Past President
@SABAToronto
(largest legal diversity org in CAN),
@TheCICTO
(global affairs non profit) &
@Stgeorgesto_
(TO’s oldest charity). Views are my own.
I am humbled and honoured to be named as one of the 2020 Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer Magazine. Congratulations to all of the honourees, including fellow EDI advocate/sister
@atrishalewis
. She is m…
It is incredible how far genocide deniers will go to try to make Sikhs try to erase their own memories of 1984. Most recently by a horribly inaccurate Canadian journalist. Do not be confused….this is purposeful. It is used by to try to silence and further hurt victims
The Indian Government is trying to kill Sikh leaders in the Punjab. Pray for the Sikhs there. The state is not afraid to extrajudicially murder innocent activists there.
Sikhs are facing both international and domestic pressure to silence themselves on the issues of 1984 and human rights violations in India. We will not be silenced. I am concerned to hear that Cnds, often supported by foreign actors, are justifying the Sikh genocide. Unacceptable
India’s response to any form of criticism….the people in the Punjab may no longer be able to see our messages but we are thinking of you and praying for your safety.
A great read for those looking to learn about the current and historical injustices of the Indian state in the Punjab. India Cuts Off Internet to 27 Million People to Catch One Man via
@viceworldnews
It is sad and embarrassing how little western media is covering the violence and oppression in the Punjab. For all we know, the Indian state will murder Sikh leadership before morning in India…
To my surprise, several young Sikhs reached out to me to thank me for raising my voice on issues in the Punjab. If we have a voice we must raise it. I am a nobody so I encourage all of the somebodies (artists, activist, politicians, celebrities etc) to PLEASE raise your voices!
Pictured draped in the Nishaan Sahib (Sikh flag) after his victories tonight, well done to Dylan "The Natural" Cheema for becoming the
@boxxer
@SkySportsBoxing
Lightweight Tournament champion!
With three wins on the night in how hometown of Coventry, Dylan is now 5-0 as a pro.
It is insulting that in the month commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Sikh Genocide
@AnitaAnandMP
’s only statement is to indirectly show support for Indira Gandhi, the perpetrator of the genocide. This is unacceptable.
I urge the Canadian media to report even half as well as the US media on this issue. The largest Canadian media outlets generally continue to avoid asking Sikhs for their about their informed view. Instead, relying on irrelevant and uninformed retired reporters.
At least six men and two vehicles were involved in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Nijjar outside his place of worship, according to video reviewed by The Washington Post and witness accounts, suggesting a larger, more organized operation.
When people ask why Sikhs are afraid of voicing their concerns, the answer is below. Senior “journalists” do not report in India. They intimidate, spread ultranationalist opinions and silence any form of criticism of the oppressive Indian government. This is shameful
If you ever doubted India’s interference in Canada, here is your evidence. This is a thoughtful and tiered campaign to silence Sikh voices abroad. It appears by all means necessary, including extrajudicial murder.
BREAKING | Baaz has obtained the secret Indian MEA memo on their plan to target diasporic Sikhs, which shows India's campaign to engage in foreign interference in the West through Pro-India orgs, as well as "enhance" coordination between Indian consulates & intelligence agencies.
This day, forty years ago, the Indian government laid siege to Sikhism’s holiest shrine. Tens of thousands of innocent pilgrims were murdered, the Sikh temple libraries burned and thereafter over a decade of state led persecution….
Sikhs continue to wait for justice.
Today marks the beginning of the Indian army invasion of the Darbar Sahib Complex and the Battle of Amritsar in 1984.
The
@WorldSikhOrg
has released a short documentary looking at archival news reports of the time, including of Sikh reactions in the diaspora.
#NeverForget84
40 years ago, a preplanned attack by the Indian army named “Operation Blue Star” was executed against one of the Sikh’s holiest places of worship the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) on one of the holiest of days. Thousands of innocent men, women and children were horrifically
In November of 1984 home became an unsafe place for Sikhs in Delhi and countless other cities. Mobs made up of neighbours, goons and politicians murdered and raped Sikhs and looted their homes and businesses. 1/3
It is both re-assuring and sad to see this news finally come into the mainstream media. Sikhs have known about this for years but I hope that the public finally sees what India is to its minorities -
#IntolerantIndia
.
I am disturbed by the idea that a critique of India for abuses is anti-Hindu. This is intended to divide us. Those standing for justice do so for all people, regardless of faith. In India, some of the most oppressed are of the Hindu faith who belong to so called “low” castes
How fragile is the state of India that any criticism, even simply of an internment blackout (which would never happen in a non minority state) is so threatening to the Indian self conscious that critics are attacked with vile, hateful and largely nonsensical vitriol.
