Indian Media Misreads Canadian Report & Absolves India in Nijjar Killing Case

The Canadian Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions released its report on 28 Jan and concluded the probe into whether the 2019 and 2021 Canadian Federal elections were free and fair. An accompanying statement said, 'It is clear that our democracy faces a continuous and escalating threat from foreign actors who seek to undermine our sovereignty and destabilize our institutions. As Commissioner Justice Marie-Josée Hogue emphasized, safeguarding Canadians’ trust in our democratic institutions is paramount.' However, Indian media seemingly ‘misread’ the report to run multiple stories claiming that there was ‘no definitive link’ between the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June 2023 and India. Indian media highlighted that the report contradicted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023 that the Indian government was involved in the killing. This was demonstrably false and misleading, a second time in two weeks (read more). It must be noted that the Canadian inquiry was into foreign interference in elections and not the Nijjar killing. Still, in its first volume, the report dedicated a section to the Nijjar killing, which is still under an ongoing investigation. The report clearly mentioned India’s role as the second-most active country engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada, after China. The report also acknowledged India’s ‘legitimate’ concerns over the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada. However, it noted that India often conflates peaceful Khalistan advocacy with extremism. The commission’s findings revealed that Indian agents have engaged in violent crime, disinformation, and intimidation against Sikhs in Canada, aiming to suppress advocacy for human rights and self-determination. The Canada-based World Sikh Organization has called for a full public inquiry into Nijjar’s killing and India’s alleged transnational repression targeting Sikhs in Canada.

Indian Prime Minister Nerendra Modi opened the Indian Parliament Budget Session with a religious invocation stating ‘I pray that Maa Lakshmi (Indian Goddess of wealth) continues to bless the poor and middle class of our country.’ Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her 8^th Union Budget on 1 Feb. The news that appeased the middle class is that salaried people earning up to USD 13.7K per year will no longer pay income tax. It must be noted that in 2023-24 only 6.68% of India’s population—1.25B after the last census in 2011, now estimated at 1.4B—filed taxes. Out of these, 57% reported zero taxable income. The tax relief overshadowed the fact that 93.32% of people do not pay taxes or that corporate tax collection is lower than taxes paid by salaried individuals. The Budget does not offer any solution to generate employment and enable citizens which is India’s primary concern or ventures to increase income for the government to fund its many programs. Yet, to keep the 800M poor dependent on subsidies, the Budget made an allocation of USD 23.3B for the world’s largest populist free food scheme. While all sectors had expectations belied, let us take agriculture. On the basis of the Economic Survey 2024-25, while agriculture’s share is 16% of Gross Domestic Product, its share in the workforce has increased to 46.1% in 2023-24 from 42.5% in 2018-19. Data reveals that the government has failed to move people from agriculture to other sectors. Yet, the allocation to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is 3.4% of the Budget and in spite of announced schemes, is pegged at USD 19.6B. There is no mention of Minimum Support Price for crops, a demand by farmers of Panjab and north India (read more).

The Panjab government had put forth several demands to be met by the Union Budget, which included a special budget for crop diversification, an additional 0.5% borrowing allowance for power sector reforms, an annual incentive of USD 229M for farmers who do not burn paddy stubble, and reimbursement for the Rural Development Fund. Panjab even tried to make its demands lucrative for the Union government by stating if the state can achieve diversification from paddy to alternative crops on 1M hectares, it could lead to a reduction of approximately 6-7MT of rice annually. This shift could result in substantial savings of over USD 344. Diversification in Panjab could save the Union government approximately USD 3.2B annually by reducing rice procurement costs by USD 0.46 (INR 40 per kg), USD 149M in fertiliser subsidies, and USD 172M annually for the state in power subsidies. However, the Budget fulfilled none of Panjab demands. In fact, none of the non-Bhartiya Janata Party and its allied ruled states got anything from the Budget. Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, ‘Panjab has once again been completely ignored in the Union Budget. There is nothing for our farmers or the youth—no industrial package or legal guarantee for MSP to improve the state economy. A step-motherly treatment has been meted out to Panjab.’ The Leader of the Opposition in the Panjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa from the Indian National Congress described the Budget as a 'betrayal with our farmers.' Sarwan Singh Pandher, convener, Kisan Mukti Morcha said, 'The Union Budget failed to meet expectations of farmers and farm labourers. This Budget was completely silent on the welfare of farmers and farm laborers, for which we have been protesting for over a year now at Panjab’s border points with Haryana.'

