CIHS – Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies

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Liberal’sBuried Trudeau, Not the Damage

Liberal’s Buried Trudeau, Not the Damage

Resignation of Justin Trudeau is not a graceful exit—it is a desperate attempt to escape the consequences of a decade of disastrous leadership. Rahul Pawa As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped onto the podium to announce his resignation after nearly a decade in power, the cameras caught a glare of watery eyes—a fleeting moment that offered no apologies, no remorse, and no acknowledgement of the catastrophic failures he was leaving behind. His tearful speech was a performance, a calculated exit designed to mask the truth behind a legacy that has shredded Canada’s reputation both domestically and internationally. “I cannot be the leader during the next elections due to internal battles,” he said, yet there was no hint of regret for the chaos he and his party have wrought. His resignation, far from an act of accountability, is simply a way to fade into the background, as if stepping down could erase the damage done. But as Trudeau walks away from the throne, the real problem lies not in his departure but in the Liberal Party’s utter refusal to reckon with the devastation they have caused. The elephant in the room is clear: the Liberal Party, under Trudeau’s disastrous reign, has become a hollow shell of its former self, a party more concerned with its own survival than with the well-being of the Canadian people. The Liberal Party of Canada has spent years falsely posing as a beacon of progressive ideals. Under Trudeau, it was supposed to be a force for environmental change, social justice, and economic fairness. Yet, when the time came to translate those ideals into action, the party faltered. Trudeau’s policies, which were supposed to lift the country into a new era of prosperity, have instead driven Canada into a downward spiral of economic instability, housing crises, and soaring crime rates. Housing costs, the centrepiece of Trudeau’s promise to help Canadians, have become an albatross around the neck of the average citizen. While the political elite continues to live in insulated luxury, Canadians from coast to coast are locked out of the housing market, watching as their dreams of homeownership slip further away. Meanwhile, Trudeau’s carbon tax, hailed as a key part of his green agenda, has burdened struggling families with ever-higher costs for basic necessities. It has done little for the environment but has stifled the very people it was supposed to help. And as if that weren’t enough, Trudeau’s spending spree—marked by reckless debt accumulation—has left the Canadian economy on the brink of collapse. Yet through all this, the Liberal Party has refused to change course. Trudeau may leave, but his party’s deep-rooted dysfunction will remain. The party’s ideological straitjacket has made it impossible to acknowledge the need for real, pragmatic solutions. Instead, they have chosen to push their mistakes under the rug and hope Canadians forget the damage done. The resignation of Justin Trudeau is not a graceful exit—it is a desperate attempt to escape the consequences of a decade of disastrous leadership. His tearful farewell, devoid of genuine apology or contrition, speaks volumes about his political character. Rather than confront the failure of his policies, Trudeau has chosen to flee the battlefield, hoping that his departure will allow his legacy to fade quietly into the background. But the truth is that Trudeau’s departure will not erase the toxic trail he leaves behind. His time in office has left a stain on Canada’s international standing, one that cannot be wiped away with a mere exit speech. His foreign policy blunders have not only alienated key allies but have also severely damaged Canada’s reputation on the global stage. Trudeau’s inexplicable support for the Khalistani separatist movement, while simultaneously attempting to maintain diplomatic relations with India, is a case study in political incoherence. His actions have only served to deepen the rift between Canada and one of its most important international partners. The rupture in relations with India—fueled by Trudeau’s stubbornness and failure to act in Canada’s best interest—has been compounded by growing tensions with Saudi Arabia, a key player in global oil markets. Under Trudeau, Canada has become a diplomatic pariah, a country whose foreign policy is marked more by ideological posturing than by strategic thought. But Trudeau’s biggest political failure lies not in foreign relations but in his alliance with Jagmeet Singh and the NDP. This unholy pact has enabled Trudeau to push through policies that have driven Canada to the brink—policies that have prioritised the whims of the ideological left over the real needs of Canadian citizens. The NDP’s support of the carbon tax, among other misguided policies, has left the working class reeling, unable to make ends meet as they grapple with rising costs and stagnant wages. As Trudeau steps aside, the Liberal Party is left in a state of disarray. The leadership contest to replace him is less about rebuilding Canada and more about securing the political future of those who helped drive the country into chaos. The race for the leadership is nothing more than a power struggle between those who have spent years enabling Trudeau’s disastrous policies. Rather than a moment of reckoning, the leadership contest is just another attempt to sweep the party’s failings under the rug. The internal divisions within the Liberal Party are apparent for all to see. Instead of focusing on the issues that matter to Canadians—housing, crime, inflation—the party’s leadership contenders are preoccupied with securing their own fiefdoms. They continue to act as if the Canadian people will forget the damage done by Trudeau and his party. But the electorate is not so easily fooled. Trudeau’s carbon tax, far from being the green panacea he promised, has turned into a political and economic disaster. While Trudeau touted the tax as a means to reduce emissions and combat climate change, the reality has been far different. For most Canadians, the carbon tax has meant nothing but higher prices at the gas pump and skyrocketing grocery bills. Yet Trudeau’s party, unwilling to admit fault, continues

