Jenifer Rajkumar, the inaugural Punjabi-American elected to a New York state office, recently attended the Sikh Day Parade as a Guest of Honour, where she celebrated the Sikh community's rich heritage and values of equality, unity, and compassion. However, her post-parade photo shared online ignited controversy when eagle-eyed observers noticed Khalistani flags in the background.
The Sikh Day Parade, also known as Khalsa Day or Vaisakhi, holds significance as it marks the Sikh New Year and is a vibrant celebration of Sikh culture and identity.
In her post-event reflections, Rajkumar expressed her pride in participating, emphasizing the positive contributions of the Sikh community to New York City's diverse fabric. However, the presence of Khalistani flags in the background of one of her shared photos prompted swift backlash online.
Critics pointed to the history of Khalistani separatist violence, particularly the tragic Air India Flight 182 bombing in 1985, which claimed the lives of 329 individuals, predominantly Canadians. This terrorist attack, orchestrated by Khalistani extremists, remains one of Canada's most devastating incidents.
Voices online condemned Rajkumar for allegedly associating with groups linked to terrorism and expressed disappointment, particularly among Hindu communities, citing atrocities committed against Hindu minorities in Punjab by Khalistani separatists.
Amidst this controversy, Rajkumar's situation mirrors broader tensions around the issue of Khalistan, evidenced by recent pro-Khalistan slogans raised at an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Toronto. Despite reassurances of support for the Sikh community's rights and freedoms, the presence of Khalistani symbols continues to spark debate and division.
