'Sword came within two inches of my body; Khalistani 'goons' horror in Canada': India's Sanjay Verma
PTC Web Desk: In a harrowing revelation, Sanjay Verma, the Indian High Commissioner recently recalled from Canada, shared a frightening incident where he narrowly escaped an attack by Khalistani supporters wielding a sword in Alberta. Speaking to news agency ANI on Thursday, Verma described how the assailants came dangerously close to inflicting bodily harm on him while he was accompanied by his wife. Verma said emphasized that the weapon used by the attackers was not a religious symbol like a kirpan but a lethal sword.
Sanjay Verma recounted the tense moments during his visit to Alberta, where he attended a business dinner event hosted by the local Indian community. The event, which featured cultural programmes, was intended to promote business ties between Canada and India. Several Canadian businessmen were in attendance, and discussions focused on expanding business collaborations between the two nations.
However, outside the venue, around 150 persons gathered, identifying themselves as Khalistani sympathisers. These protesters were openly hostile and demonstrated aggressive behaviour in the name of Khalistan. Despite the presence of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local law enforcement, the situation escalated unexpectedly.
Verma detailed how the group of protesters surrounded the exit gate he was meant to use. "When I entered, the RCMP and local police were present. Alberta is our good friend, and they provided security. But perhaps they did not anticipate that the situation would escalate to such an extent," Verma recalled.
As he was exiting the convention hall, Verma noticed the assailants closing in. "When I was passing by, I saw a sword—a proper weapon, not a kirpan. It came within 2 to 2.5 inches of my body," he stated, explaining that the attackers may not have known the distinction between a sword and a kirpan. "But we Indians, especially those familiar with Sikhism and its symbols, understand the difference. This was definitely a sword and not a kirpan."
The high commissioner stressed that while the kirpan is a sacred symbol carried by Sikhs as a part of their faith, what he encountered was a weapon meant to cause harm. "This sword came dangerously close to injuring both my wife and me," Verma recalled, clearly shaken by the close call.
Verma credited the swift intervention of the local police, who immediately took action to push back the assailants. "The local police responded quickly, and they managed to push the attackers back," he noted. Following the incident, an interrogation of the individuals involved was conducted, though Verma was not privy to the findings of the investigation.
He added that the Indian mission had promptly informed Global Affairs Canada, the government body responsible for the country's foreign relations, about the attack. The Canadian authorities acknowledged the gravity of the incident and agreed that such actions were unacceptable. "We made it clear that the weapon used was not a religious symbol. There’s a stark difference between a sword and a kirpan, and this was a sword, not a religious article," Verma stressed.
The attack on Verma is the latest episode in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, exacerbated by allegations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau, speaking in the Canadian Parliament last year, claimed to have "credible allegations" of India's involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2020, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.
India has categorically denied these accusations, describing them as “absurd” and “politically motivated.” In response, New Delhi has consistently criticised Canada for providing a safe haven to extremist elements and individuals with anti-India agendas. India has expressed its frustration over Canada's leniency towards Khalistani groups, which it views as a threat to its national security.
The diplomatic fallout between the two countries deepened when India expelled six Canadian diplomats in retaliation for what it termed as "baseless" targeting of Indian diplomats in Canada, including High Commissioner Verma. The expulsion came shortly after Canada’s Charge d’Affaires, Stewart Wheeler, was summoned by the Indian government and informed that such actions were completely unacceptable.
Verma revealed that the Canadian government had, in fact, assessed the situation and acknowledged that Indian diplomats in Canada could face significant security risks. As a result, diplomats have been provided with increased protection by the RCMP.
"There have been a couple of such incidents, but my main focus is on improving the relationship between our two countries," he said. However, he also expressed concern over the growing threat posed by Khalistani supporters in Canada.
Verma was particularly vocal about the threat that Khalistani elements pose to peace-loving Indo-Canadians. He pointed out that these extremist groups have not only targeted diplomats but also vandalised places of worship belonging to the Indian community in Canada. "These goons, under the banner of Khalistan, are threatening Indo-Canadians who simply want to live in peace and contribute to the society here. They are even attacking our places of worship," he said.
- With inputs from agencies