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NYT Faulters, Khalistanis Go Beserk

NYT Faulters, Khalistanis Go Beserk

Indian security concerns cannot be reflected from Khalistani terror lens. Rohan Giri Is it reasonable for reputed media platforms like The New York Times to arrive at conclusion even before piece the facts? In her recent piece, “Sikh Activists See It as Freedom. India Calls It Terrorism,” Anupreeta Das paints the Indian response to Khalistani extremists’ movement as ‘overtly harsh and not based on genuine security concerns’. The writer avers that Indian position against Khalistanis was overtly influenced by Hindu nationalist motives rather than security concerns. A closer look at the article reveals limited scope of investigation, relying on selected sources that shaped public perception in a skewed way. By referring to select incidents, individuals, the write up risks simplifying a complex geopolitical issue, missing both historical and current context needed for a well-rounded understanding. Emphasis on Canadian, US Perspectives The article opens by focusing on Canadian and US claims of assassination plots against a terrorist thereby implying that India’s responses were excessive as “Khalistan movement” was regarded as a bygone issue. The New York Times or Anupreeta Das presented evidence to conclude that Indian government had any role in assassinations. The write up also seem to have ignored the nuanced and ongoing nature of Khalistan issue within and beyond India’s borders. Khalistan-linked activities have not disappeared into thin air and Indian officials are cautious about connections between separatist groups, criminal elements and terror networks—connections that merit thorough analysis rather than dismissal as nationalism-driven rhetoric. Findings from Indian and international intelligence agencies point to violent but fringe Khalistani elements receiving support, both material and ideological, from Pakistan, particularly through the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), known for its dirty tricks to destabilize India. This interlinked dynamic, often referred to as “bleed India with a thousand cuts” strategy is noted in several independent reports. Overlooking this context leaves out a significant geopolitical layer in the discussion. What about Khalistan-Linked Violence? One striking omission is the absence of data on violent history of Khalistan movement and its continued association with criminal activities. 1980s and 1990s saw that Punjab was virtually torn apart by extremist violence with thousands of civilians, law enforcement personnel and officials impacted by Khalistani terrorism. Ignoring these historical facts reduces the weight of ongoing vigilance against terrorist movements. By leaving out the history of violence and its effect on Punjab’s socio-economic landscape, the article doesn’t fully address why the Indian government views the Khalistan issue as a legitimate security concern. Indian law enforcement including National Investigation Agency (NIA), reports that recent crimes tied to Khalistan include drug trafficking, gang violence and extortion contributing to Punjab’s drug crisis. A 2023 NIA report estimated that drug-related crimes in Punjab make up nearly 60 per cent of all drug cases nationwide, underscoring seriousness of the issue and suspected role of Khalistani networks. The absence of such statistics paint an incomplete picture of the government’s concerns. Cherry Picking of Experts The NYT article relies heavily on selective quotes from experts and analysts who cast India’s approach as extreme or unjust. For