Buffer zone ordered to stop expected ‘consular encampment’ protests at Vancouver Sikh temple

A BC Supreme Court judge issued an order establishing a buffer zone around Vancouver’s largest Sikh temple on Saturday to prevent anticipated clashes between protesters and Indian consulate officials.

Leaders at the Ross Street Gurdwara sought an injunction ahead of two “consular camps” planned for Nov. 2 and Nov. 16 amid tensions between Canada and India over allegations that the Indian government was complicit in the widespread violence within Canadian borders.

The camps – which are held every year – are described in court documents as a way for “seniors of Indian origin to carry out their administrative duties with the Government of India, primarily related to their pensions, without having to show up in person at the Indian consulate. .”

Temple leaders say they expect “intense protest” against this year’s event in light of recent RCMP claims that Indian consular officials have been involved in illegal and violent activities in Canada.

“The current climate is one of tension between pro-Khalistani supporters and the Indian government, and they are opposed to all demonstrations by the Indian government, including in Canada,” said Scott Turner, a lawyer for the management of Ross Street Gurdwara.

“We think this is inadequate and people need consular services and we’re trying to help people access consular services – period.”

Rising tensions

The ordinance comes weeks after representatives of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey called for the closure of Indian consulates following the expulsion of six Indian diplomats over their alleged involvement in criminal activities.

The Canadian government says India is behind a series of attacks on people involved in a movement calling for an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan.

Guru Nanak Gurdwara spokesman Gurkeerat Singh was among a group of speakers who called for the closure of Indian consulates after allegations emerged that India played a role in the violence in Canada. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Authorities have linked the Government of India to The 2023 killing of Surrey temple leader Hardeep Singh Nijjarand, earlier this month, the RCMP alleged Indian involvement in the killing and extortion — all of which India denies.

Owned and operated by the Khalsa Diwan Society, the Ross Street Gurdwara is one of the largest Sikh places of worship in British Columbia, occupying almost half a block.

Judge Miriam Gropper’s Thursday order applies from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 and Nov. 16.

The ruling creates a 60-meter buffer zone around the gurdwara and prohibits protesters from engaging in sidewalk interventions or protesting or interfering with or “intimidating or attempting to intimidate” anyone trying to access the building.

The order can be enforced by the police.

A “bait plan”

Arguing for securing the buffer zone, the Khalsa Diwan Society said tensions over the presence of Indian consulate staff in gurdwaras had reached a boiling point.

The society pointed to last year’s consular encampments, where about 100 protesters showed up, placed flags and banners on sidewalks, tried to block the entrance and sidewalks, and were “charged (vocally) and emotionally throughout the day,” according to court documents.

The ordinance creates a buffer zone around the Ross Street Gurdwara, which is owned and managed by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver. (Belle Puri/CBC News)

“Officers (Vancouver police) note in their reports (2023) that a ‘decoy plan’ was required to escort Indian Consulate staff out of the Ross Street Gurdwara, from a side door, out of sight of any protesters, to prevent confrontations “, a petition addressed to the court states.

“Protesters refused to believe that Indian consulate staff had left the Ross Street Gurdwara. Eventually, the protesters were brought into the…gurdwara by officers to confirm that Indian consulate staff were no longer present. The protesters then began to pack up and leave. .”

Court documents say weekends are usually full at the Ross Street temple, and the building is expected to be full this weekend for the Diwali holidays.

“The Society has been advised by the VPD that the VPD expects protests and intends to deploy significant crowd and protest control resources for the events,” the petition states.

In a statement to CBC, VPD Sgt. Steve Addison said the department supports the public’s right to “lawfully assemble and express themselves.”

“Emergency Planning and Operations staff are working with Ross Street Temple management to address their specific concerns, and we have response plans in place should a protest or gathering occur,” Addison said.

“We generally do not share information or specific information related to protests — including the number of people who may attend a protest.”