Hindutva (Hindu extremist) hate campaign which is so prominent on social media, particularly X/Twitter.
Journalists of the Chandigarh Press Club were also vocal about being victims of police violence on the day. It became evident three different forces – Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana Police – were all deployed at various areas around PU campuses to stop protesters attending, using violence to disperse groups.
As of 11th November, the protest is still ongoing, and will remain so until a senate election date is approved by central government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to comment on the situation.
Murder and home shooting: Canada Bishnoi anti-Sikh rampage continues
/0 Comments/in News /by adminAnother prominent Sikh businessman was murdered this week in Canada, just before a popular Sikh artist was shot at, in two new incidents claimed by the Indian nationalist Lawrence Bishnoi terror group.
Darshan Singh Sahsi, a 68-year-old businessman living in Canada for decades, was shot dead outside his home in Abbotsford on the morning of 27th October, and on 30th October at approximately 2am Punjabi singer Chani Nattan had his home in Surrey (both in BC) shot at in a filmed incident, which later went viral via Indian nationalist networks.
Two arrests were made in relation to the Nattan shooting the following morning, although no updates on the case have since been released.
The Bishnoi gang confessions taking responsibility for the shootings are part of a relentless campaign of criminal violence which has seemed to increase in the last two-years, particularly in British Columbia (BC). The gang is known to be a celebrated Indian nationalist street enforcement network, working as a proxy for the Indian government, targeting dissenters and those perceived as not towing the nationalist line. In Canada, mobs have been seen chanting in support of the Bishnoi group outside of Mandirs (Hindu temples).
Indian media report confessions about both incidents circulating, both from the notorious Bishnoi figure Goldy (Goldie) Dhillon via Facebook. The post on Sahsi stated he was targeted for owing “protection money” related to “the drug trade”, although no evidence exists to suggest Sahsi was involved in such criminality. Accusations of this kind have been used to justify attempts to extort legitimate businessmen. Sahsi’s family said Darshan was known to support people from his part of Punjab when they came to Canada. The organic support network of Punjabi communities in Canada is believed to be a target of Bishnoi terror for extortion and coercion.
Meanwhile, singer Nattan was said to be targeted due to “his closeness to Sardar Khehra”, another Punjabi artist, with the post going on to state it was only Khehra who is their target and the gang have nothing personal with Nattan. Nevertheless, Nattan has long felt the ire of Indian nationalists for showing support to Sikh political prisoners, activists and wider causes such as the Farmers Protest through his music.
NOTE- Sikh PA do not share links to Indian outlets known for anti-Sikh disinformation.
The two incidents came just after Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand received criticism for meeting her Indian counterpart in early October without appropriately addressing the Indian nationalist crimewave putting Sikh lives in danger in Canada. The assassination of Shaheed (martyr) Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar is yet to be adequately addressed according to groups including Sikh Federation Canada and World Sikh Organization, both calling for more focus on India’s consular activities. Yet, meetings with India and Canada have largely celebrated “renewed ties” since Prime Minister Mark Carney came into power for the Liberal Party, instead of concluding issues around transnational repression, as Sikh community groups have requested.
This sentiment was reinforced with footage from an Indo-Canadian networking event Anand spoke at on 23rd October, when Anand spoke about her “emotional” experience meeting India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Gandhi was infamously behind the beginning of India’s 1984 Sikh genocide, before she was assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards. Modi was behind a different massacre by Hindu mobs, this time as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2002, in an incident which saw over 1000 Muslims killed over days of carnage in the state. Anand’s fawning over the notorious figures has many asking whether she has a conflict of interest as Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, with some suggesting she should resign.
Meanwhile, Sikhs For Justice bluntly asked “How Many More Dead Bodies Carney Government Wants To See Before Acting Against Indian Consulate Officials” in an official statement. SFJ also stated Carney’s government are “dismissing RCMP warnings”, an accusation which has oft been repeated since police warnings went public from 2023. Contrastingly, Nattan has simply thanked supporters for their well wishes and prayers in a social media post, whilst continuing general posts of his day-to-day life.
Sikh groups are anticipating ongoing police action and subsequential charges asap. However, other acts of Bishnoi-India government terrorism in Canada are still being investigated, such as the May murder of Parmjit Singh Dhadda and other recent extortion shootings in Surrey (BC).
In response to this Indian crimewave targeting Sikhs, Surrey’s Mayor released comms saying an official request for 150 additional officers to work in the city has been made to the provincial government. Surrey remains a hotspot for extortion cases linked to the Bishnoi gang.
A vigil for Darshan Singh Sahsi will be held in Surrey on 8th November.
US Assistant Attorney General condemns recent anti-Sikh attacks
/0 Comments/in News /by adminAmid global concern of a rise in anti-Sikh hate, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Kaur Dhillon condemned attacks on “law-abiding Sikhs…simply because of who they are” this week.
