IN October of this year, a fresh wave of conflict erupted between Palestine and Israel, potentially leading to widespread indiscriminate killings and acts of genocide. This deeply abhorrent and anti-humanitarian event has garnered global attention and sparked intense discussions. Amidst these conversations, the actions of our neighbouring country, India, engaged in similar covert malevolence, may have been overlooked by many.
The global shockwaves from the June assassination of the Canadian Sikh Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, resonate louder as reports directly quote the US Ambassador to Canada confirming the Indian Intelligence Agency— Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) responsibility. Numerous media outlets have echoed this revelation, exposing a dark reality of Indian state-sponsored terrorism on foreign soil. Canada’s investigations, supported by intelligence from the Five Eyes Alliance, including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, further solidified the claim, prompting the Canadian Prime Minister to publicly disclose evidence, including communications of Canada-based Indian officials.
India’s culpability in state-backed terrorism and its audacious use of foreign soil for such acts demand international scrutiny. The Canadian Prime Minister’s public revelation of intelligence, including communications from Canada-based Indian officials, solidifies the claim that this was an orchestrated act of violence by the Indian state. India’s history is marred by its mastery in carrying out acts of terrorism, both within its borders and on foreign soil, often blaming others for its actions. The Mumbai attacks of 2008, as detailed by Inspector General of Police S M Mushrif, implicated Indian state agencies and officials in acts of terrorism.
Chuck Hagel, the US Secretary of Defence, publicly revealed in 2011 that “India Finances Trouble in Pakistan from Afghanistan.” Ehsanullah Ehsan, the spokesperson for terrorist organizations like TTP and Jamaat ul Ahrar, corroborated this, outlining how India’s RAW funded these groups to target Pakistani civilians and security personnel. India’s support for Hindu extremist elements, evident in the lynching of Indian Muslims on religious grounds, is well-documented. The global archives of media, human rights INGOs, and NGOs provide authentic reports of India’s tacit backing of Hindutva elements involved in religious conversions and atrocities against religious minorities.
The recent exposure of Indian propaganda activities by the EU Disinfo Lab, known as “Indian Chronicles,” highlights India’s deceptive tactics using false identities, fake websites and fabricated statements to target its opponents. This 15-year-long campaign, funded by state-backed elements, underscores India’s extensive efforts to terrorize and mislead the world. Despite abundant evidence of India’s crimes against humanity, the international community has shown a lack of courage and double standards in holding India accountable. The UN Charter’s Article 6 allows for the expulsion of a member persistently violating principles, yet the aspiration of India to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council complicates matters.
The exposure of India’s state-sponsored terrorism reveals a stark reality: the United States, heralded as a champion of democracy, exhibits double standards in responding to India’s actions. Despite vocal advocacy for democratic values, the US turns a blind eye to India’s racial policies, compromising principles for strategic gains. This disturbing revelation highlights the hypocrisy tarnishing the façade of American democracy. In pursuit of geopolitical interests, the US allows India to operate with impunity, prioritizing political expediency over defending democratic ideals. This selective blindness raises serious questions about the integrity of U.S. foreign policy, eroding trust in its role as a genuine advocate for democratic principles.
Unpacking the deterioration of the Sikhism issue reveals a historical and strategic hand behind the scenes, with the United States as a central player. From its very origins, the US has orchestrated the Sikhism issue with a clear objective: containing the perceived “disobedient” India and destabilizing the already fragile political landscape in South Asia. The intricate web of international tensions surrounding Sikhism finds its roots in the consistent involvement of the United States.
Historically, the US has played a pivotal role in creating and manipulating the Sikhism issue, pulling the strings to serve its ultimate purpose of geopolitical influence. By fueling discord within India, the US seeks to disrupt the delicate political equilibrium in South Asia, leveraging the Sikhism issue as a strategic tool. This revelation unveils a calculated effort by the United States to shape the narrative, emphasizing the need to scrutinize the external forces at play in the Sikhism issue and acknowledge the broader geopolitical implications.
Canada’s complicity in the unfolding drama takes center stage as evidence from the Five Eyes Alliance, particularly the United States, reveals its role in proving the involvement of RAW in the assassination of the Sikh leader. The strategic intelligence sharing, as confirmed by the US ambassador to Canada, exposes Canada’s entanglement in this geopolitical web. While the United States privately shares intelligence to appease Canada and discourage escalation, it underscores a cynical approach that prioritizes strategic interests over democratic values. In the face of insults and unwavering alignment with US interests, Canadians are confronted with a critical juncture. The so-called commitment to democracy and national dignity demands scrutiny. If Canadians genuinely cherish democratic principles and seek to defend their country’s honor, they must rise above being pitifully subservient to the United States. The call to action resonates – question the alignment, challenge the insult, and reclaim a stance rooted in the true spirit of democracy and national pride.
Actions carry more weight than words and Sikhism boasts a rich history marked by bravery and heroism. The term “lion” in their name symbolizes their courageous spirit. Despite the historical trust Sikhs placed in India, promises went unfulfilled, leading to prolonged oppression. Presently, Sikhs endure state-sponsored terrorism by India, with their leaders facing merciless attacks on foreign soil. It is the responsibility of every Sikh to safeguard their religion’s glory and uphold basic human rights. The harsh reality of India’s state-sponsored terrorism and international involvement has become evident. Regardless of location—be it India, Canada, Pakistan, the United States, or Sikhs worldwide—condemnation alone is insufficient. A united front against injustice is crucial, requiring concerted action to protect the dignity of the Sikh community.
—The writer is a British-educated lawyer, specializes in handling human rights cases and provides legal advice to various international organizations.
Email: umairadvocate@gmail.com
views expressed are writer’s own.
