‘Khalistan news’: Digital media editor gets threats

MUMBAI: An editor of a digital media platform received a threat call from an person who identified himself as Gurinder and warned of dire consequences if news pertaining to ‘Khalistan Sikhs’ that was aired on the platform was not removed. The MIDC police registered a complaint against the caller on Friday.

Police said the person dialled the office landline of the digital media outlet operating from Andheri (East) and inquired about the editor, Sujit N. “The editor is not doing right, he cannot spread venom against Khalistan like this. What does he know about Sikhs. He is a Malayali from Kerala staying in Mumbai and he should immediately stop spreading venom like this, which could result in genocide.” tnn

London: Sikh restaurant owner's car reportedly shot at, vandalised by alleged Khalistan supporters

A Sikh restaurant owner in London claims that his car was shot at and vandalized by Khalistani extremists. The owner, Harman Singh Kapoor, has been vocal against the extremists and has received threats in the past. The incident occurred on the same day when elements disrupted an interaction organized for the Indian High Commissioner. There has been no official statement from the UK police regarding these claims. A report commissioned by former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed concerns over the influence of pro-Khalistan extremists within the British Sikh community.

Why Khalistan has support in Canada and not in Punjab

Canadian Punjabi rapper Shubh faced backlash and lost support from cricketers Virat Kohli and KL Rahul after posting a distorted map of India with a pro-Khalistan caption. The incident highlights the role of pop culture, particularly rap music, in spreading Khalistani propaganda. The appeal of Khalistan among the Canadian Sikh diaspora stems from a perceived sense of injustice and discrimination faced in Canada. The movement also taps into nostalgia for Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign, which represents a period of sovereignty and self-rule for Sikhs. Pakistani involvement and control over gurdwaras in Canada further contribute to the pro-Khalistan sentiment.