The statement by Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, the Sikh Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights Division, came after widespread bigoted reactions to a reckless driving incident by a Sikh driver in Ontario (California) on 21st October. Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old Yuba City resident, was in control of a truck when it sped through slow traffic, destroying vehicles and leaving three dead.
Jashanpreet Singh entered the US illegally in 2022 and was intoxicated when the collisions happened, prompting a furious backlash within an already prominent anti-immigrant political climate in the country. Jashanpreet’s incident is similar to the recent Florida Turnpike accident in August, involving another illegal immigrant Sikh trucker, Harjinder Singh, which also provoked an anti-Sikh backlash, now reignited by Jashanpreet Singh’s collision. Note- Harjinder Singh was not said to have been intoxicated like Jashanpreet Singh was. Jashanpreet Singh is being charged with driving under the influence of drugs, causing bodily injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Reports of racist incidents targeting Sikhs have increased since the Florida incident, an issue exacerbated online by Hindutva (Hindu extremist) groups maligning the wider Sikh community and Khalistan (free Sikh homeland) movement as somehow to blame for Jashanpreet’s acident.
Immediately after the crash became public knowledge, humanitarian charity and advocacy group United Sikhs released statements calling for a fair trial for Jashanpreet, having also stated the trial of Harjinder Singh was being impacted by anti-immigrant sentiment, points raised in TV interviews by United Sikhs reps recently. See more here.
Jashanpreet Singh remains on trial, having pleaded not-guilty on 24th October at San Bernardino County Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga (California). During the hearing, Jashanpreet Singh appeared stripped of his dastaar (Sikh turban), an issue which was raised by many, underlining concerns of the lack of human rights afforded to Jashanpreet and Sikhs facing incarceration in the USA.
For her statement, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon was met with both support but also completely bigoted criticism. Some prominent bigoted accounts have been shown to be followed by Vice-President JD Vance. Harmeet was also target of a vicious backlash by Christian supremacists and white supremacists when she performed an ardaas (Sikh prayer) at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in July, receiving accusations of pushing “demon worship” and more. Dhillon also performed an ardas at the RNC in 2016. Within her work as a longtime Republican Party figure and respected lawyer, Dhillon has still regularly supported Sikh issues through her career, including raising concerns around transnational repression and supporting identity rights. Harmeet Kaur Dhillon was appointed as Assistant Attorney General by President Donald Trump, who has publicly praised her work on several occasions.
The fallout of the Jashanpreet Singh tragedy also includes a deeper look at how immigrants in the USA obtain trucking licenses, an issue which is already under intense anti-migrant scrutiny, much to the concern of much of the Sikh community. Read more on that here. Meanwhile, Sikh groups remain rallying the wider community in response to intensified hate and policy changes impacting lawful workers, such as the estimated 100,000+ working in the trucking industry.
As the trials against Harjinder Singh and Jashanpreet Singh continue, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon (who is one of three Assistant Attorney Generals) made her stance clear, saying her team would “aggressively prosecute or pursue justice against those engaged in such discrimination” targeting Sikhs.
“INSUFFICIENT”- Sikh reaction to Canada’s Bishnoi Gang terror designation
/0 Comments/in News /by adminIndian government linked criminal network the Bishnoi Gang has been officially designated a terrorist entity by the Canadian government (29.09.25). However, Sikh groups have criticized the move for erasing the gang’s link with the Indian government.
The formal announcement by Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government came after months of talk about the possibility of categorizing the group as a terror entity, which will allow authorities to take further measures to tackle the gang’s nationwide extortion racket and more.
The decision most certainly largely pertains to targeting of Sikh communities of Canada, which has been raised by various advocacy groups and figures, particularly since the 2023 assassination of Shaheed (martyr) Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said “specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi gang”.
Sikh Federation Canada reacted immediately to the news by calling the designation “insufficient”, adding; “According to government officials, the Bishnoi gang was not acting independently; it was being directed by senior officials of the Government of India”. Spokesperson Moninder Singh even said the move would have “little impact” on curbing crime, as it is the Indian government “orchestrating widespread violence”. Moninder Singh, a former close associate of slain Sikh leader Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, is one of several Sikhs who has been given a “duty to warn” notice regarding a potential Indian State threat to his life.
See the full SFC statement here.
Having welcomed the ruling on the Bishnoi gang, Canada’s World Sikh Organization (a political and community advocacy body) followed up by demanding the government now “expose and sanction those Indian officials who have directed, financed, or facilitated this gang”, which Canadian authorities previously confirmed was the case. See the statement- WSO Calls Out India After Bishnoi Gang Terrorist Listing – World Sikh Organization of Canada.
