ISLAMABAD: ‘Sikhs For Justice’ (SFJ) has sought the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma be declared as ‘Persona Non-Grata’ due to his clear interference in Canada’s internal affairs, promoting hate and inciting violence against pro-Khalistan Canadian Sikhs.
Sikhs For Justice, a registered human rights advocacy organization in Canada, is demanding the expulsion of the Indian envoy to avoid meddling in the upcoming July 16 Khalistan Referendum Voting.
SFJ peacefully advocates for the Khalistan referendum to secure the rights of self-determination for Sikhs in the Indian Punjab region, where they are in the majority. The province is currently being governed by India.
In an official communique dated July 13, 2023, High Commissioner Verma addressed the government of Canada, stating that the ‘Sikhs For Justice’ illegal referendum is an ineffective effort to undermine the Canada-India ties.
Verma further said that millions of India’s supporters in Canada would counter the ill-intentioned Khalistan Referendum Voting scheduled for tomorrow (July 16) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister, Trudeau, Minister Joly, and Minister Mendicino, the SFJ criticized Indian High Commissioner Verma for not only interfering in Canada’s internal affairs but also attempting to suppress the freedom of expression of Canadian Sikhs. The SFJ expressed concern that Verma’s remarks against the upcoming Khalistan Referendum were inciting violence and encouraging pro-India Canadians to harm Canadian Sikhs simply for peacefully expressing their political opinion on July 16.
According to Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, a state has the authority to declare any diplomatic corps member as persona non-grata, without the obligation to provide an explanation for their decision.
SJF has emphasized that in light of Indian High Commissioner Verma’s repeated transgressions against Canadian Sikhs, it is imperative for the Canadian government to take appropriate action by declaring Verma as “persona non grata” and “unacceptable.” —APP