instance, statements from Gunisha Kaur on purported targeting of Sikhs under national security are included without broader context of the debate. By emphasizing voices critical of India’s measures against separatism, the article overlooks other scholars, counterterrorism experts, and analysts who have recognized valid security challenges India faces with Khalistan-linked extremism. Certain Khalistani groups exploited Sikh religious sentiment to justify violent actions and criminal enterprises. Multiple forums have highlighted ties between these factions, drug and arms smuggling networks, often supported by ISI. Leaving out such perspectives raises questions about balance and intent to inform versus sway readers. Impact of Biased Reporting on Public Understanding When impactful media like The New York Times publish such pieces with biased slant, they risk cementing stereotypes and shaping public opinion misleadingly. For readers less familiar with Khalistan issue, India’s actions might appear authoritarian rather than responses to real and documented threats. Reporting with an apparent “predetermined” conclusion reinforces narratives that misrepresent India’s security concerns as mere authoritarian impulses. This approach can erode trust in international relations. For instance, framing Canada’s reluctance to act against pro-Khalistan activists as a free speech issue disregards that many Western nations actively counter extremist ideologies promoting violence, from neo-Nazism to Islamist extremism. Yet when addressing Khalistani extremism, Canada’s stance is portrayed as liberal tolerance rather than a political decision. This selective framing risks distorting public understanding of global security policies, potentially engendering sympathy for extremist movements. Conflating Sikh Identity with Khalistan Das’ article could be read as equating India’s vigilance over Khalistani separatism with attack on Sikh identity, an oversimplification that overlooks the fact that most Sikhs globally do not support Khalistan. For instance, San Jose California Gurudwara chief Bhupinder Singh Dhillon gave only five-minutes ultimatum to Khalistani supporters and drove them out of Nagar Kirtan. Similarly, Ujjal Dosanjh, former premier of British Columbia and federal cabinet minister under Liberal prime minister Paul Martin told Canadian newspaper ‘National Post’ that “a silent majority of Sikhs does not want to have anything to do with Khalistan, adding that less than five percent of the total Canadian Sikhs support Khalistani movement.” India is home to one of the largest Sikh populations, with significant representation in the military, government, and business. Articles like Das’ risk alienating this community by implying Sikh identity aligns with separatism, which could strain relationships within the Sikh diaspora and between Sikhs and the Indian state of Punjab. India’s Broader Counter-Terrorism Efforts India’s response to separatism is not limited to Khalistan issue but spans various secessionist and insurgent movements from left-wing extremist naxalites to Islamist terrorism. In each instance, India’s approach has been complex, encompassing political dialogue, social programmes and security measures. For example, reducing violence in Kashmir through de-radicalization and security efforts shows a strategy aimed at balancing security with stability. Ignoring broader policies and isolating Khalistan issue risks misrepresenting India’s comprehensive security approach. Importance of Balanced Journalism Responsible media coverage should present readers with a complete view, allowing them to

