During an event organized by the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) in Edmonton on March 11, Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, encountered disruption from approximately 80 pro-Khalistan protesters. The demonstrators raised derogatory slogans and targeted the Indian envoy over alleged Indian involvement in the death of Sikh preacher Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.
The event had attracted attention following calls from Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to challenge and question the Indian envoy. Protesters directed their slogans against the Indian envoy and defiled the Indian Tricolour during the disruption.
Despite the disturbance, Mr. Verma stated that the pro-Khalistan elements were unable to disrupt the event. This incident revived memories of the tense situation in 2023 when sustained campaigns by Khalistani elements in Canada led India to temporarily shut down consular services in the Indian High Commission in Ottawa due to safety concerns for the Indian envoy.
In response to the poster campaign opposing the event, Canadian authorities deployed law enforcement officials to ensure the security of the Indian High Commissioner and his spouse.
Despite the disruption, the event was deemed a success by organizer Ravi Prakash Singh, Chair of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (Alberta). Singh emphasized the non-political and non-religious nature of the event, focused solely on business and trade between India and Canada.
Earlier, Mr. Verma had faced similar disruptions during a meeting with trade representatives in Surrey. The issue of Khalistan has emerged as a significant point of contention between India and Canada, even as India resumed e-visa facilities for Canadian citizens after a temporary pause last year.