“Adding to the crisis, the Indian government has used the Bishnoi gang to advance its interests in Canada through violence, the RCMP has alleged. As part of its fight against Canadian Sikhs who support independence for India’s Punjab, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government allegedly hired Bishnoi.”

The World Sikh Organization of Canada is pleased to confirm that, following our advocacy efforts, Sikhs wearing the kirpan will be accommodated at FIFA World Cup 2026 venues in Canada. FIFA has confirmed that Sikhs will be permitted to attend FIFA-controlled venues in Toronto and Vancouver while wearing the kirpan, provided that the individual is wearing the kirpan alongside the other four Sikh articles of faith, the kirpan blade does not exceed 10 cm in length, the kirpan remains secured in its sheath, is attached to a fabric belt (gatra), and is worn under clothing at all times. FIFA has advised us that venue staff and security personnel in Toronto and Vancouver have been informed of this accommodation. We would like to thank the members of the Sikh Caucus, as well as representatives at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government, for their assistance and support in helping to secure this accommodation for Sikh spectators. We thank @FIFAcom, the host cities, and all those involved for their cooperation in reaching this positive outcome.

On June 4, Senator Paula Simons cited testimony from WSO Legal Counsel Balpreet Singh during her speech in the Senate Chamber on Bill C-9. Senator Simons noted that Balpreet Singh’s testimony had “resonated with me ever since” highlighting his concerns that Bill C-9 could undermine lawful political expression. She referenced his warning that advocacy related to Khalistan has already been the target of coordinated Indian disinformation campaigns, raising concerns about how the legislation could be applied in practice. Balpreet Singh's Testimony: youtu.be/eGJOVjr1wuc?si=Kmb7…

Repost from 2024: WSO presents Echoes of June 1984: From Punjab to Canadian Shores In June 1984, the Government of India launched a military assault against the heart of the Sikh panth, Sri Darbar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar. This was a traumatic shock to Sikhs across the world, including in Canada. The effects of these events on the diaspora were palpable. Rallies and protests took place across Canada in major cities and in front of Indian consulates. The World Sikh Organization was born. The emotions are as raw today as they were 41 years ago. Indian foreign interference in Canadian Sikh affairs has continued unabated since then. Never Forget 1984.

As we mark the 42nd anniversary of June 1984 and the invasion of the Golden Temple complex, we honour the victims & survivors by standing in solidarity with human rights organizations around the world calling for justice. Read the full statement from NDP Leader Avi Lewis here: ndp.ca/news/ndp-statement-an…

This week marks the 42nd anniversary of when Harmandir Sahib, one of most revered shrines in Sikhism, was attacked during Operation Blue Star. Let us never forget the thousands of innocent lives lost in the 1984 #SikhGenocide #NeverForget1984

42 years after the Government of India’s June 1984 attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht, we remember the victims and the enduring pain felt across the Sikh community. Truth, justice, and remembrance must continue to guide us.

42 years ago, the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib forever changed the Sikh psyche. Innocent pilgrims detained and killed. A state-imposed media blackout. The Sikh Reference Library destroyed. Revered ground, left in ruins. 1/2

June 1st 1984 marked the beginning of the Third Ghalughara as the Indian Army surrounded Sri Harmandir Sahib and opened fire. The assault initiated several days of intense fighting as Sikh forces mounted a strong defense and many attained Shaheedi. The immense sacrifice, loss of life, loss of historical texts and artifacts continues to resonate across generations of Sikhs around the world.⁩

From BC to Montreal to Calgary, it was incredible connecting with the community at Nagar Kirtans across the country. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our WSO booths to share conversations, sign up to volunteer, donate and show their support for our work. Your encouragement and engagement continue to strengthen our advocacy and community efforts across regions. We’re grateful to every volunteer who helped make these booths possible and to everyone who took the time to visit us. Keep an eye out for WSO booths at future events and we look forward to seeing you again soon!⁩

@WorldSikhOrg’s Balpreet Singh calls out @MarkJCarney government for it’s appeasement of India in spite of growing foreign interference and transnational repression. To watch the full interview, follow our latest episode at youtu.be/RM3G62-_K1Q?si=-OKA…

Trade Over Justice? Watch this report by @globalnews covering the recent meeting between Maninder Sidhu and Piyush Goyal as talks continue toward a Canada and India free trade agreement by the end of the year. WSO Legal Counsel Balpreet Singh speaks on how shocking it is to see the Canadian government engaging with individuals accused of murders targeting Canadians despite no accountability. How can Canada move forward with deeper ties when justice is still missing? Original Video: youtu.be/0-e2omTfyRg?si=CC73…