Check out a series of media interviews by WSO reps on the terror designation of the Bishnoi gang, and concerns about it:
The Sikhs For Justice group, led by New York (USA) based lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who was targeted for assassination by India in a foiled 2023 plot, also criticized the intent of the Bishnoi gang’s categorization. Pannun called the decision “political deflection”, again raising the lack of accountability for Indian officials known to be directing the criminal actions of so-called Bishnoi gang members. Pannun also stated Canada was trying to “outsource blame to a gang…to renew relations with the Modi government, which has never been held accountable”. Pannun also spoke further on the issue in a TV news interview.
See the full statement- (1) Sikhs For Justice on X: “🔥BREAKING: Listing the Bishnoi gang alone as a “terrorist entity” is a political deflection by the Carney government to reset relations with Modi’s regime: SFJ Announces $10,000 Reward for Home Address of India’s High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik to Stage 12-Hour Picketing in https://t.co/hGPKn559wd” / X.
The lack of addressal of Indian Government connections to the gang was also picked up on by some Canadian journalists and Sikh media too.
Sikh-focused news outlet Baaz News released an article from editor Jaskaran Singh Sandhu which also reiterated the concerns about the terror designation. Read it here.
Overseas, other Sikh diaspora groups are taking note and will be reacting accordingly. Dal Khalsa UK released a video where lead sevadaar (selfless servant) Gurcharan Singh called for the UK to follow suite and designate the Bishnoi group similarly.
Speaking on the Sikh community reactions, Sikh PA Senior Press Officer said:
“The concerns from Sikh groups regarding the Bishnoi gang are clear, and they go beyond the idea of street thugs terrorising Sikhs in Canada. As previously mentioned by Canadian authorities, there is a known link between senior Indian government figures and coordination of crime at a street level in Canada, crimes often targeting Sikhs, nearly always politically motived. As such, this designation will do nothing to stop the protests and lobbying efforts from Sikh groups working to see Indian officials made accountable for their crimes in Canada. Efforts to make Indian officials face the law will continue, seemingly now in face of a new closer relationship with India and the Mark Carney Liberal government.”
The first sentencing of a Bishnoi affiliate came within days, as 26-year-old Abhijeet Kingra was jailed for six-years for firing a gun at the home of Sikh superstar musician AP Dhillion on Vancouver Island last year in September. After being arrested in January, Kingra was sentenced yesterday (1.10.25).
More results regarding other acts of Bishnoi-India government terrorism in Canada are expected soon, such as the May murder of Parmjit Singh Dhadda and recent extortion shootings in Surrey (BC).
Court halts India’s infamous High Commission protest “attack” case
/0 Comments/in News /by adminA UK Indian High Commission court case against a Sikh activist has been stayed by the presiding judge, two-years since the initial incident, which is linked to another Sikh activist’s alleged murder by India.
On 16th September 2025, proceedings brought against Gurcharan Singh at Southwark Crown Court concerning alleged attempted criminal damage to the Indian flag during a protest at its London High Commission building in March 2023 were stayed (meaning temporarily halted).
The ruling brings a long-running saga into its final chapter. The initial incident began with Indian media accusations of “violent terrorism” by British Sikhs, then triggered a major diplomatic fallout, and is linked to the poisoning of a Sikh activist who was the main person accused of desecrating the flag, despite not even being in attendance.
Gurcharan Singh (a noted UK activist part of the Dal Khalsa UK group) and two other Sikh activists (who will remain anonymous) currently face no charges regarding the accusations from an Indian High Commission rep. One activist was arrested on the day of the protest (19th March 2023) and the other was arrested later that year in August, whilst Gurcharan Singh was arrested even later that year, in October, at another protest outside the same Indian High Commission.
The initial incident occurred around midday on 19th March 2023, when Sikh protests broke out across the world after Indian authorities locked down parts of Punjab. Invasion by thousands of paramilitary groups and a communications shutdown were part of mass state action against critics of India in Punjab, which was mainly focused on targeting Bhai Amritpal Singh.
The situation became known as #PanjabUnderSiege. Bhai Amritpal Singh became subject of one of the largest manhunts in history during the period, only to turn himself in later. He remains a Sikh political prisoner since, but is now also an elected MP, having contested and won – voted in by 400,000 people – in last year’s India general election.
During the 19th March 2023 protest at India’s London High Commission (IHC), amongst dozens of protesters some criminal damage to the building allegedly occurred. However, it was video footage of a Sikh man – unidentifiable from footage – pulling down India’s tiranga (tri-colour; national flag) from the front of the building which sparked global Indian outrage. Footage of the incident was broadcasted worldwide by Indian media and Hindu nationalist social media users (including official government and army reps), all of which sensationalised the incident as “terrorism” and a “violent attack”.
In response to the Indian reaction, a viral take from Professor Andrew Macleod seemed to express wider sentiment, when the Australian geopolitical expert accused Indians of overreacting and being “petulant”, whilst speaking on the incident on a news panel show.
