Punjabi people , especially Sikh community settled in Canada and UK are supporting Indian farmers protest against newly enacted Farm Laws by Indian govt. Surprisingly these people are getting support there from even law makers in those countries. One Sikh MP in UK openly criticised the Indian govt on this issue in the Parliament but he was not rebuked by any member of British govt by saying that it India’s personal matter and we do not have any right to comment on that. Canadian govt went one step ahead when their PM Justin Tredeau openly supported the Sikh sympathisers who were supporting the Indian farmers’ strike. Indian govt reacted very sharply and strongly with Canadian PM’s statement on this matter.
Now let us see the chain of events, which happened in Canada:
On November 30, while addressing Sikh participants from across Canada, on a Zoom meeting organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest.” These words were spoken in the context of the physical force being used by the Indian police against protesting farmers, many of them Sikhs, in parts of north. Making these comments benefits Trudeau and the protesting farmers, but also reflects the realities of the globalised world.
Making these comments benefits Trudeau and the protesting farmers, but also reflects the realities of the globalised world.
Sikh political lobbying is a strong force in Canadian politics, which becomes apparent looking at the sheer numbers of public representatives. The current House of Commons has 18 Sikh MPs, out of total 338, making it decent 5.32% share, compared to India’s 2.39%( 13 Sikh MPs in house of 543). This sheer numerical logic makes all the three major federal political parties of Canada (Trudeau’s Liberals, the Conservatives and the NDP) sensitive to affairs and sentiments of the Sikh community.
Within this population, the most affluent section in Canata are ‘Jats’, who also happen to be the dominant within the group leading current farmers’ protest in India. Amongst Sikh circles in Canada , calls to condemn the laws and stand in solidarity were out and up on the very first day the protesting farmers faced the Haryana Police. Tens of thousands of households in rural Punjab have family members currently settled in Canada, so when a Canadian Punjabi/Sikh stands up and states that it is his brother/father/mother are subjected to tear gas and water cannons, their anger grows and they start protesting in Canada.
It may not be widely known in India that days before Trudeau’s comments, chiefs of the other two federal parties – the NDP and the Conservatives – had already made public statements in support of the farmers’ protests, condemning state violence. Trudeau waited till ‘Gurpurab’ and used the wider platform to assuage their feelings while addressing the 300 odd Sikhs representing different organisations.
Along with balancing domestic politics, Trudeau had a score or two to settle with Narendra Modi. Trudeau, a liberal both in name and functioning, has not gone along with Modi’s ideology or working style. In the last 6 tears, they have ended up at crossroads on multiple occasions, especially on the issue of Canada not heeding to India’s demands of suppressing Khalistani voices prevalent in Canada. Trudeau has not forgotten, the way was treated by Indian govt during his visit to India in 2018. As first few days of his visit was termed as personal visit and not official one. The Indian govt had not given a proper official welcome to him and his family, as that part of his tour was personal one. He was accorded proper state welcome when official part of tour started. Secondly India protested against the list of delegates visiting with him, where one person was known supporter of Khalistani movement. This was not liked by Canadian PM.
It is also most embarrassingly predictable to see how the Indian and its allies in the media are deploying the bogey of Khalistani movement against the farmers and Canadian PM. Because the majority of protesting farmers are Sikh, and because majority Indian –Canadian MPs in Trudeau’s govt are Sikh. As per Canadian govt, therefore Indian govt is discounting the farmers’ demand as it is Khalistani govt.
Now in my opinion, if Canadian govt is thinking that India only comprises of Punjabis/Sikhs then they are totally wrong. They should note that this protest by farmers is limited only Punjab, Haryana and the adjoining areas, where as in rest of the country the protests are minimal. In reality as per media reports there are many Khalistani sympathiser present in the protesting groups. Now problem is that the Canadian PM is trying to please the Sikh community there, who have become major force in Canadian politics, and he can not afford to this community. Secondly it is known fact that many Sikhs in Canada are the main supporters of Khalistani movement and Canadian govt never listened to Indian govt and doing something to curb this.
Now, Canada in present time and before is known as a voice for world human rights. But the farmers’ protest in India in not a human right issue. This issue is India’s internal political matter, and in my opinion Justin Trudeau and other Canadian leaders have no right to meddle in Indian internal affairs.
Britain is also having situation similar to Canada.
What you say my friends.
Awaiting for your views/feed backs/comments.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
17th December 2020
R. N. Mungale.
I agree with Mr. Malik.
Vasanth Chandra
Yes. Fully agree with Mr Malik’s reasoned views .
Canadian PM , like all politicians , is catering to his vote bank . Some of the important portfolios in his cabinet are held by Khalistan leaning Sikhs .
Finally ,their views should be taken as their own internal matter & we should forget . Our diplomats should rise up to challenges and create better awareness of our cause with their counterparts .
The whole issue is one of misunderstanding , misunderstanding & misunderstanding ,at all levels of protesters .