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Guardians or Bystanders!

Canadian police remain mute spectators to violence and vandalism unleashed in Hindu temples by Khalistani extremists backed by Trudeau. Rahul Pawa On a quiet Diwali weekend, two temples in Canada, long-standing beacons of peace for Hindu diaspora became flashpoints of violence. In Brampton, at Hindu Sabha Mandir where a towering 55-foot statue of Lord Hanuman stands in majestic repose, sanctity of worship was violently interrupted.  In Surrey, around same time, similar desecration played out but with an unsettling twist: Canadian police, rather than offering protection from violence, reportedly turned their back on the very devotees they are sworn to safeguard. This spiraling saga of aggression against Canada’s Hindu community speaks of growing dissonance, one in which Anti-hindu allegiances and violent extremist ideology have found combustible alignment. These events call into question not Canadian authorities role in preserving peace and apparent lack of justice in face of rising extremism against Hindus. The incidents bear markings of a broader issue that Canada under the guise of neutrality may have dangerously fueled. Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton stands as a symbol of spiritual and cultural unity for Hindu community with its towering Hanuman statue —serving as proud reminder of ancient heritage in Canadian landscape. Yet, as Indian consular officials visited the temple to offer routine services, scenes of unrest unfolded that shattered the temple’s tranquility. Khalistani extremists, aligned with banned Sikhs for Justice extremist group, staged a violent protest that devolved into open aggression against temple-goers. Video footage shared across social media captures harrowing moments as Hindu devotees were set upon, beaten, and confronted with huge sticks by extremists. Aggressive violence by these extremists was unprovoked assault on peaceful community engaged in their sacred observances. Sikhs for Justice, a group with known links to Pakistan and history of terrorism linked to violent Khalistan secessionist movement had explicitly voiced their desire to disrupt consular services outside official premises, claiming these events posed a “threat” to Khalistani cause. Peel Regional Police, responsible for overseeing law enforcement in Brampton, have faced sharp criticism for their response or lack of it. Widespread violence notwithstanding, no arrests were made, a decision that many say reflects a worrisome leniency. Peel Police released a brief statement pledging to “investigate any acts of violence or threats,” yet to date, no charges have been filed. This inaction starkly contrasts with the force’s rapid response to similar instances of disorderly conduct in other communities. For Hindu Canadians, these events highlight troubling trend. Liberal MP Chandra Arya condemned the incident, calling attention to what he described as “free pass” given to Canadian Khalistani extremists. As he noted, “These extremists receive a degree of immunity that raises serious questions about Canada’s commitment to protecting its citizens equally.” Across the country in Surrey, a gathering of Hindu devotees at a temple similarly faced intimidation from Khalistani extremists operating with impunity in Canada. As people of all ages congregated to pray, the Khalistanis arrived with charged slogans, invoking Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a notorious Khalistani extremist recently slain under murky circumstances. Far from remaining a peaceful protest, the event quickly turned menacing, with calls for Hindus to “go back to their country.” Yet what unfolded next is perhaps more disturbing than the protest itself. As tensions escalated, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) intervened—but not to protect the threatened Hindu worshippers. Instead, in an act that has left the Hindu community in shock and disbelief, RCMP detained three Hindu devotees who were then escorted from temple grounds in full view of the protestors who had incited the incident. The reason for these detentions remains undisclosed, but the message it sent was clear: the victims of intimidation were cast as the culprits. This police action has left many questioning the RCMP’s impartiality. At a time when Hindus in Canada felt increasingly vulnerable, police response was inadequate or complicit. The pattern of law enforcement intervening against Hindu Canadians, rather than protecting them, has fostered deep resentment and fear. A local temple spokesperson pleaded for calm, reminding the community to await further information but the undercurrent of fear was palpable. Canadian authorities’ seeming unwillingness to protect Hindus or even acknowledge the intimidation they face revealed a chasm in the justice system they are meant to trust. Indian High Commission in Ottawa released a statement expressing disappointment at the violence allowed to mar routine consular events. “As in previous years,” the statement read, “the High Commission and Consulates General of India have planned consular camps during this period to assist local life certificate beneficiaries.” However, despite clear forewarning and requests for heightened security, Canadian authorities failed to prevent Khalistani disruption. This dereliction of duty has left Hindus in Canada and beyond questioning the nation’s dedication to ensuring safety for all religious communities. Diplomatic tensions sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau between Canada and India have simmered in recent months, with baseless accusations fueling discord. Yet Canada’s handling of these incidents hints at something more insidious— normalization of extremism under the guise of free speech. It appears that Canada is struggling, or perhaps choosing not to confront, a deeply ingrained bias in its approach to law enforcement where Khalistani sympathisers were concerned. India’s high commission has been left with few choices but to remind Canadian authorities of their duty to protect citizens and consular staff engaged in routine activities. The community they represent, however, feels abandoned, exposed to aggression with no recourse to justice. As Canada’s Hindu diaspora reflects on these violent episodes, an unsettling reality emerges: their homeland may be an ocean away, but the conflicts it faces seem to have followed them to Canadian shores. Devotees who once sought refuge in Canada, a country that promised peace and safety, now find themselves targeted, harassed, and abandoned by a system that seems unwilling to defend their rights. In these attacks, there is bitter irony—Canada’s celebrated multiculturalism, once source of pride, has been weaponised against the very people it claimed to protect. As Canadian authorities continue to walk the line