In what is in hindsight a completely sinister move, Indian media quickly blamed noted Sikh activist Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda for the incident, despite Khanda not being in attendance. Khanda was a respected figure of the Khalistan (free Sikh homeland) movement, demonised by Indian media and authorities even before the March 2023 incident. His false framing as the culprit of the overblown incident is cited as pre-emptive justification for his death, which was celebrated as an Indian State murder on social media before the news had even been confirmed in Sikh communities.
As well as the fallout targeting Sikh activists, the UK also faced diplomatic pressure after the incident. Firstly, the UK consulate head of Delhi was summoned to answer questions, whilst simultaneously security (in the form of basic gating) was removed from the UK Delhi High Commission building, with Indian media commentators openly saying it was retaliation for a perceived failure of the UK to protect India’s High Commission in London.
Weeks later, using the false framing against Khanda as justification, the mother of the Birmingham (Midlands) based activist was imprisoned in India for a period, in what was seen as an attempt to hurt and discourage Khanda’s activism.
Then, just a month later, Khanda succumbed to a very short and serious illness, passing away after a public claim that he would be “eliminated”, made by Hindu extremist India national security commentator Major Gaurav Arya.
Read more on the assassination of Khanda:
At the time, Punjab and the Sikh diaspora communities seemed to be becoming more understanding of the Khalistan movement post the 2020 Farmers Protest stand against Narendra Modi’s Indian government, based on social sentiment and grassroots support for Khalistan orgs. In response, India’s demonisation of noted Sikh activists intensified, including toward Shaheed (martyr) Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, killed soon after Khanda died, in Surrey (BC, Canada).
Even after the fallout around the assassinations of Sikh activists (which included the killing of Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Pakistan in May 2023), efforts to target the alleged perpetrators of the London High Commission “attack” continued, with India sending intelligence officers into the UK for further investigation in September 2023.
After reports of India’s NIA (National Investigation Agency) presence in the UK, Gurcharan Singh found himself under arrest weeks later for desecration of India’s flag in March 2023, whilst protesting at the same site. Despite Gurcharan Singh’s arrest and the fact he was officially named as the accused by Indian diplomats, there was no attempt to absolve Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda, who was named in headlines across India regarding the incident.
Once the case against the protesters was underway, Sikh PA is aware that a diplomat even waived diplomatic immunity in order to participate in the case by giving witness statements.
Although the initial police charge related to damage to the India Consulate flag, later allegations from the Indian diplomat included:
– Gurcharan Singh broke bones in his hand, resulting him requiring surgery
– 12 windows were smashed and the VIP entrance door of the building, causing approximately £20,000 worth of criminal damage to the consulate building
Evidence for the alleged damage to the building was also presented through a receipt for a £13,000 payment from the consulate to a maintenance company.
Tellingly, no Indian media have yet covered the news of the case being dismissed, despite the mass coverage which occurred when the initial accusations began, after the 2023 March #PunjabUnderSiege protest.
Speaking on the current status of the case, Gurcharan Singh said “At this stage, there is no case to answer. I am pleased with this outcome. I thank everyone who has supported me through this.
“The Indian government has been unable to provide evidence as to the monetary value of the flag or the cost of any alleged damage. In the absence of such evidence, there is no basis for sustaining a criminal charge.
“It is clear that the case was an attempt to curtail the fundamental right of Sikhs to peacefully protest against the actions of the Indian state while in the United Kingdom. The right to protest is a cornerstone of democratic society and attempts to criminalise legitimate dissent undermine this principle.”
Gurcharan Singh remains involved in Sikh activism, and specifically standing against Hindutva tyranny and in support of the Khalistan movement.
NOTE- The Sikh Press Association is aware of further impact regarding the March 2023 protest and Indian accusations towards attendees. However, in respect of sangat (Sikh congregation) wishes, we will not be specifying other impacted parties.
Sikh activist facing India death threat arrested for firearm possession, but how did India find out first?
/0 Comments/in News /by adminA noted Canadian Sikh activist was arrested for firearm possession offences this week, just after he was offered witness protection based on an Indian State threat to his life.
And in an additional twist, Indian media reported the news before any Canadian authorities released public details on it, posing questions as to how India’s notoriously nationalist media would get such information on someone viewed as an enemy of India.
Inderjit Singh Gosal was charged with a dozen firearms-related offences after being arrested by Ontario Provincial Police in Whitby on 19th September. He appeared in court in Oshawa on Monday, but even before then Indian media were pushing out the story. The 36-year-old was arrested with fellow activists Arman Singh, 23, of Toronto, and Jagdeep Singh, 41, a resident of New York. News of the arrest was first broken by Indian nationalist news outlets like NDTV.
The early reporting by Indian nationalist social media accounts mirrors suspicious action around other criminal incidents in Canada, including the 2023 murder of a Sikh man in Winnipeg (Manitoba) and a previous attempt on Gosal’s life, which was actually reported as a successful Indian State hit by some. The Winnipeg murder of Sukhdool Gill has been cited as a likely example of a coordinated Indian State hit, according to Canadian authorities.
