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How violence affects the Indian diaspora in Canada

ByAparajitha Nair
Nov 09, 2024 01:47 PM IST

This article is authored by Aparajitha Nair.

The Indian diaspora, a robust and influential community in Canada, has long contributed to the nation’s cultural and economic fabric. However, recent events have raised alarm among Indian communities and their supporters as incidents of violence and intimidation targeted at Indians have surfaced. This trend reflects not only rising challenges for the diaspora but also tensions between Canada and India on the political, diplomatic, and social fronts. Exploring this issue requires understanding the underlying causes, socio-political influences, and the broader implications for Indo-Canadian relations and community safety.

Members of the Indo-Canadian community stage a protest outside the Alberta legislature in Edmonton, Canada, on Thursday
Members of the Indo-Canadian community stage a protest outside the Alberta legislature in Edmonton, Canada, on Thursday

Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, with over 1.8 million individuals of Indian origin. This community has traditionally been known for its harmonious integration into Canadian society, holding prominent positions in various sectors, from academia and politics to business and technology. Indian culture, language, cuisine, and festivals have enriched Canada’s multicultural landscape, making Indians one of the most prominent and respected immigrant groups in the country.

Despite these contributions, political and ideological differences have occasionally stirred contention. The rise of pro-Khalistan separatist sentiments within certain factions in Canada has created fissures in the community, leading to internal divides and tensions with Indian government representatives. In recent years, tensions have escalated, with instances of vandalism, targeted harassment, and physical violence impacting both individuals and cultural centres tied to the Indian community.

In the past few months, the Indian diaspora has experienced a surge in violence and hostility, with reports ranging from vandalism of temples to verbal and physical assaults on individuals. Some of these incidents appear to have political motivations, often linked to disputes around the Khalistan separatist movement.

For example, incidents of temple desecration with pro-Khalistan slogans and hate messages have stirred outrage and fear among Hindu and Sikh Indian communities in Canada. Furthermore, targeted attacks on individuals believed to be sympathetic to the Indian government or opposed to separatist ideals have generated an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. These incidents reflect not only ideological divides but also raise questions about community safety and government intervention.

Some of the probable causes and motivations behind the violence:

  • Political tensions and the Khalistan movement: The roots of some of the hostility can be traced back to the Khalistan movement, which has, over the years, found a foothold among certain Sikh communities in Canada. For some, this movement symbolises a fight for justice and autonomy, while for others, particularly those who oppose the separatist agenda, it represents a source of division and conflict. The Indian government’s firm stance against separatism and frequent appeals to Canada to curb pro-Khalistan activities have sometimes added to the animosity, leading to retaliatory actions against the Indian diaspora.
  • Diplomatic strains: Canada and India have seen their diplomatic ties tested in recent years, particularly over human rights issues and differing political stances. Canadian leaders have occasionally voiced support for certain activist groups in India, including the farmers’ protests and other civil rights movements, which the Indian government sees as interference. This diplomatic strain has a trickle-down effect, often manifesting in targeted rhetoric and actions at the community level, where individuals are directly affected by political ideologies playing out on a national scale.
  • Rising nationalism and polarisation: Nationalist rhetoric, amplified by social media, has fuelled polarisation within communities worldwide, including in Canada. For example, fringe groups might interpret calls for patriotism or activism as a reason to act aggressively towards those with differing views. For Indian communities, this means that even small ideologicaldifferences can lead to severe conflicts, as social media further polarises individuals.
  • Lack of intervention and ineffective policy: The Canadian government has often upheld the freedom of expression as a core value, even when dealing with controversial movements. While this policy reflects Canada’s commitment to democracy, it has also led to criticisms that leniency may embolden extremist elements to promote divisive agendas. Many argue that more stringent policies are needed to curb hate crimes and ensure that freedom of expression is not misused to propagate violence or hatred.

The increasing violence against the Indian diaspora could have far-reaching consequences for Indo-Canadian relations. Both India and Canada value their bilateral relationship, with strong trade, educational, and technological exchanges. However, if tensions continue to rise, there could be significant repercussions, potentially affecting trade agreements, visa policies, and diplomatic engagements. This scenario would not only hinder the Indian diaspora's interests in Canada but also strain the resources of both governments as they address these ongoing issues.

Furthermore, rising hostility could impact the perception of safety among Indians considering relocation or higher education in Canada. Canada has long been a preferred destination for Indian students, and fear of being targeted could discourage new immigrants and students from choosing Canada, impacting Canada’s diversity and growth in skilled labour.

The Indian government has expressed concern over attacks on its diaspora, frequently calling upon Canadian authorities to provide greater security and protection. Indian consulates in Canada have also become involved, offering support to affected communities and appealing to Canadian officials to take preventive measures. Additionally, community organisations in Canada have started campaigns to foster unity and bridge differences within the diaspora. These groups aim to promote peaceful dialogue and advocate for members’ rights, pressing local governments to act against hate crimes.

Addressing the rising violence against the Indian diaspora requires a multi-faceted approach that combines policy intervention, community outreach, and dialogue.

  • Stricter hate crime legislation: Canadian authorities could strengthen hate crime laws to ensure swift and effective justice for victims, making it clear that violence against any community will not be tolerated. Such measures could deter those seeking to propagate hate or harm individuals based on ethnicity or political beliefs.
  • Promoting dialogue within communities: Local organisations and religious institutions can play a pivotal role in bridging divides by hosting open dialogues that encourage mutual understanding among individuals with differing perspectives. Educating community members about the consequences of extremism and promoting harmonious coexistence can go a long way in reducing ideological violence.
  • Increased diplomatic engagement: Canadian and Indian diplomats could work towards a more collaborative approach to addressing the grievances of both nations while respecting each country’s domestic policies. Engaging in dialogue to resolve ideological divides in a manner that does not inflame tensions could provide a stable foundation for handling these issues.
  • Encouraging positive narratives in media: Social media and news outlets are powerful tools that can either escalate or alleviate tensions. Encouraging responsible reporting and positive narratives that showcase the contributions of the Indian diaspora could reduce negative stereotyping and build a more inclusive community perception.

The increasing violence against the Indian diaspora in Canada poses significant challenges, not only for the communities directly impacted but also for Canada’s multicultural identity and its relationship with India. Addressing this issue requires collaboration, empathy, and effective policy measures to protect individuals’ rights and maintain social harmony.

This article is authored by Aparajitha Nair.

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