Unveiling the Violent Underbelly: Mocha Bezirgan's Brush with Khalistani Extremists in Vancouver
"Canada-based journalist says assaulted by Khalistani supporters at Vancouver rally celebrating Indira Gandhi's assassins' associates, criticizing Indian Prime Minister Modi's politics"
Mocha Bezirgan, a tenacious Canadian investigative journalist, recounts his harrowing encounter with Khalistani supporters at a rally in Vancouver. The assembly, ostensibly arranged to pay tribute to those they call "martyrs," became a hotbed of violence and intimidation.
The Eye of the Storm
In a series of social media posts, Bezirgan shared his unsettling experience, detailing how he was swarmed and physically attacked by multiple Khalistanis. In a trembling voice, he wrote, "I am still shaking... I was subjected to threats, violence, and my phone was snatched during the ordeal."
A Tale of Harassment and Intimidation
Bezirgan, who has previously reported on Khalistan-related events across the UK, US, and New Zealand, claims that his independent journalistic stance frustrates extremist factions. "They try to manipulate me, even buy me," he alleges, implicating the individual who physically assaulted him as a notorious cyberbully, hailing from the UK.
The Police Intervention
During the chaotic scene, Bezirgan managed to record the event with his phone. One aggressive individual approached him, prompting the journalist to film the situation. "The moment I started recording, they turned their faces away, but one kept closing in and eventually stole my phone," he recalls. Local authorities intervened on the scene, instructing the attacker to cease his behavior. Previous complaints have been lodged against the same individual by Bezirgan, still with no decisive action taken.
The Rally's Organizers: Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)
Bezirgan identified SFJ as the primary organizers of the rally, pointing out the recurring presence of the same faces at events in Ontario, BC, the US, and even New Zealand. Although local Gurudwaras aid in mobilization, Bezirgan highlights the powerful political bodies such as the World Sikh Organization, which he believes provides "political cover."
The Dark Heart of the Matter
Events like these often slip under the radar, despite promoting extremist ideologies. According to Bezirgan, these gatherings openly discuss "killing the politics" of Indian PM Narendra Modi and even speak of "ambushing" him at the upcoming G7 event in Alberta.
A Question of Morality
One of the most disturbing aspects of the incident, according to Bezirgan, is the extremist rhetoric culture. "They glorify the assassins of Indira Gandhi as their ancestors," he says, adding, "At the rally, they referred to themselves as the descendants of those killers."
Suicide Bombers and 'Martyrdom'
Among those honored at the event were two young girls-Bibi Satnam Kaur and Bibi Waheguru Kaur-reportedly used as suicide bombers against Indian Army tanks. According to Bezirgan, the inclusion of these individuals as "martyrs" raises concerns over the radical messaging being propagated at such gatherings.
The Bitter Taste of Canada-India Relations
Amid the complexities of the Canada-India relationship, particularly around the issue of Khalistani separatism, Bezirgan cautions against overlooking the burgeoning underground extremist sentiment. "Because of the tensions between Canada and India, this is a highly political subject-but we are disregarding what's happening underground," he says.
As PM Narendra Modi confirms his attendance at the G7 Summit in Canada after an invitation from newly elected Canada PM Mark Carney, concerns linger regarding the safety and rights of journalists like Mocha Bezirgan who dare to report on these sensitive matters.
(With inputs from ANI)
- Despite the incident occurring at a rally organized by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), mainstream general news outlets seem to have overlooked the escalating violence and extremist rhetoric in theDefi and finance sectors, as well as in the political landscape.
- Mocha Bezirgan's brush with Khalistani extremists in Vancouver has highlighted a deeper concern: the growing prevalence of radical ideologies in the market of news and information, where even so-called 'martyrs' like Bibi Satnam Kaur and Bibi Waheguru Kaur, who reportedly killed themselves in suicide bombings, are glorified and referred to as ancestors.
- The ongoing harassment and intimidation faced by independent journalists like Bezirgan in the field of crime and justice raises questions about the role of political entities such as the World Sikh Organization, which may be providing 'political cover' for extremist factions looking to manipulate and suppress free speech in the world of finance, politics, and general news.