Only a week before Gosal’s arrest the respected activist was offered witness protection services based on a threat to his life, related to his role as the Canadian coordinator of the Khalistan (free Sikh homeland), a role previously held by Shaheed (martyr) Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, killed by criminals funded by the Indian State in 2023 in Surrey (BC). The arrest also comes shortly after Canada’s National Security Advisor Nathalie G Drouin met with her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, a notorious figure exposed by Washington Post via intelligence leaks as leading “harassment” of Sikh diaspora activists.
Gosal was targeted in a shooting last year in February, and then later that year received his first “duty to warn” notice by police regarding a pending threat to his life. The threat is connected to the presence of the Lawrence Bishnoi criminal network in Canada, which is viewed as a proxy for the Indian State funding criminals to carry out transnational repression targeting critics of India. As recently as May, the Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the murder of a Sikh businessman local to Gosal, and are also linked with several other shootings across North America targeting Sikhs.
Gosal was also involved in an incident which sparked a day of anti-Sikh unrest across Canada, when he was targeted by a Hindu extremist mob whilst protesting outside a Brampton Mandir last November, resulting in his arrest for his role in a skirmish. Indian media currently link Gosal’s arrest to the meeting between Drouin and Doval, raising suspicion in Sikh circles about what has led to the arrest of Gosal.
A statement by Sikhs For Justice on the arrest highlighted India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s threat about eliminating enemies of India “in their foreign homes”, whilst also raising the incident as a test for Canada PM Mark Carney, regarding the rights of Sikhs advocating for Khalistan in Canada.
Speaking on the arrest, Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said:
“There must be serious questions as to how news of this arrest reached Indian media and random Indian nationalist accounts first. The process of the arrest means it makes no sense for intricate detail of the arrest to reach Indian media first. Canadian authorities need to be clear about how this could happen, or else it leaves many questions about Inderjit Singh Gosal’s situation.
“Furthermore, global Sikh attention will be on this case, given the shocking amount of murders of Sikhs in Canada within the last two-years linked to the Indian State, via criminal networks like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. There is a growing belief that Sikhs are being forced to be sitting-ducks for Indian violence whilst Canadian authorities do nothing and also allow nothing for those targeted to protect themselves.”
In 2018 a series of raids on UK Sikh activists was cited as the result of “diplomatic pressure” from India. A Sikh Press Association request to Ontario Provincial Police for further information on how news of the arrest could be broken by Indian outlets first has thus far been ignored.
Sikh groups rally for “peaceful grandmother” left without bed, toilet and water during ICE detainment
/0 Comments/in News /by adminLATEST UPDATE- The 20th Sept demonstration outside the Bakersfield ICE detention facility was cancelled due to Harjit Kaur being removed from the site. Her current whereabouts are unknown, as ICE refuse to divulge more info.
Sikh groups are rallying in support for a 73-year-old Sikh grandmother who has been in the USA for 33-years, currently suffering amid imprisonment by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in California (USA).
Harjit Kaur, a resident of Bakersfield in California since 1992, was “dragged away by guards” on 8th September during a routine ICE check-in, which she had been doing for 13-years as required. She has been left in a local detainment facility since where she says she “would rather die” than be, due to various human rights breaches.
According to reports from her attorney Deepak Ahluwalia and also her daughter-in-law Manjit Kaur, Harjit Kaur has faced:
The grandmother is considered an illegal alien because she did not have the required travel documents when arriving in the USA, coming as a widow with her two young sons as India’s Sikh genocide was still in a peak period. India would have only been four-years into existence as an independent nation when she was born, making it a period when not all individuals were able to obtain modern legal documentation such as a birth certificate. Harjit Kaur was allowed to stay in the USA based on a lengthy series of legal challenges she raised regarding her status. In 2012 her final appeal to stay was rejected, and Harjit Kaur accepted she would leave to return to Punjab. However, to return Harjit Kaur needed an emergency certificate – a one-way travel document for Indians of invalid status to enable them to return. This would require verifying Harjit Kaur’s origin and identity in Punjab through photos, cross-checking with relatives or acquaintances or finding old records. A decade since applying for this, between US immigration and India’s US embassy, Harjit Kaur has not received her emergency travel certificate. As such, she is still allowed to legally remain in the USA. The fact that she had 13-years of regular immigration check-ins makes her detainment with ICE seems unnecessary to many. Harjit Kaur has had a knee replacement and also deals with a variety of other medical issues, which are not being treated under ICE, according to her attorney.
Harjit Kaur worked several different jobs as legally entitled to do during her time in the USA, paying taxes and having an unblemished record whilst raising a family in Bakersfield. A rep of the local Gurdwara where Harjit Kaur attended daily said “she always helped people”. Hundreds of supporters turned up to a 12th September protest regarding her detainment. Harjit Kaur spent much of her day-to-day caring for her grandchildren, before her callous incarceration. Her family also say her Harjit Kaur no longer has any support (home or a family) in India.