I long believed that unity and community should prevail. But time and time again, the Indian state is proving to us that Sikhs cannot exist without self determination. As long as violence and extrajudicial measures are used to silence innocent activism, we shall remain enslaved
The fact that this organization seems to suggest that it knows more about the Sikh community, than the Sikh community is offensive. Please stay away from using Sikh events in your attempt to support a false Indian news narrative. Sikhs can decide what slogans they wish to raise
#Alert
| Vaisakhi celebrations hijacked by
#Khalistan
activists:
Over the weekend, Khalistanis in Toronto & NY raised Khalistan flags or chanted slogans embarrassing Canadian & U.S. politicians who sought to celebrate with the peace loving Sikh community—most of which rejects
People say ‘Never Forget 1984’. Maybe some need this reminder. I remember everything clearly. Even after 40 years, I remember the shape of blood stains around home, the places where I saw murders, the dead bodies and the wrecked Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the sound of guns day and
We need a serious review of this kind of anti-Sikh behaviour. Individuals like this man are able to freely hate and verbally oppress Sikhs and their rights without punishment. Is this what the Conservative Party stands for?
Opinion | Shuvaloy Majumdar’s Anti-Sikh History Needs To Be Taken Seriously, from
@JaskaranSandhu_
"[N]ot reining in
@shuvmajumdar
will make it difficult for the Sikh Canadian community to trust the
@CPC_HQ
..."
🔗
In addition to my last post, do not be confused by the staging of this attack. It happened at a temple…the place where Sikhs pray, come together to celebrate and mourn and to feed the public. This was an attack on Sikhism and a message that as a faith, we are not safe
At least six men and two vehicles were involved in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Nijjar outside his place of worship, according to video reviewed by The Washington Post and witness accounts, suggesting a larger, more organized operation.
Who fears information….those who fear the truth. The gov of India fears the truth, knowledge, unity and enlightenment. Sikhs will not bow down….we did not in the Guru era and will not now. The truth of human rights violations by the Indian state cannot be silenced
* Indian nationalist mobs attack Sikhs, stabbings reported *
Gatherings for
#IndianIndependenceDay
saw Indian nationalist mobs attack Sikh Khalistan (free Sikh homeland) supporters in Southall (London, UK). Two people were reportedly stabbed.
Read more-
Critiques of Sikh activism are all distractions from core issues. They attack you personally, attack your name, add imaginary points…why? They fear the core. Sikh activism will not be silenced
Good morning, New York. While you were sleeping, our piece on the US accusing an Indian official of plotting to kill a Sikh separatist in New York was our most read story
Thank you to
@tarunpaul43
for this coverage. Included are a few of my remarks on the current situation in the Punjab along with commentary from Balpreet Singh for the
@WorldSikhOrg
#Punjab
Police has beefed up security in the state to arrest
#Amritpal
Singh, who is currently on the run. On the other hand, this action is described as a conspiracy by many members.
@JPS_Pandher
and
@tarunpaul43
full report on our website-
It is reassuring to finally see law enforcement recognizing the threat faced by Sikhs outside of
#IntolerantIndia
. I wonder when Canadian law enforcement and media will realize they have been wrong on these issues for decades
The FBI has released a Punjabi public service announcement regarding Indian transnational repression asking those who may have been impacted to contact them.
India has faced global scorn for its nexus with criminal networks and gangs used to assassinate Sikhs abroad.
BREAKING | "Govt of India agents appear to have interfered in the Conservative’s 2022 leadership race by purchasing memberships for one candidate while undermining another, and also boasted of funding 'a number of politicians at all levels of government,' according to CSIS," as
This week marks the anniversary of the Sikh Genocide. Government actors and mobs massacred innocent Sikhs in Delhi and in major cities across India. Most Indians do not even know about this tragedy. Today Sikhs are still fighting to have their suffering and pain recognized.
It has been 39 years since the 1984 Sikh Genocide orchestrated by the Indian government.
Why is the legal course of action still necessary? What outcomes have been achieved so far, and what else is being pursued? How can the Sikhs and non-Sikhs help in Panjab, Inspora, and
In his apology, BJP leader Sandeep Dayma who gave statement of uprooting Gurdwaras & Masjid during his party rally in Tijara, Rajasthan says, "I wanted to say Masjid-Madrasa, but somehow said Gurdwara." He should be ashamed of this statement too, as speaking against religious
I encourage the
@CBC
to recognize and denounce the terrible sentiment and language used by
@CBCTerry
. We need to know that Canada’s broadcaster upholds standards of equity, diversity and inclusion
Regardless of your politics or faith, the rule of law is for everyone. When it is lost for one, it is only a matter of time before it is lost for all. I hope that those in India appreciate this basic civil rights.
BREAKING | Amritpal Singh has been detained in Punjab, as police also arrest some of his aides.