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Ottawa Falls

Justin Trudeau’s biggest blunder was to rely on ISI, CCP to tie up with anti-India Khalistani extremists; Five Eyes, US deep state purported inputs to make baseless accusations against India. “At that point it was primarily intelligence, not hard evidentiary proof,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated during foreign interference inquiry, alluding to the claims he made against India, linking ‘Indian agents’ to Khalistani Canadian terrorist Hardeep Nijjar’s death in a gang war outside the gurdwara in Surrey, Canada.

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Testing Times in Canada

Trudeau regime will have to address core issue of terrorism to keep its relations with Bharat intact or face consequences. Pummy Pandita Eyebrows were raised when Canadian Parliament paid homage to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a hardcore Pakistan-backed Khalistan terrorist and named in several anti-Bharat campaigns globally. One minute’s silence by Canadian Parliament members to Nijjar, a wanted criminal in Bharat, does not augur well either for bilateral relations or global campaign against terrorism of all shades and hues. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to be playing with ‘Khalistani fire’ to stay in office and even sacrifice the strong and sound footed relations with India at the altar of preserving his political fiefdom with support from the extremist group. It’s not just one minute’s silence that matters! Trudeau hailing Nijjar ‘for his persistent efforts in advancing the diversity and inclusion ideals that Canada cherishes’ is something that’s gross and unpalatable. By buying peace with Khalistanis that campaign for a separate sovereign state which most Sikhs do not support, Trudeau exposed his political opportunism. He seems to have conveniently banked on anti-Bharat forces to portray himself as someone who genuinely cares about his country. In the process, Trudeau has succeeded in appeasing his political crutch group in Khalistanis and diverted attention from Canada’s burning issues. In fact, Indian-descent Member of Parliament Chandan Arya exposed the extremist role of Canadian Khalistani elements when Air India flight 182 was bombed midday 39-years back on June 23. Incidentally, this very day is remembered in Canada as National Day of Remembrance for victims of terrorism. In the mid-air bombing of Kanishka aircraft carrier 329 innocent lives including crew members was lost to terrorists that made Canada their home. Rightly so, Arya pointed to the ideology responsible for Kanishka attack that’s alive and kicking with a small chunk of Canadians. Recent celebration of Indian Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi is yet another incident where terrorism is glorified, violence mainstreamed, hate and violence eulogized. It also indicates that dark forces responsible for these terror events are getting regrouped and portends terrible events to come. Khalistan movement’s past is rife with murder and bloodshed. Tens of thousands of Hindus and Sikhs have been slaughtered by terrorists not just in India but in US, Australia, the UK, and Germany among others. People in Canada seem to have forgotten that tend to forget that 39 years ago when terrorists [Talwinder Singh Parmar (Canadian citizen), Inderjit Singh Reyat (held both British & Canadian citizenship), Ajaib Singh Bagri (US citizen), Ripudaman Singh Malik, Surjan Singh Gill, Hardial Singh Johal, Daljit Sandhu and Lakhbir Singh Rode (all Canadian citizens) bombed Air India flight. Regretfully, there are still locations in Canada where people who pray to these very terrorists as ‘demi-gods’. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice open threat to Hindu Canadians life is nothing but “glorification of terrorism” and acceptance of hate crimes under the pretext of “freedom of expression”. Canada has fallen under Trudeau’s gross mismanagement making it an extreme version of Pakistan. Canadian economy that was in shambles has not yet fully recovered. Meagre income that ordinary Canadians are able to earn is negated by inflation overhang that continues to roil the economy. Cost of living in Canada has about tripled in three years. Steep spike in housing rents left many individuals without a place to live. Over 40,000 people died in eight years due to drug overdose and the country is fast emerging as narco-terrorism hub. As Pakistan is falling Islamic terrorism, Canada has gone the Khalistani way.[1] Since his minority government depends on the backing of New Democratic Party led by Khalistani Jagmeet Singh, Justin Trudeau has gone his way. Trudeau, much like his alliance partner Jagmeet finds nothing wrong with pro-Khalistan operations being carried out on Canadian soil. Justin Trudeau’s open support to a terrorist such as Nijjar has given legitimacy to violence committed by the Khalistani groups in Canada. In addition to endangering security of Hindus residing in Canada, Trudeau has snatched rights of common Canadian citizens to profit from shifting geopolitical conditions. Trudeau, who claims Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder, remained silent on Karima Baloch, an activist who fled persecution by Pakistani government and settled in Canada. Trudeau twiddled his thumb when opposition leader Michael Chong charged that he was being targeted by a Chinese diplomat. Canada’s evolution as a safe sanctuary for Pakistan-backed Khalistani terrorism is the result of Trudeau’s silence on legitimate interests of Canadian residents that he breaks only when one terrorist is killed as part of his vote-bank politics. Canada as a nation will now pay the price for appeasement of Khalistanis by its Prime Minister who is responsible from harbouring organised crime, help terrorists and criminals. Trudeau has isolated Canada from Western world. What a catastrophe! Indian is upset with Canadian theatrics. “India stands at the forefront of countering menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat. 23 June 2024 marks 39th Anniversary of cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka) in which 329 innocent victims including 86 children lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in history of civil aviation,” it said in a statement.[2] Canada’s unflinching support to anti-India forces may disturb the delicate applecart. Bracing up to fight terrorists of Khalistani or Islamist shades is in global interest. (Author is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi) References: [1] https://www.news18.com/opinion/opinion-canada-has-become-new-pakistan-thanks-to-trudeaus-soft-spot-for-khalistan-8585898.html [2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-marks-kanishka-flight-anniversary-as-canadian-parliament-honors-khalistan-terrorist-hardeep-singh-nijjar/articleshow/111110391.cms?from=mdr

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Spice, Imagination & Conspiracy

