Khalistan government in exile?

At the time of writing, two Air India flights had to make emergency landings after receiving bomb threats. Of late, emails have been coming out from the US of threats of bomb blasts in Air India flights. Many geopolitical observers propose that these disturbances are closely related to the killing of two Khalistani supporters/militants in Canada recently. It is alleged that their killings were masterminded by Indian intelligence, orders of which were coming directly from the Modi Government and executed by Indian gangs.

For the uninitiated, there is a significant Sikh diaspora in Canada. After the traumatic tearing up of the State of Punjab during Partition in 1947, Indian Punjab became one of the most prosperous States, becoming one of the biggest contributors to the Indian coffers.

Then came Bhindrawale of the Akali Dal Party, who stored arms in the Golden Temple. Operation Blue Star happened then. The 'desecration' of the temple by the Indian Army snowballed into the assassination of Indian PM Ieeriendra Gandhi and the Sikh extremists demanding an independent state for Sikhs, Khalistan. Many of the extremists who went on an armed offensive escaped to Canada when the long arms of Indian Law caught up with them. They clandestinely continued their subversive activities from Canadian shores, adapting nicely to their newfound landscape of liberty, personal freedom and the strength of the Canadian dollar.

Around the same time, Pakistan began exporting its terrorist activities. A weak Indian Punjab would make easy prey for Pakistan to walk over and spread their dominance, or so they thought. They provided easy access to drugs and moral support for separatism.

Over the years, the radical Sikhs in Canada have started playing a pivotal role in Canadian politics. As Justin Treadeau's party lost support, Jasmeet and his National Democratic Party, which has an enormous Sikh following, were to hold Justin's Liberal Party by the jugular. It just may be vote bank politics.

Trouble has been slowly brewing over the years between India and Canada. On the Indian side, Canada was accused of taking sides on Indian domestic issues, like the Farmers' Protest. India looks at the Khalistani movement as a separatist group that Canada seems to protect, accusing it of harbouring terrorists, just like Pakistan. Canada feels it is just doing what a sovereign country would do: protecting its own citizens. So, as it is, both parties are beginning to call back their respective embassies and refuse the issuance of visas.

Interestingly, the threat to blow up Air India flights did happen once before and led to the biggest aviation mishap before the Twin Towers 9/11 disaster. In 1985, on 23rd June, an Air India plane flight #182, christened Kanishka after a great king of the Kushan Dynasty of ancient India, exploded mid-air off the coast of Ireland as it was flying from Toronto to London en route to New Delhi, killing instantaneously 307 passengers and 23 crew members. There were 268 Canadian citizens, mostly of Indian origin, going home for summer vacation, and 24 were Indians. This plane blast was the biggest Canadian aviation disaster. Murphy's Law was in full force here. A Royal Commission, which was convened, determined that a series of errors happened. The government of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Services (CSIS) all failed to protect their citizens. Even though the authorities were scrutinising the terrorist group Khalsa Babar and police informants had forewarned them of a planned Air India bomb blast, all that for embroiled in bureaucracy. 

Even though there was heightened alert about the possible bombing on an Air India flight, Toronto's baggage X-ray facilities malfunctioned, and the staff bungled up with manual scrutiny for bombs.

In fact, on the faithful day, two unattended baggage with bomb devices were registered to travel (without their passengers who did not board the vessel for obvious reasons) from Vancouver to Toronto on Canadian Pacific Airlines. From Toronto, one baggage was supposed to leave for Narita and finally to India via Air India plane. Because of confusion in correcting for daylight saving measurement, the bomb exploded prematurely in Narita, killing two baggage handlers. The other bomb exploded before reaching London Heathrow, perhaps the intended target because the flight was delayed by an hour. 

There is an eerie coincidence between the 1985 threat of Air India bombing and the loss of sovereignty over what the radicals perceive as the greater Punjab. If, in 1984, the Golden Temple was allegedly trampled, then would they view Haryana's loss to the BJP in the state elections as a further dent to their ambition to realise the dream of Khalistan?

