Stephen Harper Elaborates His Stance on Sikh Separatists

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, has clarified his stance on the issue of Sikh separatists in India on Thursday. Harper stated that he does not plan to “interfere” with the political rights of Canadian Sikhs who are supporting a separate state in India, despite the fact that his government firmly opposes the idea.

Harper further added that his Conservative government will, however, take just action in case the government learns that these Sikhs are using violence for advancing their cause. Harper’s tour of India is about to end, when he was inquired by a reporter if he thinks Sikh extremism is an issue for Canada and, if so, what are his plans to deal with it.

During his visit to India, all the senior government officials of India have asked him to suppress the rise of “anti-India rhetoric” in Canada. Indian government is worried about a small group of Sikhs that are advocating the creation of a separate state, Khalistan, in India. Harper told press that “the government is completely supportive of the unity of India” and “the government of Canada and I believe the vast majority of Canadian people, including the vast majority of Indo-Canadians, have no desire to see the revival of old hostilities in this great country, here in India.”

Harper declared that his government will keep an eye on “extreme developments – those who may embrace violence or threats of violence or terrorism.” “We watch these things very closely and we work very closely with our partners in the government of India.”