Canada clashes scare Punjabis abroad, kin pray for safety | India News – Times of India

BATHINDA: Canada‘s Khalistani-Hindu altercations, from Brampton to Malton and Surrey, have left many Indians and temporary visa holders, especially those from Punjab, fearing for their safety and their families back home worried.
The conflict sparked by an attack on a Hindu Mahasabha temple in Brampton city of Canadian province Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area underscores divisions around the demand for Khalistan and its impact on Canada’s multicultural communities.
Many in Brampton and Surrey feel these clashes could strain social cohesion among various Indian diaspora groups. Punjab’s Rohit Kumar, who is on a work permit in Brampton, said: “We are highly concerned. Incidents such as these only worsen the perception that we are creating unrest here, and that will cause more problems for us.”
Kulwinder Singh, who has been involved in peaceful protests for extending work permits, emphasised the potential long-term consequences of the violence on community relations. Calling for unity among communities, Kulwinder said: “While we focus on securing our future in Canada, incidents like these could affect our ability to integrate.”
Back in Punjab, Amit Mittal, whose son lives in Surrey, requested the Canadian authorities to manage these recurring conflicts carefully. “These events have ripple effects that impact the safety of our children staying abroad,” Mittal said, also calling on the Indian govt to push for protection of Punjabis in Canada.
The rising tensions highlight the delicate balance within Canada’s diverse immigrant communities and the need for careful intervention to prevent further discord.
These escalating tensions between pro-Khalistan supporters and opposition groups make migrants from Punjab anxious to save their reputation. For those struggling to extend their work permits, like Brampton store worker Jatinder Singh – whose permit expires next month – a dented image could be disastrous. “These disruptive elements could fracture Canada’s social harmony and create unrest back home, where longstanding regional disputes remain unresolved,” Jatinder added.