ABC peddles ‘Spies, secrets and threats’ that grossly misrepresents Hindus, RSS & Indian government through agenda-based peddling of lies. Rohan Giri Forty six minutes video report “Spies, secrets and threats: How the Modi regime targets people overseas, Four Corners”  broadcast by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) which features infamous reporter Avani Dias declares its extreme antagonism towards Hindu centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Through this report, state-run ABC also targets the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) whose senior leader Narendra Modi has been elected Prime Minister for third consecutive term. This ABC report and Dias reek of bias and misrepresentation, constantly presenting RSS as a paramilitary group despite its long-standing efforts as a cultural and service-oriented movement. Easily recognized as the world’s largest voluntary organization, RSS is dedicated to community service particularly for the deprived sections of Indian communities. Overlooking this, Dias intentionally distorts its image, dismissing its substantial contributions to a larger society. Selfless service work carried out by RSS volunteers inspired by its founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s pre-independence movement experiences has been largely ignored or intentionally set aside to paint a shady picture of an open flexible organization. Avani Dias seems to have blinded herself and the ABC viewers on RSS service activities through over 120,000 projects in areas ranging from education, healthcare to socio-economic empowerment. These projects have positively contributed to millions of families in India. A whopping 2.145 million individuals and families in Bharat have benefitted and continue to be supported by projects across half a dozen sectors that contributed to improving living standards. Beneficiaries in the healthcare sector separately have crossed 8.716 million and food support programmes touched 2.735 million. Community well-being and development is the under-lying objective of RSS volunteers’ drive that’s comprehensive and unique in their organization. Avni Dias who left Bharat after being under cloud argued that minorities do not have sufficient opportunities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This is factually incorrect and a false claim made by Avni Dias and concurred by ABC editorial board. Facts on contradict her politically charged propaganda. Since 2014, the Indian government has executed welfare initiatives for minorities. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) gives five years of financial help while the Padho Pardesh scheme provides interest subsidies for study abroad at the Masters, M.Phil., and Ph.D. levels. The Seekho aur Kamao initiative improves minority youngsters’ abilities in a variety of occupations, ensuring employability or self-employment. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram seeks to enhance socio economic infrastructure for minority populations. Despite these substantial initiatives, Avani seems to have peddled anti-India agendas and divisive ideas. The report’s most glaring flaw is its blatant endorsement of Pakistan-backed Khalistani terrorism. The script seems to have been written by Khalistani supporters themselves, with Dias serving just as their representative. This is an attack on journalistic integrity and an insult to sufferers of Khalistani terrorism. In 1980s, Khalistani terrorists in India carried out an upsurge of cruel violence, killing thousands of innocent people. However, Dias selectively disregards this grave and historical fact overlooking to acknowledge the terrible adversity and bloodshed caused by these separatists. Dias’s narrative represents Khalistani terrorists when she says Sikhs were victims and under pressure in Australia which is a flagrant white lie. The fact is otherwise. A handful aggressive Khalistani terrorists has continued their campaign of violence and terrorization not just in India but also in other nations including Australia. In less than a month, pro-Khalistani outfits in Australia have launched three distinct attacks on Hindu temples. On January 23, 2023 Hare Krishna Temple in Albert Park, Melbourne of Australia came under attack. On January 17, 2023, Melbourne’s historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple at Carrum Downs was targeted. On January 12, 2023, Khalistan activists vandalized and destroyed BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Melbourne, by spray-painting anti-India graffiti. The walls of Melbourne’s landmark Swaminarayan temple in the northern suburbs of Mill Park have been spray-painted with ‘Hindustan Murdabad’ slogans. Hundreds of innocent Indians in Australia have been threatened or abused by these terrorists, a reality that Dias completely ignores. Instead, she promotes Khalistani propaganda while ignoring their current terrorist acts and the true threat to peace and security. It’s not that the entire sikh community in India, Australia or elsewhere endorses this divisive agenda. Despite the report’s contentious storylines, it is crucial to highlight India and Australia’s developing strategic, economic and bilateral relations. Both countries have worked together extensively on a range of issues, including trade, defense, education, and cultural exchange. The relationship is based on mutual respect and democratic values with the goal of enhancing regional stability and economic progress. The report’s description of chronic animosity and conflict is refuted by the upward trend in Indo-Australian relations. Collaborative initiatives in education, technology, and counter-terrorism demonstrate both countries’ commitment to fostering a robust and long-term alliance. Avani Dias’s report exemplifies biased and irresponsible journalism. It misrepresents the RSS, glorifies Khalistani crimes and dismisses recent improvements in Indo-Australian ties. This reporting fosters division and promotes radical agendas. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation should be held accountable for broadcasting such an evidently biased and factually wrong story. True media should seek and provide an honest presentation rather than serve as a propaganda weapon for violent extremists. Dias’ report is a disservice to the profession and to innumerable people who have suffered at the hands of the terrorists she explicitly supports. (Author is a doctoral fellow at Amity University in Gwalior, content head at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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Canada Unsafe for Indians & Hindus

Recent years have posed significant challenges to Canada’s reputation as a safe destination for immigrants, particularly for Indians. Nation’s appeal as a place of opportunity and inclusivity notwithstanding, reports of hate crimes, violence against Indians, Hindus and racial prejudice have increased. This radicalism and governmental biases have mounted concerns regarding safety. (Author Pummy Pandita is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi)

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Trudeau’s Lost Plot with India

