Introduction
In a disturbing attempt to distort reality and peddle falsehoods, a recent opinion piece by Canadian journalist Doug Saunders in The Globe and Mail has sparked outrage for its brazen whitewashing of Khalistani terrorism. Riddled with lies, fake news, and baseless propaganda, the article not only grossly misrepresented statements by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also dangerously downplays the persistent threat of Khalistani extremism, going so far as to claim "there are no 'Khalistani terrorists.'"
Twisting Modi's Words on Counter-Terrorism
At the crux of Saunders' distorted narrative lies a gross misinterpretation of PM Modi's assertions regarding India's policy of striking against terrorists operating from foreign soil. For years, the Indian leader has emphasized his government's resolve to eliminate terrorist threats, coining the phrase "ghar mein ghuskar marunga" (will enter the house and kill) in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. This policy stance has manifested in military operations like the 2016 Surgical Strikes and 2019 Balakot Air Strikes, conducted with precision against terrorist targets while adhering to international norms.
However, Saunders falsely claims that PM Modi has threatened to kill "foreigners" and "Canadians and other foreigners in their homes." This blatant lie distorts the context of Modi's remarks, which have consistently referred to India's unwavering battle against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, not targeting civilian populations or specific nationalities. The White House itself acknowledged that Modi's remarks were limited to bilateral issues between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to avoid escalation and find resolution through dialogue.
PM Modi and Justin Trudeau "2022.06.27." by yiykwrfa22 is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
Whitewashing Khalistani Terrorism and Its Ongoing Threat
Perhaps the most egregious aspect of Saunders' opinion piece is his outright dismissal and whitewashing of the Khalistani terrorist threat. He audaciously asserts that "there are no 'Khalistani terrorists'" and that the movement is merely a "romantic tendency in Western Canada" posing no harm. This statement not only defies reality but also insults the countless victims of Khalistani violence, including the 1984 assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the tragic Air India bombing – Canada's deadliest terrorist incident – and numerous other attacks orchestrated by Khalistani groups.
Contrary to Saunders' claims, Khalistani terrorism remains an active and potent threat, both in India and abroad. Recent incidents, such as the RPG attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali, India, and the repeated threats by Khalistani leaders like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against Hindus, PM Modi, and Indian diplomats, underscore the grave danger this ideology poses. Pannun's calls for bombing airlines, disrupting the World Cup with attacks, and targeting Indian diplomats outside India cannot be dismissed as mere "romantic tendencies."
Defending Khalistani Extremism in Canada
Saunders' attempts to downplay Khalistani extremism in Canada are particularly concerning, given the country's significant Sikh population of nearly 800,000 adherents and the ongoing tensions between India and Canada over this issue. Despite recent incidents of pro-Khalistani slogans being raised in the presence of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre during Vaisakhi celebrations, Saunders dismisses these occurrences as a "romantic tendency" and "no more harmful than Bloc Québécois MPs."
However, the reality is far more sinister. Canadian authorities have already arrested individuals linked to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a case Trudeau had previously alleged involved the Indian government without evidence. The arrested individuals – Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Karan Brar – are members of a hit squad associated with gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi, who has close ties to proscribed pro-Khalistani terrorist outfits like Babbar Khalsa International, according to India's National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Trudeau's Stance and India's Concerns
Trudeau's stance on the issue has only fueled tensions with India. Despite the anti-India slogans raised at the Vaisakhi event, the Canadian PM vowed to protect the "rights and freedoms" of Sikhs, seemingly endorsing the pro-Khalistani elements. This stance aligns with Saunders' opinion piece, which portrays India as wrongfully targeting "Muslim and Sikh foreigners" simply for their religious beliefs, a baseless claim contradicted by the arrests in the Nijjar case.
India has repeatedly voiced concerns over the space granted to pro-Khalistani elements in Canada, even seeking the extradition of 25 individuals, most of whom are linked to the Khalistani movement. As Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pointed out, a section of pro-Khalistani groups has effectively become a vote bank in Canada, exploiting the nation's democracy and creating a powerful lobby. This influence, coupled with the lack of a parliamentary majority for Trudeau's party, has contributed to the Canadian government's inaction on India's demands.
Jaishankar lamented, "We have convinced them several times not to give visa, legitimacy or political space to such people which is causing problems for them (Canada), for us, and also for our relationship. But the Canadian government has not done anything."
Conclusion
The opinion piece by Doug Saunders represents a dangerous attempt to whitewash the reality of Khalistani terrorism and its ongoing threat. By distorting PM Modi's words, dismissing the Khalistani movement as harmless, defending anti-India activities on Canadian soil, and painting India's actions as religiously motivated, the article does a grave disservice to the truth and undermines efforts to combat extremism.
As India and Canada grapple with this complex issue, it is crucial for the Western media to abandon such biased narratives and instead engage in responsible and fact-based reporting. Journalists must resist the urge to peddle falsehoods or whitewash terrorism under the guise of protecting free speech or pluralism. Only through honest dialogue, a commitment to combating all forms of terrorism, and a rejection of vote-bank politics can these nations safeguard their fundamental values of freedom, pluralism, and security for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or beliefs.
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