Sikh Family Attacked By Khalistani Outfit SFJ's Members In Canada For Trying To Protect Indian Flag: Report

A Sikh family was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals linked to pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for trying to save an Indian flag in Canada's Abbotsford, News18 said in a report published on Wednesday. According to the report, the incident took place during an event organised by India's Consulate General in Vancouver on behalf of the Indian High Commission and with assistance from a local gurdwara to issue life certificates to members of the Sikh community.

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The document is necessary for community members previously employed by the central or state governments in India to continue drawing their pension. Members of the aforementioned Sikh family, including a minor boy, were allegedly manhandled after they attempted to pick up an Indian flag, which, according to a government official cited by News18, was being "disrespected" by the SFJ members present at the scene. The family had reportedly arrived to obtain a life certificate for their elderly father, News18 wrote citing local sources.

Expressing anguish over the incident, US-based Sikh activist Sukhi Chahal wrote in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "This distressing incident serves as a stark reminder to the mainstream silent Sikh community that these self-proclaimed Khalistanis believe they have the liberty to abuse and threaten anyone under the guise of free speech and freedom of expression." The incident came amidst the ongoing diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa that was born out of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's unsubstantiated allegations against the Indian government regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

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He further wrote, "The verbal assault was so severe that it is challenging to express in writing. The goons went as far as asking the husband if his sister or wife had ever been raped and directed the same disturbing questions to his wife." Chahal also urged gurdwara management committees in Canada to boycott individuals associated with the SFJ, which is a banned outfit in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). SFJ is led by designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.