New Delhi – The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has upgraded the security of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Z category, following threats made by Khalistani groups in Canada. Recent posters displayed by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada featured images of the minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for their assassination. SFJ also announced a “referendum” to decide whether a separate state should be created outside of India. The posters had previously targeted Indian high commission to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, as well as consul generals Manish and Apoorva Srivastava.
According to sources, a “referendum” is scheduled for October 29 in Vancouver, following a protest that will begin on October 21 from Surrey to the Indian consulate. The appearance of these posters comes at a time when Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun drew parallels between the secessionist movement and the situation in Palestine, vowing that SFJ would conduct attacks similar to those by Hamas.
Indian officials summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay, to express their concerns and demanded the immediate removal of the posters at Surrey Gurudwara. They also called for an investigation into the threats against the Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister, and Indian diplomats in Canada, urging strong actions against those responsible. A similar protest was lodged with Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa.
In response to these threats, S Jaishankar’s security has been elevated to Z category, and the VIP security wing of the Central Reserve Security Force (CRPF), which guards individuals with the highest threat perception, will be responsible for his protection. Delhi Police, too, had received inputs regarding threats to Jaishankar from separatist groups.
The situation escalated following the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen killed by unidentified men on June 18 in an alleged gang war. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments on September 18 suggested a potential link between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s killing, causing an unprecedented diplomatic crisis. India termed Trudeau’s accusations as “absurd and motivated” and suspended new visas for Canadians on September 22.
Canada’s foreign minister, Melanie Joly, expressed a desire for private talks with India to resolve the dispute and de-escalate tensions. Canada has not shared credible evidence with India thus far, and the situation remains unresolved.
The upgraded security measures for Minister Jaishankar reflect the seriousness of the situation, as both nations navigate through these challenging diplomatic waters.
