Politically Motivated Violent Extremism in Canada
The report by Ottawa's intelligence agency highlights the ongoing threat of politically motivated violent extremism in Canada, particularly concerning Khalistani extremists since the mid-1980s.
Khalistani Extremism
- Small groups of Khalistani extremists continue to use Canada as a base for:
- Fundraising activities.
- Planning violence primarily targeted towards India.
- Their aim is to create an independent nation-state called Khalistan within India's Punjab.
National Security Threat
- The involvement of Canada-based Khalistani extremists poses a national security threat to:
- Canada itself.
- Canadian interests abroad.
India's Involvement
- The report criticizes New Delhi for alleged foreign interference activities in Canada.
- It claims that perceived Khalistani extremism from Canada drives Indian interference activities.
- New Delhi has denied such allegations from Canadian authorities.
International Threats
- Besides Khalistani extremism, the report identifies other countries posing intelligence threats to Canada:
- China as the greatest intelligence threat.
- Also names Pakistan, Russia, and Iran.
Case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
- The report mentions the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which strained India-Canada relations.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged a potential Indian link to the killing in 2023, which India rejected leading to diplomatic tensions.
- In 2024, four individuals were arrested related to Nijjar’s case, charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy.
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigations suggested a link between Indian agents and criminal networks in Canada.
