Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s recalled High Commissioner to Canada, shared a harrowing experience of narrowly escaping an attack by pro-Khalistan supporters wielding a sword. The incident occurred in Alberta, Canada, as Verma was heading to an event. The sword came within two inches of him while 150 protesters blocked his entrance to a convention hall.
Verma had been recalled after being labeled a “person of interest” by Canada in the investigation into the death of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Recalling the tense moments, Verma stated, “A couple of times, they came dangerously close to causing physical harm. I was in Alberta, attending a community-organized dinner and cultural event at a convention hall, while outside, around 150 people held a pro-Khalistan protest,” he told ANI.
“They blocked the entrance to the convention hall. Both the RCMP and local police were present but didn’t anticipate such an incident. When I entered with my wife, a sword—not a kirpan—came within two to two-and-a-half inches of me,” he recounted.
Kirpan, a small ceremonial knife, is a Sikh symbol of faith
“They may not know the distinction between a kirpan and a sword. In our country, Sikhs are known for their patriotism, and we understand this difference well. My two consul-generals and I had been under close protection by the RCMP after they assessed that we faced potential physical harm,” Verma added.
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The ambassador explained that he was immediately escorted to safety following the attack, though he wasn’t briefed on the details of the police inquiry afterward.
“We informed Canada’s Global Affairs department about the incident, and they agreed that this was inappropriate. We also clarified the distinction between a sword and a kirpan, emphasizing that the sword in question was not a religious symbol,” he stated.
Relations between India and Canada soured when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Accused Indian government agents of involvement in the killing of Nijjar. An individual wanted by India, on Canadian soil. India dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated, criticizing Canada for accommodating separatist groups and extremists within its borders.
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Earlier this month, Canada implicated High Commissioner Verma and five other Indian diplomats in Nijjar’s killing, worsening diplomatic ties. New Delhi firmly denied the accusations, recalled Verma and the diplomats from Ottawa, and expelled six Canadian diplomats from India.
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