On 4 Feb, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar) sentenced two former Panjab police officers for their roles in the extrajudicial killings of two men in a fake encounter in September 1992. CBI judge Rakesh Kumar Gupta awarded the guilty life imprisonment and imposed a fine of USD 2.2K on former Station House Officer Gurbhinder Singh and former assistant sub-inspector Parshotam Singh posted at Majitha in Amritsar district. The police officers had picked up Baldev Singh Deba, an Army soldier who was home on leave from village Baserke Bhaini and Lakhwinder Singh Lakha Ford from village Sultanwind along with Kulwant Singh from Preet Nagar, Amritsar. While Kulwant was later released, Deba and Ford were killed. The CBI found that the officers had falsely implicated Deba and Ford in the murder of the minister’s son Harbhajan Singh, son of Gurmej Singh, the then Cabinet minister in the Beant Singh-led Punjab government. Meanwhile, another SAS Nagar court acquitted Jammu and Kashmir resident Harpuneet Singh and Sohana resident Gurpreet Singh of conspiring to put up banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) posters near CGC Landran College, district Rupnagar in 2017, citing a lack of evidence to prove their complicity. Meanwhile, the Union government has extended its ban on the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun-led SFJ, branding it an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and accusing it of inciting various minority communities—Sikhs, Muslims, Tamils, and Christians—to break away from India. SFJ’s first ban in 2019 was prolonged five more years in July 2024. Officials emphasized vigilance is necessary, given SFJ’s alleged track record of utilizing online platforms, and calls for sabotage, however no such threat has been carried out to date (read more).

Chandigarh’s electricity department is transitioning to private control. Kolkata-based Eminent Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL), part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, deposited USD 100M, completing a deal initially set in motion in November 2020. The Union Territory (UT) Administration confirmed the handover for the first week of February, transferring assets such as offices, a control room, and distribution networks. Employees, numbering around 1,100 including outsourced staff, have protested vigorously, demanding a formal policy to safeguard service conditions. Invoking the East Punjab Essential Services (Maintenance) Act and later the Haryana Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, the administration filed two First Information Reports against protesters. The new private operator promises modern infrastructure, reliable power, and employee protections, while officials from Panjab and Haryana remain on standby to avert disruptions if workers strike. UT officials assured that the newly established Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited would upgrade networks, uphold staff terms, and deploy advanced digital systems to ensure no disruption in electricity supply. Meanwhile, Chandigarh’s political landscape witnessed upheaval when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Harpreet Kaur Babla was elected mayor, defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Indian National Congress (INC) alliance. Despite the alliance appearing to command 19 votes in the 35-member corporation, at least three cross-votes swung the result 19–17 for the BJP, revealing internal fissures among the alliance partners. Babla’s victory ousted outgoing AAP Mayor Kuldeep Kumar, who had taken office after the Supreme Court of India overturned earlier polling. INC councillor Gurbax Rawat’s defection to the BJP further bolstered the party’s strength. Post-election, while INC was ‘deeply saddened,’ they congratulated their successful candidates for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor positions. AAP promised to take the cross-voting matter to Chandigarh residents and counter what they called the BJP’s ‘dirty politics.’

