North American Sikh organization calls for India-Canada dialogue amid rising tensions | India News

The escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada will have serious consequences for the Sikh community, not only in Canada but also in the US and other countries around the world, it is believed Satnam Singh ChahalFounder and Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA).
“Constructive dialogue between India and Canada is urgently needed to protect the rights and well-being of the Sikh community in both countries and globally,” Chahal, who lives in Northern California, told the Times of India, a representative of NAPA global, non-partisan and non-sectarian organization founded in 2011, dedicated to serving and empowering the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Chahal believes that the stark differences between India and Canada that began with the assassination of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada; have highlighted the existing challenges facing the Sikh diaspora Community in Western countries regarding issues of identity, security and political representation. “We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada on the Sikh diaspora, which has long been a bridge between vibrant cultures,” said Chahal, who was appointed commissioner of Santa Clara County in California.
Chahal, who was born and raised in Punjab and immigrated to the US with his family in 1997, feels that the growing hostility between India and Canada has hit the Sikh community hard in both Canada and the US. “Sikhs are known worldwide for our philanthropic activities and service to the community wherever we are based. But now the current acrimonious situation has created a deep divide even within some of our gurdwaras. The foundation of our religion is the concept of 'Sewa' and we are a religious group that always helps others in the service of the larger community,” he said. However, Chahal believes that recent tensions highlighted by the dispute between the Indian and Canadian governments have led to a changing perception of the Sikh community in North America.
The killing of Nijjar and the subsequent standoff between India and Canada have, in Chahal's view, exacerbated an existing divide within the Sikh diaspora. “Some community members view the Canadian government’s stance as a legitimate defense of human rights, while others see it as an attack on India’s sovereignty. This polarization can cause divisions within families and social circles, leading to heated discussions and alienation,” he said.
He added that there has been a lack of support from the Indian government for the Sikh community in the US in recent months. “All of these factors have hit the American Sikh community hard with increasing incidents Discrimination and racism “In schools, universities and workplaces, there are reports of younger members of the community wearing turbans and sporting beards,” Chahal said.
He added that in North America, many Sikh families must navigate complex relationships with non-Sikh neighbors and friends. “Misunderstandings about the community's political affiliations can lead to stigmatization or social isolation, particularly if they are perceived to support militant factions. There can be significant pressure within the diaspora to take sides in the political narrative. Activists may urge solidarity with Nijjar's cause, while others may urge caution in maintaining good relations with India, especially for those with family ties back home. Additionally, social media has amplified voices within the community and created echo chambers where certain narratives dominate,” Chahal said.
He believes Sikhs in America and Canada need support from the governments of the United States, Canada and India to address such challenges, adding that many Sikhs in Canada are also concerned about their safety and the possibility of a backlash are as tensions rise between India and Canada. “NAPA calls on both the Indian and Canadian governments to ensure the protection of all communities, especially minorities. Our organization also encourages community members to actively participate in the political process, advocate for their rights and ensure that their voices are heard in discussions that impact their future,” Chahal added.