In 1981, Indira Gandhi requested Pierre Trudeau for the extradition of some Khalistani terrorists wanted for crimes in India, which was turned down. Now, in 2024, history seems to be repeating itself. Many Khalistani gangsters are wanted in India, and they find safe haven in Canada.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Like bees drawn to nectar!

Jatt vs IELTS (Punjabi; 2018)
Director: Devi Dutt

It is a problem in most developing countries. The generation around the country's independence bent over backwards to provide for the family. They felt contented to be self-sufficient and to ensure their offspring were not deprived of the things they missed. With the advent of widespread dissemination of information and systemic glorification of modern living, the youngsters just turned out pompous and sluggards.

This is a universal problem experienced by societies in upcoming post-independent Asian nations. The younger generation cannot wait to buzz off from their birth country. They feel they can only find their true potential away from the toxic environments enveloping their nations. The West, it seems, gave them the validation and liberation they needed. 

Modern education provides equal opportunities for all. The end result of this is women performing way better in all academic indices. 

About twenty years ago, it seems the state of Punjab was the most prominent food supplier to the rest of the country. It also used to be the biggest revenue earner in terms of taxes. All over the years, its position has undergone a significant slide. Social problems have grown. Alcoholism and drug addiction amongst the young has skyrocketed. Punjab blames Pakistan for the maleficent dropping of dope over the border via air balloons and drones.

Komatagaru Maru

Reports of young Punjabis smuggled across the European borders are no secret. News of them being made to work in slave-like conditions in Italian vineyards and Portugal is nothing new. Canada has been a hotbed for Punjabi immigration since the late 1800s, amidst much hostility. Canadian hostile stance against Asian migration of the 20th century and The Komagata Maru incident in 1914 when Punjabis were refused disembarkation and were turned away still stays fresh in everyone's mind. 

These days, with the friendly attitude shown by Trudeau and his government, it seems that every Punjabi harbours a secret dream to be a Canadian citizen. For that, applicants need to score well on an English proficiency test named International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

This movie combines all of the above to depict the sad state of affairs in a light comedy. The main character, Jassi, is a wealthy farmer's 'good for nothing' son who spends all his time gallivanting here and there on his motorbike. He abhors the idea of continuing his father's occupation. Much to the chagrin of his father, Jaggi wants to complete his IELTS exams and migrate to Canada. The problem is that he is not the sharpest tool in the box. He learns of the idea of marrying a girl who had got a visa to Canada and joining her later with a spousal visa. The plan backfires when the wife remarries in Canada.

One would expect the film to end with the protagonist having a realisation to stay back in Punjab, develop some kind of patriotism and resolve to be a farmer. But, no. He still manages to go to Canada, albeit by other means! 

(P.S. On a side note, Trudeau's government tried to win the Punjabi hearts by apologising for the Komatgaru Maru debacle, having many Sikh ministers in key cabinet positions and expressing their undivided support in the recent farmers protest. Now the tables are turned around. Truck drivers, many of whom were of Punjabi descent, have started protesting against the country's Covid mandate and brought Ottawa to a standstill. Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, is said to have been taken away for protective custody!)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Follow

Everywhere you lay your hat...

The Indian Detective (Canadian Miniseries, in Hindi and English; 2017)
Netflix (Season 1, E1-E4)

The 1950s were important in world politics. The Second World War was over, but the world, never learning from its past mistakes, was building another. The world was divided into two, those subscribing to capitalism or communism. The Cold War was brewing. The newly independent nations, the Third World, was up for grabs. In that environment, in 1955, a few countries got together in Bandung, to assert that they were not aligned to either side of the fence. The Americans, however, viewed it as the ranting of the newly-independent third world states with a slight socialistic stance as they were not invited but China was.

One of the prescient thing that the then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai had said was that the Chinese residing in different countries should show their allegiance, not to China, but to the countries they are residing. 

That too must be applicable to the Indian diaspora which is spread the world over. Driven to the four corners of the mainly for economic reasons and the colonial masters' labour needs, they had 5easily embraced into the cultures of the newfound motherlands. In some cases, they had even cut their umbilical cord off the country of their forefathers. They may be Indian on the outside or by name. The connection to Mother India ends there.