Advocacy group Sikh Coalition are lobbying to have Harjit Kaur brought home to her family in Bakersfield, whilst community group Jakara Movement plan more demonstrations and community meetings on concerns about ICE. Recently Umeed Hope, an Indianapolis (Indiana) based Sikh-run charity, also highlighted community issues with ICE, underlining national Sikh community concerns.
Protests have been held across the US against a perceived heavy-handed approach by ICE, amid wider divisions around anti-immigrant sentiment under the President Trump regime. Much of the support for the current ICE campaign was based on an idea the “worst-of-the-worst” would be targeted according to Trump, and not “peaceful grandmothers”, as Harjit Kaur’s local Senator Jesse Arreguin put it, whilst calling her imprisonment “shameful”.
Harjit Kaur’s local congressman John Garamendi said ICE’s treatment of Harjit Kaur showed “misplaced priorities of Trump’s immigration enforcement”, whilst calling her a “respected member of the community”. An official ICE response to the situation said they were simply “enforcing the law” and that Harjit Kaur would not be allowed to “waste any more US tax dollars”. Contrary to this, some estimate the cost of imprisoning Harjit Kaur is costing the taxpayer more than it would be to simply appropriately process her case, without needing to imprison her. Harjit Kaur’s family are also saying they will immediately facilitate her travel to India upon release when the necessary certification is received.
Another rally is set for TODAY (20th September) as efforts for her release continue.
Find further detail on her situation at BringHarjitHome.com.
Solidarity, bigotry and ragebait- Reaction to a Sikh man’s fatal accident
/0 Comments/in News /by adminA fatal accident involving a Sikh truck driver residing in the USA illegally has caused a global news storm over the last few weeks, prompting Sikh orgs to react to the “bigotry”.
Harjinder Singh performed an illegal u-turn maneuver which led to three deaths as a vehicle collided with his 18-wheeler truck in Turnpike (St Lucie County, Florida) on 12th August. Beyond the tragic outcome on the day, a wider fallout has occurred, which Singh’s public defendant said was “politically charged”.
After the accident, over the next week, the story slowly became one of the biggest in the USA and subsequently the world, with major political figures and social commentators speaking on it as an example of all that is wrong with America’s immigration policies, thus making visibly Sikh man Harjinder Singh (28-years-old) the face of immigration evils in the country.
Speaking on the fallout, Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said, “There was a perfect storm of events which led to this story becoming as big as it did.
“Firstly, we are in midst of a massive focus on immigration in general in the USA, and the tone has become overtly harsher amid the violent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) campaign. Secondly, despite growth in awareness of the Sikh faith, turbaned-bearded men remain a defining image of anti-immigration rhetoric. Finally, the presence of Sikhs in North America’s trucking industry was already under attack. It is the essence of the success of many Sikh families and the influence which comes from that threatens both far-right racists and Hindu nationalist extremists.
“Also, the Trump admin and its supporters would have been relieved to have a story to redirect attention away from things like the Epstein list and ongoing questions about Israel’s influence in the USA. As such, many major pro-Trump figures amplified the story.”
In the USA, in the same week of Harjinder Singh’s incident, a white trucker carried out targeted murder with his truck, but it did not receive anything close to the attention of the Harjinder Singh accident, which was pointed out by some anti-racist influencers.
Meanwhile, a Hindutva (Hindu extremist) effort to demonize the Sikh presence in North American trucking includes claiming random incidents of Punjabi-background truckers involved in criminal activities are evidence of a Khalistani narco-trade, despite no evidence of such an issue existing. Just back in June Peel Police were forced to counter false info on drugs raids after Indian Canadian politician Ujjal Dosanjh claimed they were Khalistani linked.
Likely due to a carryover of skills from Punjab which are valued and common, with driving large vehicles a key part of farm life in the agricultural state, Sikhs are estimated to hold over 150,000 trucking positions in the USA. Read more on this via Sikh Coalition.
Harjinder Singh’s Tik-Tok account revealed support for Khalistan, leaving Hindu nationalists rabid in pushing a completely baseless allegation there was a sinister political motive behind the truck accident. However, the ridiculous claims remain circulating only within Hindutva circles, whilst being ignored by US media. Further insight into Harjinder Singh revealed he received his trucking licence in California through loopholes allowing someone with his status to take up the occupation, further fracturing political differences between California’s allegedly super-liberal approach to migration, compared to other US states.
Underlining the impact of the incident, on 21st August the Trump admin via Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the government would immediately stop the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers.