Mobile internet, dongle services, and SMS have been suspended as well in Punjab.
Reports that S. 144 instituted in Mukstar too, four or more people cannot congregate.
The more that I think about today’s
@nationalpost
front page headline about Sikhs and Hindus the more I realize how racist this is...would the paper ever write “white-black tension rises” about communities in Canada today?
This article is a small insight into the concern that Sikhs have around the world…the agent in question suggests, if not states, that there are many Sikhs the Indian government intends to kill abroad
Reach out to Sikhs to support them as we remember the pain of 1984. Ask and learn about the Sikh Genocide. We cannot forget the injustice to our people and the continued suppression of Sikhs in India
As Sikhs remember the Sikh Genocide of Nov. 1984, we reshare
@PavSingh84
's book excerpt on the topic.
"The Indian govt of the day worked hard on its version of events. Words such as ‘riot’ became the newspeak of an Orwellian cover-up, of a real 1984..."
India fears knowledge. Knowledge of its state sanctioned crimes, knowledge of a genocide, knowledge of continued civil suppression. Sikhism is enlightened by Truth. We will always find the Truth and do our best to ensure the world is also aware of it.
@globeandmail
do better.
Dear Canadian media,
There will be a flood of misinformation, disinformation, fake video/ images and anti-Sikh bias coming from Indian “news” outlets and “reporters” about the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Use verifiable, credible (preferably CDN) sources in your reporting.
Internet suspended in Punjab?
Punjabis from different areas of Punjab are complaining of no mobile internet services. It comes after news reports of Amritpal being detained.
Demonstrating how India's
#OperationBlueStar
was about more than targeting any individual(s), on this day in 1984 the Indian Army burned down the Sikh Reference Library in the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex, destroying countless priceless historic manuscripts. Many manuscripts...
A short excerpt of the interview in English (other portions in Punjabi). This is a matter of the rule of law…don’t be fooled by those using distraction tactics to ignore the injustice being done in the Punjab.
Thank you to
@tarunpaul43
for this coverage. Included are a few of my remarks on the current situation in the Punjab along with commentary from Balpreet Singh for the
@WorldSikhOrg
This is not a one off…it is clear that the Indian government is executing a well orchestrated attack on Sikhs, activists and free speech in the Punjab. Sadly, no one is safe.
Thank you saying this
@renaheer
. It is disturbing and sad how Indian / right wing and anti-Sikh proponents are using a horrible tragedy to further their own racist and hateful views and benefit from the loss. That is grotesque.
Dear Canadian media,
This is why we ask you to be careful when it comes to “officials” and “journalists” from India.
These right-wing anti-Sikh disinformation spreaders are now using a horrific and tragic event to spread anti-Sikh sentiment.
This is so frustrating.
#Vancouver
BREAKING | PM
@JustinTrudeau
confirms today in Parliament that Canadian intelligence believes that the Indian state was involved in the unprecedented assassination of Canadian Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Trudeau called extrajudicial actions by India a serious
Indian interference in Canada is an ongoing problem. While the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat from Canada made headlines recently, most Canadians don’t know that several Indian diplomats have also been expelled from Canada in the past for engaging in interference against the
I agree that this needs to be taken seriously. The behaviour of this purported doctor is nothing shy of cultural genocide. An attempt to erase the Sikh identity. I hope they
@X
noted this racism and has her account restricted.
There is an illusion of a democracy in India; there is a threat to democracy everywhere.
This is deeply, deeply troubling news emerging from Punjab. Unlawful, mass arrests of Sikhs are taking place in Punjab at the moment.
What is deeply frustrating and sad about this kind of poor journalism from the
@globeandmail
is that it harms Sikhs across Canada. Canadians read the news and rely on it. That is because they expect the truth and not this.
Another weak piece regarding Indo-Canada relations and the Sikh community from the
@globeandmail
. Again, no Sikh voices are present in what is troubling narrative building on trade.
What's going on here? This piece is problematic, so it's time for a quick thread.
🧵
We are extremely concerned to have learned that a school bus of Sikh children -attendees of the world renowned Baru Sahib academy- was attacked by Hindu extremists in India, within the recent riots by Kanwariya (Hindu pilgrims) which saw targeting of various minorities of India.
@AnitaAnandMP
I agree that the promotion of violence is unacceptable. Have you condemned the persecution of Sikhs in 1984 and to date? Do you also condemn the violence perpetrated by Indira Gandhi against minorities in India during the 80s?
Indian authorities have blocked internet access for about 27 million people in the state of Punjab for a third straight day -- one of the country's most extensive blackouts in recent years -- as police search for a Sikh separatist on the run.
It is imperative that MPs colluding with foreign actors are named and that they face the consequences of what appears to be treasonous activity. Why is the government protecting these individuals?
