Pro-Khalistan separatists do not represent the Sikh community in Canada, PM Justin Trudeau has said. News reports said Trudeau made the remarks, for the first time, while addressing the Indian diaspora at a Diwali event in Ottawa’s Parliament Hill last week.
“There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. There is no room for violence or intolerance or intimidation… That is not who we are,” he was quoted as saying.
Trudeau’s comments came on Nov 4, a day after clashes between pro-Khalistan elements and those at a consular camp in Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton. He added that nor do Modi supporters in Canada represent Hindus there.
On Nov 6, Trudeau said in the House of Commons that those inciting violence “in no way represent” Sikhs or Hindus in Canada.