Trudeau’s political gambits with Canada-based extremists threaten to undermine the fabric of Canada’s national interests, casting a long shadow over its democratic values and international relations, especially with India. Rahul PAWA  In a development that could further complicate the already strained ties between Ottawa and New Delhi, a commission established by the Trudeau administration to probe foreign interference allegations has officially called on the government to release information about India’s possible role in meddling with Canada’s electoral processes. This request unfolds against a backdrop of concerns raised by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, which has pointed to covert efforts by China to influence the outcomes of Canada’s recent federal elections. A top-secret briefing report, later obtained by various news organizations, highlights the urgent need for Canada to strengthen its defences against such covert activities. The document sheds light on the sophisticated and wide-ranging campaign led by the People’s Republic of China, leveraging everything from diplomatic channels to grassroots community organizations to influence every stratum of society and governance. Adding a new layer to the narrative, the agency has expanded its scrutiny to include India, expressing its apprehensions in a detailed three-page memo that categorises India alongside China as a formidable threat to the democratic integrity of Canada. The report expressly singles out India, anticipating an uptick in interference efforts and strongly advising on the critical importance of bolstering Canada’s democratic systems and institutions to guard against external meddling. In an unfolding scenario that seems straight out of the saying ‘the pot calling the kettle black’, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, recently labeled as the worst Canadian Prime Minister in the last fifty years, is fervently aiming for a fourth term in office—a milestone last reached in 1908. Despite facing significant hurdles, including trailing behind the opposition Conservatives in polls throughout 2023, Trudeau is unwavering in his quest for re-election, seeking to surpass the achievements of his father, Pierre Trudeau, who narrowly missed winning a fourth electoral term in 1979. Yet, Trudeau’s relentless pursuit of power bears a hefty price for the Canadian people, especially against the backdrop of deteriorating ties with India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, which is seemingly distancing itself from Trudeau’s politics. This growing estrangement is largely credited to Trudeau and his close confidant, Jagmeet Singh Dhaliwal of the New Democratic Party. Since ascending to office in 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in alliance with Jagmeet Singh, has navigated the complex waters of Canadian politics with a strategy that leans heavily on the support of Pakistan backed and homegrown Khalistani separatist factions in Canada. This reliance is not merely a reflection of contemporary political strategy but also echoes a longstanding tradition within Canadian politics of providing sanctuary to individuals and organizations known for their dissent against Indian sovereignty. Throughout his tenure, Canada’s political landscape has seen Trudeau’s open endorsement of factions with a history of terrorism and violence within the Khalistani context, a stance that became more marked in the face of competition for the same voter base from Jagmeet Singh. This tactical courtship of Khalistani supporters and sympathisers by Trudeau has significantly influenced his administration’s policies towards India and its substantial diaspora in Canada evidenced by stands taken during India’s farmers protests and during illegitimate referendum dramas in Canada. This demographic, consisting of individuals from both India and Pakistan represents a critical vote bank, ostensibly enabling Trudeau to maintain his grip on power. However, this approach has raised concerns over the compromise of the broader interests of the Canadian people, highlighting a scenario where Trudeau’s political gain is seemingly placed above national welfare. Further demonstrating how their own Prime Minister has placed political gain above all, disrupting the delicate balance between fulfilling national interests and chasing personal political ambitions, especially by jeopardising the economic, moral, and internationally friendly relations with India and her citizens.  In a resolute and unified rebuttal to the latest misadventure to the accusations raised by the commission under the Trudeau government, the Indian Foreign Ministry vehemently dismissed the accusations as “baseless,” “absurd,” and “motivated.” The Ministry highlighted that similar claims had been brought up during Trudeau’s discussions with the Indian Prime Minister, only to be “completely rejected.” Furthermore, the statement from the Indian Foreign Ministry emphasised, “It is not the policy of the Government of India to meddle in the democratic processes of other countries. Contrary to these allegations, it is, in fact, Canada that has been found interfering in India’s internal matters.” The statement also reiterated India’s longstanding concern regarding Canada’s approach towards separatists, terrorists, and anti-India groups. This sharp rebuttal does more than just dismiss the claims; it redirects the focus onto the underlying diplomatic friction between the two nations, emphasizing India’s strongest objections to Canada’s treatment of elements opposed to Indian interests. The intensifying diplomatic standoff between Ottawa and New Delhi marks a pivotal moment, casting a spotlight on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s approach of political appeasement toward Canada-based Khalistani extremist factions. This strategy, aimed at securing votes and maintaining power, appears to have jeopardised the broader interests of Canada in favour of Trudeau’s personal political ambitions. The engagement with Khalistani elements by the Trudeau administration has not only soured relations with India but also underscored the fragile interplay between domestic political tactics and the responsibilities of international diplomacy. The firm rejection by the Indian government of the allegations put forth by a commission established under Trudeau’s government deepens the diplomatic divide, signalling a dramatic shift away from a foundation of mutual respect and shared democratic ideals. This situation has led to a moment of reckoning, with India responding with decisive words that challenge the veracity of the Canadian Prime Minister’s stance, thereby reshaping the contours of an intricate bilateral relationship. (Rahul Pawa is director of research at the Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies in Delhi, India, specialising in international law, crime, security, future-tech & futuristic warfare.)

