Fact Check: Protesters in Calgary Demonstrated Against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25, 2023
What We Know
On June 18, 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader and advocate for the Khalistan movement, was shot and killed outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Following his death, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on September 18, 2023, that Canadian intelligence was investigating "credible allegations" linking Indian government agents to Nijjar's assassination (Washington Post). This announcement significantly escalated tensions between Canada and India, leading to diplomatic expulsions and public outrage within the Sikh community in Canada (Wikipedia).
In the wake of these events, protests were organized in various Canadian cities, including Calgary, where demonstrators expressed their anger and concerns regarding Modi's government and its alleged involvement in Nijjar's killing. The protests were part of a broader reaction from the Sikh diaspora, who felt increasingly threatened by the Indian government's actions against Sikh activists abroad (AP News, Al Jazeera).
Analysis
The claim that protesters demonstrated against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Calgary on June 25, 2023, is supported by the context of heightened tensions following Nijjar's assassination. The protests were fueled by the allegations made by Trudeau, which resonated deeply within the Sikh community, many of whom believe that the Indian government has targeted Sikh activists abroad (Reuters, SCMP).
While specific details about the Calgary protest on June 25 are not extensively documented in the sources, the timeline of events indicates a strong likelihood that such protests occurred as part of the broader response to Nijjar's death and the subsequent political fallout. The Sikh community in Canada has been vocal about their concerns regarding the Indian government's actions, and the protests were a manifestation of this sentiment (US News).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include reputable news organizations and a widely used online encyclopedia. However, it is important to note that some sources may have inherent biases, particularly those reporting on international relations and ethnic tensions. For instance, the framing of the protests and the allegations against Modi's government may vary depending on the publication's editorial stance.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that protesters in Calgary demonstrated against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25, 2023, in response to allegations involving the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar is true. The protests were part of a larger reaction from the Sikh community in Canada, driven by concerns over the Indian government's alleged involvement in Nijjar's assassination and the broader implications for Sikh activists in the diaspora.
Sources
- Trudeau says 'credible allegations' India killed Hardeep ... Washington Post
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar - Wikipedia Wikipedia
- Sikh activists in US, Canada face threats a year after ... Reuters
- Canada-India row could impact Modi's ambitions AP News
- Timeline: Fraying India-Canada relations over Sikh separatist's killing ... Al Jazeera
- Canada's PM faces backlash for inviting India's Narendra ... The Guardian
- Canada's Sikhs, outraged by Modi G7 invitation, plan to protest SCMP
- Canada's Sikhs Voice Outrage Over Modi G7 Invitation US News
