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Diaspora

Majority of Sikhs in Canada denounce Khalistan referendum during popular Bassi show

SATINDER BAINS | September 10, 2022 10:09 PM
Simranjit Singh Mann comes under attack for his double standards
Satinder Bains
BRAMPTON: The Sikh community living in Canada has outrightly denounced Khalistan referendum being held by US based Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice. The US based Sikhs for Justice led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu is holding a Khalistan referendum in Canada on September 18.
 
A debate on the issue conducted by Joginder Bassi in his popular radio and TV show Bassi Show has called upon the Sikh community in Canada to give their opinion on the Khalistan referendum. The identity of callers was not revealed.
 
Joginder Bassi is outspoken about activities of Khalistan supporters in Canada and questioned them for acting against interests of Sikhs in India and elsewhere. While concluding the programme, Bassi told Khalistanis to hire a chartered flight to India and hold a referendum in Punjab. He said that defaming their birth country for getting immigration is immoral. There was no purpose of holding referendums outside Punjab and India.
 
Though few of the callers also supported the referendum, the majority of callers flayed the organisers of Khalistan referendum and also wanted the Canada government to ban the referendum. 
 
The callers said everybody knew Khalistan can't be reality but certain elements are just using this issue to collect funds. Many described it as a flourishing business. Callers said the Khalistani leaders are exploiting students coming from India and giving them handouts when they visit Gurdwara.
A Flourishing Business

The callers said everybody knew Khalistan can't be reality but certain elements are just using this issue to collect funds. Many described it as a flourishing business. Callers said the Khalistani leaders are exploiting students coming from India and giving them handouts when they visit Gurdwara.

 
A caller from the USA also said that hundreds of people from India and Pakistan had obtained green cards by paying hefty amounts to Khalistan propagandists including SAD(S) president  and MP Simranjit Singh Mann. Unless the US and Canada government stops recognising letters issued by Khalistani organisations, this business will not stop, another caller said.
 
Bassi also countered another caller speaking in favour of Khalistan and Mann. Why Mann calls Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh a terrorist? A caller flayed Mann for changing his stand as he was speaking different language before election and after winning the election of MP.
 
Another caller said that Khalistani elements are creating problems for Sikhs in India. Would they visit India with their families to struggle for Khalistan? asked another caller. 
 
A  lady caller also asked Bassi to take precautions of his safety from Khalistani propagandists. Bassi made it clear he has the right to live his life. 
 
Another caller said what these Khalistanis have done for victims of 1984 anti Sikh victims. Had they given any financial support to them while they are living in penury. He said that it was easy to speak in favour of Khalistan from outside India.
 
A caller said that Simranjit Singh Mann, the biggest supporter of Khalistan had taken an oath of the Indian constitution. Here in Canada they are misleading students coming from India in the name of Khalistan. The students are innocent and not aware of designs of such elements. They are playing in the hands of Pakistan.
Mann Under Attack

A caller said that Simranjit Singh Mann, the biggest supporter of Khalistan had taken an oath of the Indian constitution. Here in Canada they are misleading students coming from India in the name of Khalistan. The students are innocent and not aware of designs of such elements. They are playing in the hands of Pakistan.

 
Another caller asked why Sikhs are coming to Canada if they are getting everything in India. He cited discrimination with Sikhs in India. A caller said that they shall also understand our responsibilities. The mission is only to collect funds in the name of Khalistan. 
 
A caller said that the majority of people have no idea of what Khalistan is and why they are demanding it. He said that those fighting for Khalsitan are also fighting each other for control of Gurdwaras in Canada. 
 
Another caller said that a large number of people who arrived in Canada had migrated due to fear of Khalistan supporters or militants. He said the Khalsitan supporters in Canada enjoy lavish lifestyles and common people are suffering due to them.
 
Another caller said that these elements wanted to make the situation in Punjab like Kashmir. A caller said whatever these people are doing Khalistan is not possible. He asked where would you form Khalsitan? 
 
Another caller said that let the Khalistan supporters in Canada elect one leader and they will end up fighting each other. Why are they sitting in the USA and Canada? Let them go to Punjab. Let them start an armed struggle in India, another caller said. Let them (Khalistan leaders) also tell Sikhs the place where Khalistan exists so that Sikhs start immigrating there.
 
Another caller said that the Khalsitan issue was a political issue started by the Congress party during Giani Zail Singh's regime as Chief Minister in Punjab. Later the same issue was taken up by other vested interests.
 

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