Sikh groups call out Canada’s inaction as extortion and violence target Sikh communities, urging stronger accountability against foreign interference.
Sikh Community Demands Action on Rising Extortion Threats
Surrey, B.C.—Sikh leaders are raising the alarm over what they call Canada’s failure to confront a growing extortion crisis targeting their communities. At a public town hall on December 14, three major Sikh organizations—World Sikh Organization of Canada, Sikh Federation, and B.C. Gurdwaras Council—pressed government officials and law enforcement leaders for urgent action.
Town Hall Brings Officials Face-to-Face With Crisis
Held at Surrey’s Civic Hotel, the town hall drew an impressive lineup: MPs Don Davies, Sukh Dhaliwal, Parm Bains, Randeep Sarai; MLAs Steve Kooner and Brian Tepper; Surrey councillor Rob Stutt; and Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski and Deputy Chief Michael Procyk.
Gurpreet Kaur, Prabjot Singh, Danish Singh, and Moninder Singh led the discussion, emphasizing why these town halls are essential right now.
Foreign Interference Fuels Community Fear
Prabjot Singh, legal counsel for Sikh Federation Canada, highlighted the role of Indian government officials in orchestrating violence and extortion abroad. He warned that disinformation campaigns are part of a larger strategy of “cognitive warfare” targeting Canada.
“The government of India is actively creating fear in our communities,” Prabjot said. “Canada’s lack of transparency and accountability allows this violence to continue unchecked.”
In Surrey alone, 2025 has seen 110 extortion-related cases, 46 shootings, and 80 unique victims, according to Surrey Police.
Fear and Silence Shape Community Response
Danish Singh addressed attendees in Punjabi, recognizing the courage it takes to show up. He expressed frustration that elected officials rarely mention India’s role in these attacks, blaming fear among victims and a lack of political discussion.
“If we don’t tackle the root of this issue, it’s like cutting weeds at the top—they just grow back,” Danish said. “If we don’t name it, we’re sitting ducks.”
Canadian Government Criticized for Inaction
Moninder Singh accused Canada of prioritizing trade over human rights, saying the Sikh community feels ignored while violence continues. “The bullets keep flying, and we can’t keep losing lives,” he stressed.
During the panel discussion, Prabjot Singh pressed MPs Randeep Sarai and Parm Bains on accountability for Indian officials implicated in transnational attacks. Sarai admitted that while legislation is underway, there are no concrete measures to hold those officials publicly accountable. Bains emphasized that diplomatic relations depend on evidence-sharing but offered no immediate solution.
MPs and Leaders Call for Stronger Measures
NDP MP Don Davies criticized the slow political response and urged Canada to take decisive action. He referenced past threats against Jagmeet Singh, highlighting the reality of transnational repression.
“We have enough credible evidence to consider sanctions against India, just as we have with Iran, China, Venezuela, and Russia,” Davies said. “Actions speak louder than words, and Canada must protect every citizen’s rights.”
A Community Demanding Change
For the Sikh community, the message is clear: enough is enough. Town halls like this are designed to break the silence, confront fear, and push Canada to act decisively. As the extortion crisis grows, community leaders insist that political accountability and protection cannot wait any longer.
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