Operation Bluestar Anniversary: SFJ Urges 'Lockdown' Of Indian Missions In Canada

As the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar arrived, a "lockdown" of India's missions in Canada has been called for by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The New Democratic Party (NDP) has also announced that official recognition of the so-called Sikh "genocide" will be sought in November this year.

Prior to the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf & Country Club on Wednesday in Hamilton, Ontario, a Canadian flag was displayed (AFP). SFJ's general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun has called for the "lockdown" of India's High Commission in Ottawa and its Consulates in Vancouver and Toronto on June 6, as reported by Hindustan Times.

SFJ Urges 'Lockdown' Of Indian Missions

This date marks the anniversary of the storming of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar by Indian forces in 1984, aimed at flushing out Khalistani extremists. The planned protests are occurring at a time when pro-Khalistan elements in Canada are already energized following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement regarding "credible allegations" of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of SFJ's principal organizer, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year.

In recent weeks, four persons, all Indian nationals, have been arrested in connection with the murder, though Canadian law enforcement has yet to substantiate the link to the Indian government. However, investigators have indicated that this angle is currently being developed.

Nijjar was considered a terrorist in India, but the charges against him were never tested in a Canadian court. SFJ has also issued a "notice" to the missions, warning them of the "picketing" on June 6, as per Hindustan Times report.

Meanwhile, it has been announced by the NDP that official recognition of the "Sikh genocide" will be sought in November this year, marking the 40th anniversary of the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and other parts of India, which occurred in the aftermath of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In a statement on Saturday, the NDP expressed the need to "seek answers, accountability, and justice," which is why official recognition of the 1984 Sikh Genocide in Parliament will be sought. The NDP currently has a formal understanding with Trudeau's ruling Liberal Party Government, helping it remain in power despite being in a minority situation since the September 2021 Federal elections.