Upholding RCMP Report, Condemning BJP Government Foreign Interference, Calling for Urgent Action
October 15th, 2024
Justice for All Canada strongly condemns the foreign interference by Indian government agents revealed by the RCMP. The findings confirm what we have been warning about for years: that government agents tied to extremist groups like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are targeting minority communities and activists in Canada through harassment, violence, and intimidation. These attacks specifically target minority communities and activists who have spoken out against human rights abuses in India.
Over the past 5 years under our Save India From Fascism campaign, Justice for All Canada has led significant efforts to raise awareness about the influence of the RSS and its political arm, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These extremist groups promote a nationalist ideology known as Hindutva which marginalizes Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, and other religious, ethnic and Indigenous minorities in India. While their activities have perpetuated an atmosphere of anti-minority sentiment in India, we now have more evidence that these groups are using their networks to spread intimidation and fear abroad, posing a serious threat to the safety of Canadians and the integrity of our democracy.
“For years, human rights organizations and diaspora advocates have actively engaged with MPs, organizing conferences on Parliament Hill, and submitting countless letters, memos, and formal warnings about these escalating threats. Unfortunately, our concerns were met with inaction, and now we see this sinister issue unfolding in real time,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
We commend the RCMP for their thorough investigation and recognize the government’s decision to expel Indian diplomats involved in these activities. However, this alone is not enough. More decisive action is needed to fully address the threat these groups pose to Canada’s democratic values.
Justice for All Canada calls on the government to take the following actions:
As one of the first human rights organizations to sound the alarm on this issue, Justice For All Canada has consistently advocated for stronger measures to confront the growing influence of the RSS in Canada. Our recent contributions to Canada’s national inquiry on foreign interference have also emphasized the need to protect diaspora communities from these types of extremist influences. We have raised awareness through publications, action alerts, and direct engagement with government officials, mobilizing thousands of Canadians to demand stronger protections and decisive action.
Some of our contributions in media outlets:
We urge the Canadian government to take bold and decisive steps to prevent extremist ideologies and foreign agents from disrupting the rights that Canadians hold dear. We fully expect the government to take concrete, measurable steps in ensuring that all Canadians are protected and setting a precedent for how we confront these threats in the future and safeguard our communities.
Justice for All Canada strongly condemns the foreign interference by Indian government agents revealed by the RCMP. The findings confirm what we have been warning about for years: that government agents tied to extremist groups like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are targeting minority communities and activists in Canada through harassment, violence, and intimidation. These attacks specifically target minority communities and activists who have spoken out against human rights abuses in India.
Over the past 5 years under our Save India From Fascism campaign, Justice for All Canada has led significant efforts to raise awareness about the influence of the RSS and its political arm, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These extremist groups promote a nationalist ideology known as Hindutva which marginalizes Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, and other religious, ethnic and Indigenous minorities in India. While their activities have perpetuated an atmosphere of anti-minority sentiment in India, we now have more evidence that these groups are using their networks to spread intimidation and fear abroad, posing a serious threat to the safety of Canadians and the integrity of our democracy.
“For years, human rights organizations and diaspora advocates have actively engaged with MPs, organizing conferences on Parliament Hill, and submitting countless letters, memos, and formal warnings about these escalating threats. Unfortunately, our concerns were met with inaction, and now we see this sinister issue unfolding in real time,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
We commend the RCMP for their thorough investigation and recognize the government’s decision to expel Indian diplomats involved in these activities. However, this alone is not enough. More decisive action is needed to fully address the threat these groups pose to Canada’s democratic values.
Justice for All Canada calls on the government to take the following actions:
- Ban the RSS and its affiliates in Canada. These groups spread an extremist ideology and sectarian violence. Banning their presence in Canada is essential for protecting minority communities.
- Impose sanctions on Indian officials involved in foreign interference. The individuals responsible for targeting Canadian activists and undermining our democracy must be held accountable through targeted sanctions.
- Increase protections for at-risk communities. Activists and diaspora communities in Canada are being targeted by these groups. They need stronger protections and support from law enforcement.
- Commissioning a Parliamentary Inquiry into Canada-India relations. This study should focus on human rights violations and the influence of extremist groups like the RSS on Canadian soil.
As one of the first human rights organizations to sound the alarm on this issue, Justice For All Canada has consistently advocated for stronger measures to confront the growing influence of the RSS in Canada. Our recent contributions to Canada’s national inquiry on foreign interference have also emphasized the need to protect diaspora communities from these types of extremist influences. We have raised awareness through publications, action alerts, and direct engagement with government officials, mobilizing thousands of Canadians to demand stronger protections and decisive action.
Some of our contributions in media outlets:
- Globe and Mail: Canada is walking a tightrope between trade relations with India and human rights
- Globe and Mail: Canada’s realpolitik ignores the plight of Muslims in India
- Globe and Mail: If Canada wants a seat on the UN’s Human Rights Council, it needs to step up on its own record
- Hill Times: Report unveils India’s use of Nazi playbook to target religious minorities
We urge the Canadian government to take bold and decisive steps to prevent extremist ideologies and foreign agents from disrupting the rights that Canadians hold dear. We fully expect the government to take concrete, measurable steps in ensuring that all Canadians are protected and setting a precedent for how we confront these threats in the future and safeguard our communities.