Canada vs. India: Pro-Khalistan Visa Restrictions Stir Controversy
Khalistani Activists Cry Foul Over India’s Visa Denial Policy
In the latest twist to the escalating diplomatic rift between India and Canada, a Canadian news report has ignited debate over claims that New Delhi is denying visas to pro-Khalistani Canadians unless they pledge allegiance to India’s sovereignty. This policy, reportedly targeting those with separatist affiliations, has drawn polarized reactions from Sikh Canadians and geopolitical analysts alike.
The controversy stems from a Global News report citing Sikh Canadians, including individuals linked to the gurdwara once led by slain terrorist Hardeep Nijjar, who allege India is using visa restrictions as a tool of foreign influence. Critics, however, have called out the irony of the outrage, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who openly advocate separatism while demanding visa privileges from India.
What the Canadian News Report Claimed
According to Global News, several pro-Khalistanis from Canada were asked to sign declarations renouncing separatism and affirming respect for India’s unity before being considered for visas.
One of the individuals cited, Bikramjit Singh Sandhar, a former president of Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Surrey, alleged his visa application was denied in 2016 after consular officials flagged his statements supporting Khalistan. Sandhar claimed he was subsequently asked to sign a form stating India is his “mother country” and that he renounced all separatist activities. He refused, and his visa was denied.
Other pro-Khalistanis from Canada reported receiving similar forms, which required declarations of India being a “great and democratic nation.” Those who signed the forms were granted visas, while others, like Sandhar, faced rejection.
India vs Canada: Geopolitical Experts Take on Pro-Khalistani Visa Restrictions
The revelations have drawn widespread reactions on social media and from geopolitical commentators, with many criticizing the supposed victim narrative of these activists.
Prominent Canadian political expert Daniel Bordman sarcastically questioned the indignation of the Khalistani sympathizers:
“Can you believe India had the audacity to require a man running a temple glorifying mass-murdering terrorists to sign a form denouncing terrorism before granting him a visa? A form! The cruelty!”
Geopolitical analysts have pointed out that most nations, including the U.S., have stringent visa requirements to prevent security risks. A user on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted that U.S. visa applications often require social media disclosures, yet similar procedures by India are criticized.
“No one wants a bad apple entering their country,” another analyst posted. “Canada demands Indian military personnel disclose their service details for visas but doesn’t require the same from individuals with potential links to extremism. The hypocrisy is glaring.”
Hypocrisy in the Spotlight
The debate also underscores a deeper irony: the same pro-Khalistani activists who stage protests against Indian consulates and spew anti-India rhetoric are crying foul over visa rejections that require affirmations of India’s sovereignty.
Political observers have pointed out that such visa policies are not unique to India. Countries worldwide maintain rigorous protocols to safeguard their national interests.
“It’s bizarre how this narrative of ‘foreign interference’ is spun when India asks for basic allegiance from visa applicants,” one social media user remarked.
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