Generation elapsed. Indianness became diluted. The head-boobing went the same way as the subservient nature of their ancestors. For them, their grandfather's guest country became their motherland. They shared fond memories, their childhood, experienced pain and joy and shed a tear or two when their nation was under attack. So to accuse them of showing more loyalty to India rather than their country of birth is mischief or not inciteful.

This Canadian production is a mediocre one. The story is quite predictable and paints India in the same brush as most Hollywood movies. We are all bored with the stereotyping of a corrupt police force, abuse of power by officials, of arranged marriages and a dirty and polluted India.

The drawing force to this flick must have been Russell Peters and  Anupam Kher. Even they could not save the film. The acting is unnatural and forced. The dialogue is cheesy and the storyline implausible. William Shatner guests as a baddie but he remains a pale shadow of Captain Kirk. He does not explore any facial expressions beyond the emotionless and bland facies that he puts up in most scenes. The producers put up a cliffhanger at the end of Episode 4 but, obviously, the miniseries did not garner such a following to demand another season. 

Just for the record, the story is about a bumbling constable who is suspended for a month for bungling up with a drug bust (or was he?). He is forced to visit his 'ailing' father (Anupam Kher) in Mumbai. Here he gets entangled with an Indian mob and a social worker cum lawyer. See how this Mumbai gang is intertwined with his Canadian case and how the detective (Russell Peters) comes out smelling of roses. 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Gaze in Wonder

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Amdavadis4Ever/info

Gaze in Wonder at These Amazing Photos of North America!

Thanks chiefly to the USA, it seems that every day the world's eyes are fixed on North America more than any other continent. Yet relatively little is said about the stunning natural beauty of the region, instead we focus on its economics, politics, and culture. Therefore, it is high time we celebrated the outstanding physical glories of North America, which we can do with these wonderful photos captured by Guido Diana during a recent photographic tour. Here are 35 of Guido's favourite pictures taken during a three-month trip that covered everywhere from the Canadian Rockies and the Golden Gate Bridge to the Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty.

1. Cypress Tree Tunnel, California

This famous spot is found a mere hour away from San Francisco. The sunrise on a clear day will take your breath away.

2. Athabasca Falls, Canada

This location is a well-known spot for selfies. Yet, I must say, that I would never dare to step so close to the precipice, however beautiful it is.

3. Emerald Lake, Canada

Emerald Lake is so stunning it begs belief. I really wish I could live in that amazing lodge too!


4. Peyto Lake, Canada

Guido was camping during this trip. You can imagine how cold he felt this morning, yet he says the awesome view warmed his spirit up no end.


5. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

This celebrated lion-head formation once featured as a National Geographic front cover.


6. Courthouse Mountain, Colorado

Just gape in awe at how yellow those numerous aspen trees are during fall! This is one beautiful spot!


7. Glacier Point Yosemite, California

What a drop! And incredible scenery to boot.


8. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

The horseshoe bend has never looked more menacing than here when a big storm threatened the famous American wonder.


9. Bow River, Canada

This train ride takes in some spellbinding Canadian scenery. A perfect journey for a weary and cold traveller.


10. Athabasca Glacier, Canada

The ice in this ice cave is so blue it's unreal!


11. The Subway, Utah

Guido had to climb rocks for five hours to reach this location, which he claims is one of the most amazing places he's ever seen.


12. Lake Louise, Canada

To get this perfect shot, Guido was forced to patiently wait for four days before the mist finally cleared.


13. Mount Sneffels, Colorado

For this sublime sunrise, Guido camped at the foot of the mountain for a good three days.


14. Last Dollar Road, Colorado

The Last Dollar Road is one of those places you have to be very lucky to actually go to see in person.


15. The Narrows, Utah

A waist-deep hike is said to be required to reach the Narrows. If you do so, bring the right clothing!


16. Mesa Arch, Utah

Though it looks serenely calm here, Guido was with around 20 other keen photographers, itching to capture a shot from this celebrated arch.


17. Patricia Lake, Canada

In this beautiful image, you can just about make out a pair of German fisherman venturing into the lake.


18. Bryce Canyon, Utah

Guido says that this photo was very troublesome to arrange due to ice-cold winds that rocked his tripod to and fro.


