Singh evades questions on political violence, March 16

I must commend reporter Alex Ballingall for a well-balanced article on federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

I am a Canadian citizen of Hindu faith originally from the state of Punjab, India, where Sikhs are in a majority. I visit India at least two or three times a year and see no evidence over there of discrimination or unfair treatment of Sikhs. As a matter of fact, they are represented disproportionately in politics, business and armed forces, due to their well-deserved efforts and abilities.

The Khalistani separatist movement is driven primarily by the politics and power seekers within the Sikh diaspora in the UK, Canada and U.S., and is encouraged by a neighbouring country to sow discord in India.

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was a confirmed terrorist who preached violence and encouraged Sikhs to kill Hindus. When a minority within a minority acts violently, the actions of the majority can be harsh. This way, the minority can then justify their own actions.

Regardless, there is no justification for violence from either side. Singh’s constituency consists of a vast number of Canadians of diverse backgrounds. He has to come clean as to where he stands with respect to violence and terrorism.

Adarsh Lakhanpal, Oakville

Jagmeet Singh speaks out of both sides of his mouth. He condemns terrorism “to advance the cause of any one group,” but does not unambiguously denounce political violence by militant Sikhs seeking an independent Sikh homeland.

He says that, in the Sikh context, the situation is “complex” and he wants to educate the Canadian public about Sikh history.

Can Singh, an apparently orthodox Sikh who attends and addresses pro-Sikh independence events, and who has trouble denouncing violence by Sikh extremists, be trusted to offer an unbiased history lesson to Canadians?

Pamela Mulligan, Grimsby, Ont.

Jagmeet Singh’s involvement in foreign political affairs raises several troubling questions.

Who paid his way to speak at or participate in Sikh nationalist conferences? His then-MPP travel budget? The Ontario NDP? A third party and, if so, who?

In light of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent experience in India, how would Mr. Singh, should be become prime minister, be welcomed in that country and how would his apparent support for Sikh independence affect Canada-India relations?

Ron Freedman, Toronto

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