Copyright news18
Canada is at a pivotal moment in its foreign policy. Under Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Ottawa is taking a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to strengthen relations with India and China, two of the world’s largest and most influential economies. This is not just diplomacy; it is a strategic necessity for Canada’s future prosperity and global relevance. However, as Mark Carney and Anita Anand pursue this responsible foreign policy, radical Khalistani organisations are trying to sabotage it. These groups, previously flagged by the Canadian government for violent or extremist activities, are attempting to veto Canada’s India policy. Their methods go far beyond protest; they are engaging in intimidation and threats against public representatives, including Anand, simply because they refuse to submit to their divisive agenda. What makes this campaign especially vile is its targeting of Anand’s identity. A proud Hindu and Canadian of Indian origin, she represents the multicultural and inclusive spirit of this country. Yet extremists have twisted her faith and heritage into weapons against her, ignoring the central message of the Sikh gurus, who preached universal brotherhood, compassion, and justice. In a shocking act of malice, these radicals have displayed violent imagery in Vancouver, pointing guns at her posters and the late Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi, depicting a grotesque assassination scene. This is a deliberate attempt to justify violence against her. This is not activism; it is political intimidation, pure and simple. Such actions are intended to terrorise and silence public servants, directly attacking Canada’s democratic institutions. I commend MP Randeep Sarai for his principled stand in condemning this intimidation and defending his colleague. His courage represents the best of Canadian democracy, a willingness to speak up when it matters most. However, it is deeply disappointing that many of his fellow MPs have remained silent. If 21 of them cannot defend one of their own against such blatant threats, the public has every right to question whether these same leaders will stand up for ordinary Canadians when the time comes. Leadership demands courage, not convenience. Canada cannot and must not tolerate this. Threatening elected representatives is not free speech; it is a crime. The government must respond with the full force of the law. Political violence, whether inspired by ideology, religion, or nationalism, has no place in a democratic nation built on peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. Carney and Anand are right to prioritise Canada’s interests. They understand that constructive engagement with India and China is essential for trade, technology, climate action, and global stability. No fringe movement should be allowed to hijack that national agenda. It is time for Canadians of every background to reject intimidation and stand with those who work for the nation’s good. Anita Anand deserves not fear, but our respect and protection. The true spirit of Canada calls for courage in the face of hate and unity in the pursuit of peace. (The writer is the managing director of Radio India in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views)