On the same day a petition was started by a non-Sikh which sparked even more backlash by calling for “fair sentencing” for Harjinder Singh. The petition was not started by any Sikh org nor official spokesperson, family member or even friend of Harjinder Singh, but started by a non-Sikh, Manisha Kaushal. Although openly supported by countless individual Sikhs, suspicions about the petition arose as many duplicate names and messages indicated bots were used to push up the numbers of signatures. Simultaneously, Indian nationalist profiles used the petition to portray the Sikh community as unsympathetic and violent. Even state senator Ron De Santis spoke on the petition, condemning it.
Seemingly in response to the petition for leniency, at least two others were started calling for maximum punishment for Harjinder Singh, including calls for him to be deported to the infamous El Salvador super-maximum security prison known for its shocking factory-farm-like living conditions, where allegedly some ICE deportees are being sent.
Due to the backlash, some Sikhs outright condemned the leniency petition. USA community figure Karanveer Singh Pannun created a viral response to the petition which was well received by thousands, in which he outlined it as “ragebait”. No Sikh organizations pushed the petition in any way, despite claims to the otherwise by Hindutva accounts.
As the furore continued, the first official court hearing for Harjinder Singh on 23rd August came around and caused alarm for Sikh groups wondering why he had been stripped of his religious right to keep his head covered.
Singh was flown into Florida from California – where he resided and legally flew back to after the accident – in a very public display, as his case continued to dominate US media. Harjinder Singh was denied bond, charged with vehicular homicide and also with manslaughter. His brother Harneet – his passenger in the truck at the time – was also later arrested for his immigration status, and remains incarcerated pending deportation.
The relentless racist rhetoric and the disinformation around his case prompted Sikh orgs to respond, with some offering legal support.
Reflection on the Case of Harjinder Singh – Sikh Coalition
However, it was the response of Sikhs For Justice which garnered most attention on 26th August, when the group behind the Khalistan (free Sikh homeland) Referendum sent a delegation to meet with Harjinder Singh and had spokesperson Gurpatwant Singh Pannun speak outside his jail. Pannun’s speech was aired across the USA, as the SFJ General Counsel and New York based lawyer spoke to show “solidarity” with the victims, saying Harjinder Singh was “grieving” for them, whilst also emphasizing his religious rights through the prosecution process. Pannun also announced SFJ would donate $100,000 to the victims’ families. Pannun’s media addressal had a positive impact on perceptions of how the incident is viewed by Sikhs, as seen through some social media posts.
Following Pannun’s involvement, Harjinder Singh was finally allowed headwear, as part of his rights as a Sikh.
Two days later, SFJ held a public ardas (Sikh prayer) for the victims outside the jail, whilst also advocating for a fair trial for Harjinder Singh. In an incredible turn of events, the vigil was also sight of another truck crash, which then saw SFJ sevadaars (selfless servants) stage an impromptu rescue of the stuck driver.
The victims were recently revealed to be three Haitian migrants, all related, aged 30, 37 and 54. Some have suggested there may now be less focus on Harjinder Singh then there would have been had the victims been white. However, US media commentators continue to state the case is political and will be processed differently as a result.
The trucking company behind Harjinder Singh’s employment have since been cited for violations, with official charges pending. A Republican backed senate bill is also in motion to make wider changes regarding trucking proficiency, specifically based on the Harjinder Singh accident. Furthermore, in Florida truck inspection stations are now being used as ICE checkpoints, showing the ongoing impact of Harjinder Singh’s case.
In a change of his legal circumstances, on 3rd September United Sikhs announced they would be representing Harjinder Singh through the charity’s legal division.
In summary of the situation, Jasveer Singh said, “Comments from the likes of Ron De Santis and the State Prosecutor of Florida show intention to make an example of Harjinder Singh. Whilst not intentional, his actions were reckless and his immigration status is being viewed as accountable for that recklessness.
“Of course, Harjinder Singh must be accountable for his mistakes, but there is no doubt there is extra negative attention being given to his case too, and unfortunately that will only have an impact on wider Sikh communities, especially in the USA.”
UK Charity Commission drop Khalistan “objection” amid shock at “concerning” investigation
/0 Comments/in News /by adminThe conclusion of a six-year Charity Commission investigation on a UK Gurdwara sent shockwaves through global Sikh circles this week, as an “objection” to “Khalistan boards” was dropped, prompting some to ask “How was this even up for debate?”.
Based on a 2019 “mischievous reporting” by “Indian journalist” Loveena Tandon, an employee of India’s notoriously nationalist media, the Charity Commission were said to have been misled into spending half-a-decade investigating a so-called issue of Slough Singh Sabha Gurdwara (Berkshire) having the word “Khalistan” on display boards, which they have had up for 40-years.