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India’s Firm Message to Canada: Tackle Khalistani Extremism, Preserve Bilateral Ties

Rohan Giri Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been thrown into a state of disarray after insinuations on possible  Indian involvement in murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a proscribed terrorist identified as a member of Khalistan Tiger Force. These claims by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have ignited tensions, prompting a sharp rebuke from India’s Ambassador to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma that criticised Canada for damaging bilateral relations. Verma asserted that the accusations lack substantial evidence and may have been influenced by high-level directions. Allegations of India’s involvement in reported murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist who had obtained Canadian citizenship, emerged after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s address in the country’s Parliament on September 18. He had claimed to have “credible evidence that the Indian government assassinated a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.” This serious assertion put a strain on bilateral relations. However, India recognised as a robust and healthy democracy, has no historical record of engaging in such clandestine activities and consistently championed the path of peace both regionally and globally. In an interview to ‘The Globe and Mail’, Indian envoy Sanjay Kumar Verma offered a forceful rebuttal to these allegations chastising Canada for failing to furnish any concrete or pertinent details that would substantiate their accusations. He expressed apprehension regarding the investigation’s integrity, hinting at possibility of high-level interference in investigative proceedings. The accusations triggered significant diplomatic fallout and unilaterally Canada escalated further by suspending an Indian diplomat. Retaliating, India declared a Canadian senior diplomat persona non grata and requested the Canadian government to withdraw a substantial number of its diplomatic staff from India. This diplomatic spat loomed as a potential threat to the broader bilateral engagement between the two countries. Verma scrutinised validity and admissibility of the purported evidence underpinning Canada’s claims, pointing out that diplomatic exchanges were safeguarded by international law and not admissible in a legal context or for public revelation. He called on Canada to explain the methods used to obtain these conversations and raised the possibility that the alleged wiretaps could have involved impersonated voices. India has on multiple occasions drawn attention to its pending extradition requests, which it alleges Canada has consistently overlooked. Following the accusations against India, the Ministry of External Affairs labeled Canada as a “safe haven for terrorists, gangsters, and criminals.” This characterisation is not made lightly; it mirrors the perception of contemporary Canada and has added further tension to the already strained diplomatic relations. The fabric of India-Canada relations has been further frayed by a deeply troubling series of events in Canada. There is a growing wave of hostility, as sacred Hindu sites and the assets of the Indian community have come under repeated attack. This disturbing trend has escalated to a point where the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada is now in jeopardy.  The aftermath of the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has unleashed a torrent of direct threats and vitriolic hate speech aimed at the Indian diplomatic corps. The atmosphere of intimidation has been starkly illustrated by the appearance of menacing posters throughout Canada. These posters not only advocate for the assassination of Indian officials but audaciously depict them as adversaries of the Canadian state, ratcheting up the diplomatic tension to an alarming degree. This volatile situation casts a shadow over the Indian community in Canada and puts the diplomatic ties between the two nations on a knife-edge. In a comprehensive analysis, as an international think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, raised alarm in its latest report about the escalating threat of Khalistani extremism in Canada, particularly during Prime Minister Trudeau’s administration. The report stressed that this radical movement, bolstered by Pakistani support, has intensified, putting a strain on Canada’s social fabric and its long-standing multicultural values. Ties between Canada and India have deteriorated, attributed in part to Trudeau’s interactions with Khalistani proponents and his unsubstantiated accusations against India. These actions have not only marred Trudeau’s leadership but reflect political influence of Jagmeet Singh, the NDP leader known for his Khalistani linkages and frequent anti-India commentary.  CIHS report warned that the Canadian government’s perceived indifference towards growing Khalistani presence could incentivise separatist sentiments, potentially triggering a secessionist referendum. Such developments threaten Canadian unity and sovereignty.  The think tank underlined the urgency for Canada to repair its diplomatic relations with India. Moreover, it called on Western nations to tackle Khalistani extremism with an unwavering adherence to the rule of law and a commitment to security, human rights, and democratic principles. The response to this issue is critical, the report concludes, as it will significantly shape the future of international relations and the global order. Trudeau has seemingly overlooked these critical issues. The unchecked growth of separatist movements poses a real and significant threat to the security of Canada. It seems he fails to acknowledge the true character of terrorism, which knows no religious or ideological limits. No amount of diplomatic veneer can mask this reality. Historical patterns suggest that the consequences of neglecting such threats often have a way of returning to their origin with compounded force Addressing these challenges with substantive dialogue and addressing the influence of Khalistani factions in Canada is crucial for restoring confidence and strengthening the bilateral relationship. The current diplomatic impasse highlights the importance of adhering to diplomatic norms, international law, and the protection of envoys abroad. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s approach, which seems to prioritise internal political advantages over international protocol, reflects a departure from statesmanlike conduct. Such a strategy may jeopardise the diplomatic bond with India and other law-abiding democracies worldwide. (author is manager – operations at New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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Canada’s Darkening Horizon: Red Flags and Alarming Trends

The dynamics between India and Canada are treading on thin ice, revealing a landscape where Canada’s interests seem to be diverging significantly from Prime Minister Trudeau’s actions and statements. It’s crucially morphing into a “Canada versus Trudeau” scenario, highlighting an urgent call for a recalibration of Canada’s stance. Dive deeper into the unfolding scenario and explore potential resolutions in CIHS special report on “Canada’s Darkening Horizon: Red Flags and Alarming Trends”

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