05 Nov 2024 | 03:24 AM UTC
Canada: Civil unrest, clashes likely at religious sites in Toronto, ON, area through early Nov. in relation to Khalistan separatist movement
Khalistan-related protests, clashes likely near religious sites in area of Toronto, ON, Canada, through early Nov. Tight security likely.
Protests and clashes are likely near Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temples in the area of Toronto, Ontario, particularly Brampton and Mississauga, through Nov. 8; opposing activists are supporting or denouncing the Sikh Khalistani separatist movement. As of late Nov. 4, reports indicate that large groups of demonstrators have rallied near the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton and that groups of activists are marching through the streets of Brampton; demonstrations will likely occur near gurdwaras.
On Nov. 3, a group of pro-Khalistani demonstrators broke into the Hindu Sabha Mandir, which Indian consular officials were visiting. Clashes occurred, with several activists striking people with poles. Police dispatched additional personnel to the premises. Demonstrations later occurred in Westwood Mall and the Malton gurdwara in Mississauga. Authorities arrested at least three people in connection with the unrest, which wounded at least one police officer.
A heightened security presence is almost certain, particularly in Brampton, over the coming days; police deployments to Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras are likely. Protests are also possible near the Indian Consulate General in Toronto. Clashes and associated localized transport and business disruptions are likely. Acts of vandalism and violence are possible.
Brampton and Mississauga are southwest of Toronto and are part of the Greater Toronto Area.
Avoid all protests as a precaution. If clashes occur, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure location. Plan for localized transport and business disruptions. Strictly heed the directive of authorities.
The unrest occurs in the context both of a decades-long Khalistani seperatist movement and a more recent diplomatic dispute between Canada and India.
The Khalistani movement supports a proposed independent Sikh homeland in what is now northern India. In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted there were "credible allegations" of the Indian government's involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian national. India has denied the allegations. Both countries previously expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat move and advised their respective citizens to exercise heightened caution when traveling to the other nation.
In mid-October 2024, bilateral tensions again surged after Trudeau accused agents affiliated with the Indian government of violence targeting Sikh separatist activists in Canada. India has dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, asserting that Canada has failed to provide evidence to substantiate its claims. Both countries subsequently expelled several of the other country's diplomats, including the Indian and Canadian high commissioners.