Khalistan refers to the free Sikh homeland movement which was ratified as an official panthic (Sikh path/community) objective in 1986, 18-months after the peak of India’s Sikh genocide, in a mass consensus building gathering known as a Sarbat Khalsa. Support for Khalistan is prominently displayed at nearly every major diaspora Gurdwara (Southall, Surrey, Brampton, Stockton, etc) and major Sikh gatherings (1984 rallies, Nagar Kirtans, etc). However, in India, support for Khalistan is largely criminalised, with even owning literature regarding the movement resulting in imprisonment of individuals. Countless Gurdwaras also display images of figures of the Khalistan movement, including rebels who fought against India’s tyranny with aim of Sikh liberation. Such images and displays are also common in Sikh homes, something which the BBC were criticised for trying to hide in 2023.
In a statement on the outcome Slough Singh Sabha committee said it “welcomes the decision” by the Commission “to withdraw its objection”, with it now “recognising the long-standing spiritual significance” of the displays in support of Khalistan. The group also highlighted that the investigation caused “considerable anxiety in the congregation and wider Sikh community” due to the constraints and needless debate it put on ideas of Sikh expression. The Slough Singh Sabha statement also revealed the Charity Commission took six-years to realise “‘Khalistan’ has both an important religious meaning…also a physical political meaning”…and thus does “not wish to interfere in theological issues”.
The Charity Commission move against Sikh expression likely stemmed from “pressure from the Indian government” according to Sikh Federation UK. Following the conclusion, the community advocacy body also said Gurdwaras can now “prominently display Khalistan plaques” joining “a number of Gurdwaras in Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, East Ham, Gravesend, Leicester, Smethwick, West Bromwich and Watford already display Khalistan plaques where the Charity Commission had raised no objections.” SFUK are also chasing up transparency on correspondence the Charity Commission had regarding the investigation, to expose who was influencing the regulatory body to chase up what is now officially a non-issue.
In response to the news, former MP Claudia Webbe called the investigation “concerning”. Respected educational outlet Akaal Publishers also questioned why Charity Commission would be “on a political mission to demonise self-determination, a UN recognised human right”.
Singh Sabha Slough also publicly thanked Sikh community groups and individuals – including MPs – involved in ensuring a just outcome (see below).
Speaking on the story, Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said, “Many community figures are hoping this will be a breakthrough moment for the Charity Commission regarding perceptions of Khalistan support. We are aware various Sikh organisations have been pressured about support or connection with the Khalistan movement, in a way which suggests the Commission is simply acting upon Indian government narratives. Some investigations are ongoing. The idea of foreign interference impacting British Sikhs this way is clearly concerning to the community, and thus there is expectation for this outcome to create a domino effect, which includes a push for transparency around who they corresponded with too. Especially in light of geopolitical revelations around India’s anti-Sikh transnational repression campaign, there will be a global Sikh focus on the UK Charity Commission from hereon.”
See the SFUK statement in full here. See the Singh Sabha Slough statement here.
Campaign adds pressure on Canada to address Bishnoi-India criminal network
/0 Comments/in News /by adminWorld Sikh Organization this week called for Sikh constituents to contact their local MPs about “Indian diplomats…running clandestine operations on Canadian soil”, as efforts to tackle India’s “Bishnoi” crime network continue.
The national call by the advocacy body is calling Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to rekindle relations with India “Too Soon, Too Dangerous”, as part of a campaign working against the now undeniable anti-Sikh Indian criminal network carrying out crimes such as extortion and murder in Canada.
See more info on the campaign here.
The call comes amid ongoing terror from the Indian nationalist criminal network known as the “Lawrence Bishnoi Gang”. However, the gang – which refers to infamous nationalist criminal Lawrence Bishnoi and his criminal syndicate – is largely viewed as a proxy for actions facilitated by Indian State diplomats, giving license to Indian nationalist criminals to target certain individuals. As historically seen with the case of Vishal Jood in Australia, such criminals are rewarded for their actions.
Only last week Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joined British Columbia Premier David Eby and Brampton (Ontario) Mayor Patrick Brown as major Canadian political figures to have recently officially called for the Bishnoi group to be designated a terror group, which will open up legislation allowing authorities to clamp down on relevant crimes.
The Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the murder of a Sikh man in Brampton in May and recent shootings in Surrey and Alberta, just to name a few of the recent crimes linked to the group. Uncoincidentally, one of those targeted in recent Surrey shootings being claimed by the Bishnoi group has been the subject of a Hindu nationalist hate campaign led by Hindutva (Hindu extremist) propagandist Kushal Mehra, who regularly tours Canada. Mehra also ran a hate campaign against Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown before a Hindu man was recently arrested for threatening him.
During a recent interview with CBC News on the topic, BC Gurdwaras Council spokesperson Bhai Moninder Singh asked “if the Bishnoi gang is a terrorist org, wouldn’t that make India a terrorist state for operating through them in Canada as per RCMP claims in October 2024?”. The suggestion is being echoed by wider Sikh communities, with the expulsion of India’s diplomats from Canada underlining the belief Indian State staff were the ones orchestrating what is now being called “terrorism” in Canada.
Media inquiries- media@sikhpa.com