“Republic of Khalistan” has been set up. Period. It is located within the premises of the gurdwara complex in Surrey. The so-called “embassy” has been set up by the Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in partnership with the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Temple in Canada. The structure has reportedly been funded by the Government of British Columbia.
The structure has the words “Republic of Khalistan” displayed prominently over a white and blue structure with a yellow flag atop. It came amid $150,000 grant by the Canadian government for the installation of an elevator, News18 reported.
India should raise the issue with Canada
Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla reacted to this and said that India should raise this issue with the authorities in Canada.
“There is a lot of freedom of speech there. Our government should raise this issue with the Canadian government,” Congress MP Aujla said.
“Those living abroad talking about Khalistan are weakening the Sikhs,” BJP leader Tarwinder Singh Marwaha told news agency ANI. He also appealed to the Canadian government and EAM S Jaishankar to take appropriate action.
‘Akin to rubbing salt to wounds of…’
The head of local radio station, Maninder Gill, has written to the Prime Minister of Canda, Mark Carney, and Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, over the ‘Republic of Khalistan’ set up within the premises of gurudwara in Surrey, per a report by News18.
“The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurudwara committee is misusing public funds to sow division and hatred in the society. It is appalling that the community centre that was built by the grants of the Provincial Government has been converted into a ‘Khalistan Embassy’. The building has been defaced by boards proclaiming ‘Republic of Khalistan’,” read a part of his letter to Premier of British Columbia which News18 accessed.
He added, “People from all the communities visit this community centre and a lot of community visitors have been left shocked by this development. Surrey is home to people who have lost lives to Khalistani violence, this act is akin to rubbing salt to their wound.”
In a separate letter to PM Carney, he per News18, said, “The purpose of the charity is to organise and provide religious, educational and social activities for the Sikh community. But the activities that are being conducted promote extremism and sow division in the society,” adding that it is a gross violation of the laws regarding charities and that the federal government should act to enforce the law.”
Republic of Khalistan: Viral pics
“Khalistanis have declared sovereign territory ‘Republic of Khalistan’ in Surrey, BC at the Sikh Gurdwara,” wrote a freelance journalist while sharing pictures from Canada.
The journalist added, “Canadian laws will no longer be enforced there (they weren’t anyway).”
One of the pictures shows several men and women from the Sikh community bearing yellow-coloured flags that say “Khalistan”. The picture also shows a man wearing a black-cloured jacket over white kurta pyjama that has words, “Long live” and “Republic of Khalistan” separated by a symbol apparently belonging to the Republic of Pakistan.
Another picture shows a temporary structure at the Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, BC, as the Republic of Khalistan. It also has a picture of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who spearheaded the Khalistan Referendum campaign and was assassinated on June 18 in 2023, in Canada.
This comes after the authorities in Canada have admitted to Khalistani extremism. “Khalistani extremists continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India,” a report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) noted.
‘What’s the visa process like?’ asks Internet
“Since they can’t do this in India, they did it in Canada. Now, take over and keep Canada to yourself, forget about India. Win-win for us,” said one social media user.
Another joked, “Why only in Surrey, he should have a satellite territory in Brampton. East Khalistan, West Khalistan.”
“Need passport to travel to this new Republic, huh?” asked a third. Another joined him and asked, “What’s the visa process like?”
A fourth posted, “Same as the Dalai Lama has declared Dharamshala as sovereign territory? Indian laws no longer apply there?” However, this claim is false. Dharamshala is a town in Himachal Pradesh and is governed by Indian laws.
“That was always the aim, now that I think of it. Canada took them lightly. They are all Canadian citizens and wanted a space thousands of kilometres away. Canada should be very strict against such acts and not tolerate things that attack the sovereign state,” said yet another social media user.