In a series of increasingly hostile incidents, pro-Khalistan elements in overseas territories, especially Canada, continue to attack Indian authorities. This increase in attacks from radical Sikhs has primarily targeted Indian diplomats stationed in Canada, escalating existing tensions between the two nations. 

The trouble sparked off at a camp organized by Indian Consulate officials in Vancouver on November 15th. Their mission was to distribute life certificates to Indian pensioners residing in the area. However, separatists staged a siege outside the venue and threatened that similar protests would follow in days to come. 

“The SFJ goons and their wanted leader, who is funded by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is doing all these things. Police are watching it without any reaction. These incidents suggest that the Canadian government also wants all these things to happen against India. This validates the Indian stand of expelling Canadian diplomats,” voiced top Indian government sources.

These protests occurred at Khalsa Dewan Society Gurdwara and another unnamed temple in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The present events led to the evacuation of the authorities under police protection due to the gathering of Khalistani extremists. 

The Indian government, concerned for its officials' safety, has sought assurances from Canada. The Canadian Government has promised to ensure the security of Indian officials and has stated that no Khalistani movement members would be granted asylum on its soil. 

The safety of Indians in "the maple country", as Canada is sometimes referred to, has become a subject of significant concern. This escalation follows the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot by unknown assailants in Canada a few months ago. The Khalistanis blamed his demise on the Indian government, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau further accused India of being responsible. 

Moreover, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned outfit 'Sikhs For Justice' (SFJ), has been consistently making threats against India. The recent threat included his vow to carry out an attack similar to the Kanishka bombing of 1985 on an Air India flight. This group has also forced the Indian authorities to close down the camp and has distributed anti-India posters throughout Canada. 

Locally residing Sikh families have also felt threatened. The Group members assaulted a local Sikh family for carrying and trying to prevent the disrespect of the Indian flag. This incident occurred when the family visited the holy shrine to obtain a life certificate for their elderly father. 

“They were attacked because they attempted to pick up an Indian flag from the ground which was being disrespected by these referendum goons. Sikhs have been an integral part of India and this family felt bad about the disrespect to the Indian flag,” stated authoritative Indian government sources. 

Sukhi Chahal, a prominent Sikh leader in the United States, expressed his outrage at these events. He called for Canadian Gurudwara Management committees to boycott individuals associated with Khalistani SFJ. 

"In light of this, I humbly appeal to all Canadian Gurudwara Management committees to consider boycotting individuals associated with Khalistani SFJ, including Gurpatwant Pannu and their followers. This step is crucial to safeguard the Sikh society from further radicalisation and maintain the sanctity of our places of worship,” appealed Mr. Chahal.

Indian diplomats further commented on the need for documentation by the Indian population living in the area, especially regarding insurance and pensions – the primary reason for setting up such camps. They voiced their disappointment about how approximately twenty Khalistani activists disrupted the otherwise successful camp by shouting derogatory slogans and treating disrespectfully those who came for the paperwork.

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