Khalistani terror groups to face crackdown as Canada passes Combatting Hate Act

(File photo)

In a significant move, Canada’s House of Commons passed the Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9), marking a major victory for the Indo-Canadian community that has long sought action against the glorification of Khalistani extremism and attacks on places of worship, according to a report by CNN-News18.

The new law introduces criminal penalties for the public display of symbols linked to listed terrorist organisations and for acts that promote hatred against identifiable groups.

This includes outfits such as Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), both designated as terrorist entities under Canada’s Criminal Code, according to CNN-News18.

The legislation directly targets practices such as the display of Babbar Khalsa flags and the glorification of individuals linked to terror incidents, including the 1985 Air India bombing that killed 329 people, most of them Indo-Canadians.

A key provision of the law creates specific offences for intimidating or obstructing access to religious and cultural institutions, as well as schools primarily used by identifiable communities.

This act also addresses a pattern of vandalism, protests and threats targeting gurdwaras, Hindu temples and community centres — incidents that Indo-Canadians have repeatedly flagged as a serious concern.

By tightening rules around hate-motivated conduct and terrorist symbolism, the law is seen as a response to India’s long-standing concerns that Canada has served as a safe haven for Khalistani extremists. The move could also help ease diplomatic tensions that have persisted since assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar back in 2023, News18 reported.