New York [US], June 15 (ANI): New York-based analyst and expert on Khalistani terrorism, Puneet Sahani, has warned that the growing influence of Khalistani extremism is severely damaging Canada’s international reputation and straining its diplomatic relationship with India.
In an interview, Sahani pointed to recent incidents—most notably the harassment of Canadian journalist Mocha Bezirgan in Vancouver—as examples of the violent rhetoric and behavior associated with the movement. He stated that Canada is increasingly perceived as “a Pakistan of the West,” and expressed concern that it could become “a future exporter of terrorism” if extremist networks continue operating unchecked.
Sahani urged the Canadian government to take stronger action against Khalistani elements. “Ottawa must treat these extremist groups with the same urgency as it treats other global threats,” he said, emphasizing that failure to do so could have long-term consequences for Canada’s standing on the world stage.
He also criticized India’s response to the situation, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider what he called a “soft approach” toward overseas Sikh radicals. Sahani called for robust legal measures, including banning foreign-based Khalistan-linked organizations and placing their leaders on international no-fly lists.
As Prime Minister Modi prepares to travel to Canada for the G7 Summit, Sahani warned that the entrenched presence of Khalistani groups in Canada may impede any significant diplomatic progress. “Pro-Khalistan networks now have deep roots in every order of the Canadian state,” he claimed.
Sahani explained that the new generation of Khalistani activists—unlike those who migrated during the height of militancy in the 1980s—are mostly born and raised in North America. He said this generation is “even more radicalized” and detached from the actual socio-political realities of Punjab. “These organizations are indoctrinating young people who have never lived in India, pumping them with hatred of Bharat and Hindus,” Sahani said. “They are essentially bringing a conflict from the subcontinent onto Canadian soil.”
He pointed to public tributes for slain Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, including a moment of silence held in Canada’s Parliament, as evidence of radical influence within Canadian political circles. “That kind of gesture shows the depth of penetration these groups have achieved. They have disproportionate sway over political decision-makers,” he said.
While acknowledging that the majority of Canadian Sikhs do not support violence or extremism, Sahani cautioned that continued political pressure from fringe elements could keep India-Canada relations in a prolonged freeze. (ANI)
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