A 24-year old man identified as Akash Singh from Dharamkot village from Moga district was arrested on 26 Jan for vandalizing Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar. The attempt to vandalize the statue triggered widespread outrage and sparked accusations that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has failed to maintain law and order. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act had been invoked against the vandal. Dalit (marginalized caste) organizations observed a shutdown, condemning the attempt and demanding accountability. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Sampla initially blamed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee but the statue is located outside the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex. The area falls under Amritsar municipality so the blame did not stick. Leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal, Indian National Congress (INC), and Bahujan Samaj Party criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government, accusing it of negligence and urging an impartial inquiry. While the uproar was on, on 27 Jan, Amritsar politics took another dramatic turn when AAP’s Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia assumed charge as the mayor of the city. Though the INC emerged as the single-largest party in December’s municipal elections, it alleged that AAP had misused government machinery to secure top posts, including that of mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor, despite apparently lacking a majority. INC has challenged Bhatia’s legitimacy and the party declared it would move the Punjab and Haryana High Court over alleged irregularities. INC councillors, led by Vikas Soni, staged a protest at the Municipal Corporation office, decrying that rooms were locked to block their entry. AAP denied wrongdoing, insisting the voting process was lawful and transparent.

Delhi’s upcoming 5 Feb Assembly polls have cast the spotlight on Sikh and Purvanchali (eastern Utter Pradesh) migrant voters, who hold decisive sway in key constituencies such as Tilak Nagar, Rajouri Garden, and Gandhi Nagar. In areas heavily populated by Sikhs, residents lament long-neglected civic concerns—from waterlogging and garbage to unresolved legal rights for 1984 Sikh genocide survivors—while expressing mixed feelings about both Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Many remain skeptical of the Indian National Congress (INC) too, citing abandoned promises. Arvinder Singh Lovely, formerly of INC and now contesting under the BJP banner, insists Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands Sikh sentiments best, while accusing Rahul Gandhi of alienating the community. Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, having severed ties with the BJP, label both AAP and BJP as ‘evils,’ and vow to oppose Manjinder Singh Sirsa in Rajouri Garden. Meanwhile, chaos erupted when AAP alleged a Delhi police ‘raid’ on Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s residence at Kapurthala House. Police and Election Commission of India (ECI) officials clarified they were simply probing a complaint lodged on the ECI portal. Mann claimed thorough searches of personal belongings. Soon after, a vehicle allegedly bearing a forged Panjab government plate was seized by a Delhi Flying Squad, containing unaccounted cash, liquor, and AAP pamphlets. The Panjab administration denied owning the car. BJP leaders called the seizure proof of wrongdoing, while AAP dismissed it as a ‘bogus stunt.’ In these elections, though various political parties promise targeted sops, many voters remain disillusioned, citing poor infrastructure, limited employment, and cynical ‘vote-buying’ tactics. As polling day nears, observers say the sentiments of disaffected Sikh and Purvanchali residents, controversies and questionable campaign practices could shape electoral outcomes.

Akal Takht (Eternal Throne; AT) Jathedar (leader) Giani Raghbir Singh condemned the Haryana government for repeatedly granting parole to Dera (sect) Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, calling it unjust given Sikh prisoners are languishing in jails despite completing sentences (read more). On this parole, Ram Rahim, serving 20 years for rape, was allowed to stay at his Sirsa headquarters ahead of the 5 Feb Delhi polls, provoking fears from former Panjab police Inspector General Ranbir Singh Khatra that he could influence witnesses in pivotal 2015 sacrilege and 2017 Maur blast cases. Security around the Sirsa headquarters has intensified, with multiple checkpoints and restricted access for devotees. Meanwhile, Damdami Taksal (Sikh seminary) chief Harnam Singh Dhumma triggered another controversy by participating in Hindu rituals including taking a holy dip in river Ganges at the Hindu religious Maha KumbhMela (huge gathering, MKM). This drew criticism from Sikh leaders who say such actions dilute Sikh distinctiveness. Dhuma had earlier expressed support for the Bharatiya Janata Party during the recent Maharashtra elections. Meanwhile, a stampede occurred at the MKM on 29 Jan new moon night, claiming dozens of lives when devotees surged toward ‘sacred’ river waters. Opposition parties said the event was mismanaged and demanded accountability. Reports later surfaced about two additional stampedes the same night, with critics saying the real death toll has been concealed. Some victims’ relatives blamed the administration for insufficient crowd controls and ‘VIP culture’ that restricted certain areas, causing bottlenecks. A Hindu godman Dhirendra Shastri claimed, ‘Those who have died at the Kumbh have attained moksha (salvation).’ Questions have arisen about repeated tragedies at large-scale religious events, including inadequate preparation, inadequate official acknowledgment of death toll, and the prioritization of high-profile attendees over public safety.

