As Indo-Canadian diplomatic relations resume, a US-based pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) issued a threat to "siege" the Indian Consulate in Vancouver. The organization declared its intentions to occupy the consulate on Thursday and asked Indo-Canadians who had arranged routine visits to postpone them.
SFJ also released a poster showing the new Indian High Commissioner, Dinish Patnaik, with a target painted over his face. In the release, the group accused Indian consulates of running a spy network and gathering intelligence on Khalistan supporters.
"Two years ago -- 18 September 2023 -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament that the Indian agents' role was under investigation in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar," the statement said.
"Two years on, Indian Consulates continue to run a spy network and surveillance targeting Khalistan Referendum campaigners," it added.
The organization also alleged that the threat to its members was so critical that Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had to offer "witness protection" to Inderjeet Singh Gosal, who took over the Khalistan Referendum campaign after Nijjar's assassination.
SFJ reported that the intended "siege" will seek "accountability" for what it terms "espionage and intimidation on Canadian soil."
None of India's Ministry of External Affairs or the Indian Consulate in Vancouver had made any statements at the time of reporting regarding the threat.
Read also| ‘Stop buying oil from Russia’: Trump Urges Europe, Tells Zelenskyy to ‘Make a Deal’