India's largest-ever trade delegation is in Ottawa as negotiations are underway for a Canada-India free trade agreement But many Sikhs feel Ottawa is rewarding bad behaviour, as CSIS is still warning that India is one of the main perpetrators of foreign interference #cdnpoli

PRESS RELEASE: WSO SLAMS INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER’S “SCANDALOUS” ALLEGATIONS AGAINST CANADA The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) condemns remarks made by India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, accusing Canadian national security agencies and law enforcement of corruption, political manipulation, and fabrication of allegations relating to Indian foreign interference and transnational repression in Canada. WSO President Danish Singh said: "Throughout this trade visit, Canada has avoided publicly confronting India on transnational repression, foreign interference, and violence targeting Sikhs in Canada. However India has doubled down, openly attacking Canada’s institutions and accusing this country of corruption and political manipulation. Is humiliation for Canada now the price of doing business with India?” Read the full press release: worldsikh.org/wso_slams_indi…⁩

Canada’s security agencies have raised serious concerns about foreign interference and transnational repression. Dismissing these facts insults the work of the RCMP and CSIS, and undermines the safety of Canadians. We must stand firm in defending our sovereignty.

‘Conservatives stand with Canadian intelligence agencies & with what they have said: that India is one of those state actors involved in FI, & we do not agree with what the High Commissioner of India said.’ Conservatives have also called out PM Carney for remaining quiet on HCI Patnaik’s allegations against Canadian institutions & officials, accusing CSIS of being “compromised”; claiming the RCMP was investigating “fantasy” allegations regarding Indian involvement in crimes committed in Canada; & suggesting the RCMP had been susceptible to political direction in his interview with the Globe and Mail.

PRESS RELEASE: WSO WARNS AGAINST “APPEASEMENT” OF INDIA AMID ONGOING TARGETING OF SIKH CANADIANS In light of the high-profile visit to Canada by Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Indian business leaders, the WSO is calling for accountability from India regarding ongoing and unresolved foreign interference, transnational repression, and violence targeting Sikhs in Canada. WSO is aware of incidents in the past six months of individuals being surveilled, harassed and intimidated by agents of the Government of India. Over a dozen Sikh community members continue to live under the shadow of credible threats or “duties to warn.” These are not historical concerns, they are ongoing dangers. Canada’s own national security agencies and senior officials have publicly confirmed India’s ongoing involvement in interference and repression activities targeting Canadians on Canadian soil. WSO President Danish Singh said: “Engaging in trade negotiations without accountability from India on foreign interference and transnational repression is not diplomacy, it is appeasement. The Government of Canada cannot normalize relations and deepen economic ties while Sikh Canadians continue to face threats, intimidation, surveillance, and violence linked to the Indian government and its proxies. Canadian Sikhs continue to face coordinated disinformation campaigns, intimidation, and threats from India. The same government accused of orchestrating violence and repression against Canadians cannot be treated as a normal trade partner without accountability and meaningful action.” WSO calls on the Government of Canada to ensure that any discussions with India prioritize accountability for the murder of Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, foreign interference, transnational repression, and threats to Canadian sovereignty and public safety before pursuing expanded trade and investment agreements. Read the full press release: worldsikh.org/wso_warns_agai…

Winnipeg police to develop kirpan policy following legal notice ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/article/…

⁨An advocacy win for religious freedom! After Winnipeg’s Jaspal Singh Gill was denied the opportunity to complete a police recruitment exam because of his kirpan, WSO intervened and engaged with the Winnipeg Police Service. Following outreach from WSO, WPS confirmed it is developing a policy with input from local experts and will accommodate Jaspal Singh moving forward. No one should be forced to choose between their faith and pursuing a career in public service. This is an important step toward ensuring Sikh articles of faith are understood and respected. If you experience discrimination or hate, report it here: worldsikh.org/reporthate⁩

We’re hiring for Summer 2026 internships! Join WSO and be part of meaningful work that supports, uplifts and empowers communities across Canada. Whether your passion is community engagement, storytelling, videography or logistics, this is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while making a real impact. Available Positions: • Community Programs Facilitator (AB/BC) • Multimedia Storyteller & Videographer (AB/BC) • Data Entry & Logistics Project Support (BC) If you’re passionate about advocacy and community-building, we encourage you to apply! Application deadline: Friday, June 5 Apply now: worldsikh.org/interns⁩