'Charity Building Used For Terrorism': Sikh Broadcaster Writes To Canada PM Over 'Khalistan Embassy'

Last Updated:August 06, 2025, 09:37 IST

Local radio station head Maninder Gill has demanded government scrutiny over a community centre built with $150,000 in provincial grants, now converted into 'Embassy of Khalistan'.

'Embassy of Khalistan' in Surrey (Photo: CNN-News18)

A day after CNN-News18 reported an ‘Embassy of Khalistan’ in Surrey, the local radio station has written a strongly worded letter to both British Columbia provincial leaders and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney. Local radio station head Maninder Gill has demanded government scrutiny over a community centre built with $150,000 in provincial grants, now converted into ‘Embassy of Khalistan‘.

Speaking to CNN-News18 on the letter, Gill emphasised that the building was a government funded charity building, meant not just for Sikhs, but for people from around the world. He questioned why a building that is run on government’s charity was being used for terrorism. He also added that he was hopeful of getting a response from the Carney administration even though he had written several letters to previous governments flagging extremist activities in the building.

Gill wrote that a Gurdwara committee, which received public funding, has installed signage declaring part of the building as the ‘Embassy of the Republic of Khalistan.’ He urged authorities to hold the committee accountable, arguing this move signals promotion of separatist extremism funded by the Canadian government. In the letter addressed to both the provincial premier and Prime Minister Carney, Gill asserted that a registered Canadian charity is working in opposition to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an allied nation — indicating India.

His letter stresses that community infrastructure funded through taxpayer dollars should not serve as a platform for extremist or separatist messaging. Gill argues that using provincial grant money to host or promote a self‑declared “embassy" of Khalistan crosses a line, and Canadian authorities must act promptly to ensure public funds are not enabling foreign political agendas.

The massive controversy in Surrey, British Columbia, erupted after a building within the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara complex was seen bearing a board reading ‘Republic of Khalistan’ or ‘Embassy of Khalistan.’ The sign appears amid banners and symbols associated with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) — a pro‑Khalistan group behind unofficial referendums calling for a Sikh homeland.

Pro‑Khalistan sentiment among portions of the Sikh diaspora in Canada has long stirred diplomatic tension with India. The Khalistan Referendum, organised by SFJ, has held multiple unofficial votes in Surrey since 2022, drawing thousands of participants and raising alarm in New Delhi.

The sign’s appearance comes amid a broader context of strained Canada‑India relations, which escalated following the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh terrorist, in Surrey. Canadian authorities alleged links to Indian government agents, leading to reciprocal diplomat expulsions and intense diplomatic friction.

Despite recent efforts at normalisation — marked by the resumption of ambassador-level ties under Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi — India remains deeply concerned about Canada’s tolerance of pro‑Khalistan activities.

Siddhant Mishra

Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ...Read More

Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ...

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August 06, 2025, 09:37 IST

News world 'Charity Building Used For Terrorism': Sikh Broadcaster Writes To Canada PM Over 'Khalistan Embassy'

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