Panjab is in the throes of an agricultural crisis, with at least 31 arhtiyas (commission agents) and countless farmers entangled in delayed payments, price crashes, and shifting state policies. A cybercrime probe into a suspected Minimum Support Price (MSP) fraud has frozen nearly USD 501K in commissions and expenses, leaving both procurement agencies and arhtiyas uncertain. Investigators alleged manipulation in the Anaaj Kharid (buy grains) portal diverted MSP funds to unauthorized bank accounts, prompting the Punjab Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department to demand verification of MSP recipients. Meanwhile, Panjab is trying to reignite cotton cultivation via a Union government scheme that offers USD 80 per acre for planting anything but paddy, aiming to curb water-thirsty rice and strengthen underperforming crops like maize and cotton. Officials worry the area under paddy, which hit a record 3.2M hectares last season, may remain high unless alternative incentives materialize fast. However, some farmers criticize delayed or lapsed Union government grants, recalling USD 35.1M that went unused last year. In cotton, India’s new five-year mission for higher yields has drawn skepticism in Panjab, where area under the crop has plummeted. Growers claim government pledges—like Modi’s 5 F ‘farmer to fibre to factor to fashion to foreign’ promise—have not stabilized prices or facilitated exports. Adding to the turmoil, cauliflower and cabbage farmers face a glut, fetching as low as INR 1-2 per kg, causing many to destroy crops outright. Although horticulture officials promise cold storage solutions and a push for food processing, cultivators argue that better planning, market linkages, and MSP-based safety nets are essential. With some farmers shifting to more lucrative or assured schemes and others drowning in debt, the pressing need for comprehensive policy changes remains urgent, as time is running out before another sowing cycle begins.

World Wetlands Day on 2 Feb highlighted the importance of wetlands, crucial for migratory birds and biodiversity, being under threat despite being integral to climate change mitigation. The Panjab government’s own bird census data reveals a steep decline in migratory bird populations—over 13.7% fewer birds visited six protected wetland areas in 2023-24 than the previous year (read more). Major wetlands in Panjab include Harike, Kanjli, Ropar, Nangal, Beas Conservation Reserve, and Ranjit Sagar, all designated Wetland Sites. Experts blame industrial waste, pesticide runoff, illegal sand mining, and climate shifts for degrading habitats. Harike, for instance, suffers from polluted waters from the river Satluj, whereas the river Beas remains relatively cleaner. Wetlands’ ecological significance is that they serve as carbon sinks and flood control systems. Marking World Wetlands Day, environmentalists at Harike Pattan held a Beda Yatra (boat ride) and nature walks to raise awareness. Harike, covering 41K hectares along the Satluj-Beas confluence, hosts endangered Indus River dolphins in the Beas and attracts migratory birds like Siberian cranes and northern shovelers. Non-governmental organizations Bhoomitra and the Public Action Committee (PAC) have organized these events annually since 2023 to promote eco-friendly activities, such as bird-watching and campaigns to reduce untreated sewage entering the Satluj. Activists cited the disastrous 2018 molasses leak in the Beas, which drastically reduced fishes in the river. Many attendees support fostering sustainable ecotourism, including campsites and bicycle paths to protect the wetland’s flora and fauna while providing economic incentives for locals. Environmentalists urge stricter regulation of polluters, public engagement, and scientific studies to restore fish populations and ensure safe drinking water. They also see potential for harnessing movements like Kale Pani Da Morcha (Black Waters Front) for a campaign confronting toxic water issues affecting Panjab and Rajasthan (read more).