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Pro-Khalistan protests disrupt High Commissioner's event in Canada
The extremists thronged the venue where the Indian diplomat was addressing a forum
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High Commissioner of India to Canada / Sanjay Kumar Verma/Linkedin
An event attended by India’s High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma during his visit to Surrey was disrupted by Khalistani protesters on March 1.
The official was in town to address a trade forum organized by the Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) and the South Asian Business Association (SABA). The event, titled "India and Canada: The Future of our Global Economy Together," aimed at fostering economic ties between the two nations.
The venue, Sheraton Guildford Hotel, became the center of protests as more than 60 demonstrators reportedly gathered outside, carrying Khalistan flags and chanting separatist slogans.
The demonstrations were called on by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), who had previously threatened to target Verma. It was to protest the presence of the Indian diplomat in the city, where pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on June 18 last year.
Heavy police presence, maintained by the Surrey detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), prevented the protestors from entering the venue.
Despite the tense circumstances, Verma described the event as "successful" after its conclusion. He mentioned, "Slogan shouting was on expected lines. I was the main target. Abuses were hurled, Tiranga was disrespected," referring to the protests outside.
Anita Huberman, president and CEO of SBOT, expressed receiving messages to call off the event but emphasized its focus on trade opportunities.
The demonstration follows a series of protests by Khalistan supporters across Canada since Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in Nijjar's death.
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