BREAKING | Baaz has reviewed leaked COHHE messages organizing local & foreign opposition to the TDSB motion addressing caste oppression.
This includes a toolkit reminding COHHE members not to shout Hindutva slogans, & hate messages specifically targeting the Sikh community.
My great grandfather would pick me and my brother up and put us on the back of the floats at the Vancouver Nagar Kirtan. He’d check in periodically and meet us at the end. Never felt safer, had more of an enriching cultural experience...or eaten so much chocolate.
There is no certainty of transparency or justice in India. The illegally detained activists are being sent to a prison in Assam. I fear that they will never leave those cells
“This makes the final piece of advice from both Deepak and Yuvraj incredibly important - avoid engaging IT Cell accounts and mass report and block them instead.”
@BaazNewsOrg
We're pleased to announce that Aaron Bains, Danny Kharazmi, Josh Kumar, David Neligan and Kenneth Pimentel have become partners of the firm.
Learn more about our new partners here:
Original Reporting | Executive From Canada India Foundation Attempts To Censor Classrooms Discussing The Farmers’ Protest, from
@MonikaSidhuu
"In response to the petition, Michalska wonders what it is hoping to accomplish"
#FarmersProtest
Very scary and worrisome. The rise of populism and right wing military behaviour is very scary for minorities like Sikhs. Here is an example of what it leads to…
To clarify, it appears that my account has been withheld in India. My account is still available in Canada. It’s sad that silence is the only response the Indian government has to criticism
Former Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey making damning allegations against the Modi government in India. Says twitter was asked to block critical voices and journalists
It was such an honour and joy to watch the appointment of Justice
@agarwalr
. He has been an excellent role model, mentor and friend. I cannot express how proud we are of your appointment.
@SABAToronto
/
@SABALegal
/
@SABA_Calgary
A friend and incredible young Sikh sevadar passed away last night. Our quom lost a thoughtful, caring and incredibly hard working young man. No one can fill his shoes but we must do our best to maintain his legacy of giving back to the community.
We still don’t have contact in the Punjab. What state fears contact…the one that fears information…the one that fears the truth…the state built on a house of cards.
#IncredibleIndia
Decency, kindness, knowledge based decisions making, rationale and thoughtfulness won! Congrats to
@BGG_Coalition
and esp. to
@Gerald_Chan_law
and
@nehachughlaw
for topping the leader board. 2023 Law Society of Ontario
Congratulations to Aaron Bains (
@aarondeep_bains
) who was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (
@LLSCanada
) and as Chair of the Advancement Committee.
Learn more about Aaron here:
Since then and to the present, Sikhs, Dalits, women and many other minorities live w/o justice, w/o peace, w/o hope. But what they do have is the light of the few who fight back. This November remember those killed in the genocide and support those who keep the light alive. 3/3
@RLadhaniCTV
You should then be filing a request for the mugshot and identifying instances in which the police provide one and haven’t done so. I suspect race will play a part
If you live in Wards 7 and 8, vote for
@JaskaranSandhu_
and if you live in wards 9 and 10, vote for
@gurpartapstoor
. Two of the best community leaders that I know in Ontario.
1/2 Racialized lawyers face all kinds of subtle and not so subtle barriers due to their race. This group of lawyers is hell bent on denying systemic racism and taking us back to the 18th century. No thanks.
The WSO obtained the letter written by the Indian consulate through a freedom of information request made to the Peel District School Board and supplied it to CBC News. Another example of blatant foreign interference by India in Canada.
You see this in India, previously in Latin America such as Chile and Argentina where they “forgotten” / “incident” deaths were used to not only kill innocent people but to punish their families by denying them the knowledge of the death and persecuting their memories forever
1/2What is also interesting here is this note: “the RCMP is monitoring the rise of Hindu nationalism in Canada, an agency spokesperson said by email "the RCMP does not comment on or investigate movements or ideologies," but investigates individual criminal activity.”
"Malavika Kasturi, a South Asian history professor at the UofT, said those who critically study India or disagree with Hindutva are labelled one of three things by harassers: Hinduphobic, anti-Indian or, if they are of Indian origin, anti-national."
After loosing his sister Suneeta to acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2007, Aaron Bains (
@aarondeep_bains
) and his family made it their mission to raise $100K for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (
@LLSCanada
) in her memory.
Watch the full story tonight on
@OMNINewsPunjabi
We continue to see restrictions on information in the Punjab. The government and police forces are restricting information sharing and are pursuing their own (false) narrative of events on the ground. The environment is sadly ripe for fake encounters and other abuses
The WSO account has been withheld in India, alongside Sikh journalists and others.
This comes as censorship of Sikh voices continues amidst draconian suspension of civil rights and democratic norms in Punjab.
#PunjabUnderSiege