Editorial: Dangerous Liaisons-Telangana Today

Violence at a Hindu temple reflects a new low for the Trudeau administration, which has recklessly burned bridges with India

The violence at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada was symptomatic of a deeper malaise related to the Justin Trudeau government’s policy of rampant encouragement of extremist elements. The untoward incident not only exposed the mishandling of a sensitive situation but also reflected a new low for the Trudeau administration, which recklessly burned bridges with India after the killing of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. Although Trudeau condemned the temple violence and promised that all Canadians have the right to practice their faith freely, he owes an explanation for allowing anti-India elements to have their way with impunity. Video footage of the temple incident showed local police targeting Hindu devotees and trying to protect Khalistan supporters. This has justifiably evoked widespread outrage in India. Hindu-Sikh tensions in the Land of Maples are closely linked to deteriorating relations between India and Canada. Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison’s claim that Home Minister Amit Shah ordered a campaign of violence, intimidation and intelligence-gathering targeting Sikh separatists in that country has fueled India’s problems. This is an irresponsible and outrageous statement. The allegation also encouraged pro-Khalistan elements to raise the ante against the Indian government. Their anti-India protests put them on a collision course with Canadian citizens of Indian origin. Canada, which proudly considers itself a peace-loving opportunity-loving country, must deal firmly with those who threaten communal harmony and public order. They must stand against troublemakers and madmen, regardless of the community they belong to.

Trudeau owes an explanation as to why he has built up the anti-India rhetoric to such an extent that any reconciliation between the two countries seems impossible until he remains in office. Allowing Canadian territory to be misused to spew venom against India — all in the name of free speech — undermines its government’s diplomatic and democratic credentials. Even a cursory look at his administration’s policies reveals that it is blatantly playing to the extremist fringes of the Sikh diaspora, treating them as vote banks. His government has consistently ignored India’s concerns about the rise of anti-Indian extremist groups in Canada. The “2018 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat to Canada” listed Sikh extremism and violence as an issue of concern, but under pressure from Sikh leaders and ministers, a revised report was released in 2019. Trudeau’s Liberal Party faced criticism significant in the country for mishandling foreign policy issues, with opinion polls showing a steady decline in public confidence in Trudeau’s leadership. Recent reports even suggest that 22 of his own party’s senators have recommended he step down, a clear indicator of eroding support. Given these domestic pressures, Trudeau’s actions may be part of a larger strategy to appeal to certain blocs of voters, particularly those who might sympathize with pro-Khalistan causes.