19. Capital Peak, Colorado

Those yellow aspen trees again. They add so much warmth to this extraordinary landscape.


20. Elk, Canada

I'd love to be lucky enough to come so close with such a beautiful native beast.


21. The Boss, Canada

This individual bear is said to have fathered 80% of all the cubs in the neighbourhood.


22. The Golden Gate Bridge, California

No tour of America would be complete without driving over, and stepping back to appreciate, this modern man-made wonder.


23. Secret Canyon, Arizona

This bend is even larger than the Horseshoe Bend. At night the stars light it up magnificently.


24. The Subway, Utah

From this angle, it's even clearer why the Subway reminds so many people of a natural (and much more beautiful) equivalent of the modern transport system.


25. Manhattan, New York City

On Guido's first day in America, September 11th, 2016, he was present to witness a touching yet defiant light beam tribute to the city's fallen victims of 2001.


26. Mount Sneffels, Colorado

This image is a composite of 100-star pictures.


27. Pyramid Mountain, Canada

Jasper National Park is one of many incredible parks found in the gorgeous nation of Canada.


28. San Juan Mountain Range, Colorado

During sunrise one morning, Guido was blown away by the colourful landscape that surrounded him in Colorado.


29. Mobius Arch, California

The bright lights of LA seem a million miles away beneath Mobius Arch. All the better to see such a splendid night sky.


30. Maroon Bells, Colorado

A true fairytale scene can be found here in Maroon Bells. Guido says that he was far from alone though, with 150 photographers for company.


31. Patricia Lake, Canada

When the world is this beautiful, it knows the best thing it can do is duplicate itself.


32. Statue of Liberty, New York City

Job well done, smoking 'em out of their foxholes?

Job well done smoking 'em out of their foxholes? 

Wow, I just realised that my friends are getting just as twisted as me. I guess that is why they say that friends with the same mental illness flock together. When a naturalised Sikh Canadian gets elevated to the rank of Minister of Defence, normally the whole world would sing praises of equality, of globalisation and acceptance of multiculturalism. That the world is everyone's oyster and all one has to do is show allegiance to a flag, bravery and the zest to fight for the Truth against the tyranny of Evil forces. There are two forces in this world, the Good and Evil. The Evil one is hellbent on crushing something good that the rest of the world (i.e. Good) is trying to propagate.

But, no! My friend looks at it as a betrayal to Sikh community.

The Sikhs have always had a special place in the heart of the people of the world. Before the Partition, Sikhs were the minority in the state of Punjab, overpowered in numbers by the Hindus and Muslims. But still, in Malaysia and most parts of the world, people are under the impression that Punjabis and Sikhs are one. That is speaking much of the charisma of the Sikhs.

At one time, the Malaysian wing of the Standard Chartered Bank used a Sikh security guard as their icon to denote their mammoth structure, steadfastness, strength and cordiality. Some time ago, I saw a public service announcement from India. A young demure girl walks along a deserted street in Chennai. She notices a few mean looking good-for-nothing punks on dirt bikes looking lustfully at this maiden. Thinking of the worst, with many unsavoury scenes of Kollywood and Bollywood flashing through her mind, she hastens her pace. She lets a sigh of relief when she sees another biker in front of her. The silhouette of the burly chap with a turban gives her hope. Hope that she has found a dependable soul to rest her woes. The motorcycle trotting punks, upon seeing their nemesis scoots off in no time.

Turbaned Tornado

So, the rest of the community looked at the Sikhs with awe, respect and confidence. What more, they, a small community, have done well. A Sikh in any part of the world is instantly recognised. These qualities must have used by the learned minister to garner accolades in the army. His CV includes the ability to infiltrate enemy territories to garner vital information to turn the outcome of the Gulf War to the side of self-proclaimed Protectors of the world.

Now, the trust is gone. He has put his whole community in danger. Until now, the Sikhs have not been targets of terrorist activities. Dumb actions by naive Americans who mistook Sikhs as Taliban do not count. The frustrated fundamentalists would now have another area to create mayhem. After all, it would mean to them that the Sikhs had turned over to the 'Other Side'!

Just food for thought...