Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic party (NDP), has called for a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization linked to the ruling bharatiya janata party (BJP) in India. Singh has expressed concern over the RSS’s influence in canada, claiming that it fosters violence, hate, and extremism. 

His demands also include imposing severe sanctions on indian diplomats, citing interference in Canadian politics and the alleged involvement of indian authorities in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in british Columbia.

Singh's call reflects growing tensions between canada and india, especially following Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations linking india to Nijjar's death. The ongoing diplomatic dispute has seen both countries expel diplomats, and Singh’s strong stance is likely to escalate matters further. By pushing for such measures, Singh is addressing the concerns of the Sikh diaspora in canada, particularly in british Columbia, where a significant population has long-standing political and cultural grievances with the indian government, especially over issues like Khalistan, a movement seeking a separate Sikh state.

While Singh’s call has garnered support from some Sikh communities, it has also faced criticism from those who argue that banning a foreign organization like the RSS may strain diplomatic relations further.

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