Children In ‘Suicide Vests’, Indira Gandhi Assassination Tableau Seen At Sikh Parade In Canada

Last Updated:June 10, 2026, 10:49 IST

Sources said children were allegedly used in extremist displays during a Nagar Kirtan, alongside Khalistani flags and an Indira Gandhi assassination tableau.

In a display that has raised serious concerns among Indian security agencies, young children were allegedly used in extremist propaganda during a Nagar Kirtan procession in Brampton, Canada, on June 7.

According to top intelligence sources, the parade featured young girls, reportedly aged around six and eight, dressed in what appeared to be suicide bomb vests and projected as “martyrs" or “heroes". The children were seen alongside tableaux depicting the 1984 assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.

Sources said the procession also saw multiple Khalistani flags and banners being displayed prominently. Several messages referred to “revenge" for Operation Blue Star and the attack on Darbar Sahib, the Golden Temple, framing the events of 1984 through a separatist and extremist narrative.

Indian agencies are viewing the use of minors in such displays as a worrying escalation.

Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistan’s ISI continues to exploit sections of the Sikh diaspora in Canada to fund, promote and internationalise Khalistani extremism. According to them, cultural and religious events are increasingly being used as platforms for propaganda that glorifies violence and presents terrorism as historical “martyrdom".

Sources said the involvement of children in such displays is not incidental, but part of a wider attempt to indoctrinate the next generation.

Security agencies are also examining alleged links between Canada-based Khalistani elements, including those associated with Sikhs for Justice, and terror modules in Punjab. Sources said such networks help with fundraising, logistics, propaganda amplification and the glorification of attacks.

According to officials, these displays also serve as recruitment tools and pose a direct risk to India’s internal security.

The Brampton event has renewed concerns over Canada’s handling of Khalistani extremism, especially after repeated instances of anti-India posters, assassination-themed floats and separatist banners being displayed at public events.

Sources said the latest use of children in extremist tableaux has set off fresh alarm bells about a long-term radicalisation plan. Indian security officials believe the incident is part of a larger pattern in which diaspora platforms are being used not just for political messaging, but for the normalisation of violence under the cover of cultural mobilisation.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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