In 2021, Harjit Sajjan, then Canada's Minister of National Defence, was reported to have instructed the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to prioritize the rescue of 225 Afghan Sikhs during the chaotic evacuation following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. This directive allegedly allocated resources meant for Canadian citizens and those linked to Canada to assist Afghan Sikhs, which reportedly affected the evacuation priorities.
### Background and Allegations:
- **Context**: As the US and allied forces rapidly withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, the situation at Kabul airport became increasingly chaotic and dangerous, with numerous groups, including Canadian citizens and Afghan allies, seeking evacuation.
- **Reports**: According to a report by The Globe and Mail, Sajjan intervened to prioritize the evacuation of Afghan Sikhs over other evacuees, including Canadian citizens and those affiliated with Canada.
- **Military Sources**: The report cited unnamed Canadian military officials who claimed that the CAF had not initially prioritized Afghan Sikhs until Sajjan's directive, which led to significant frustration and anger among the military leadership. They alleged that the last 24 hours of evacuation efforts were focused on rescuing the Afghan Sikhs, ultimately unsuccessfully.
### Harjit Sajjan's Response:
- **Denial of Claims**: Sajjan denied these allegations, stating that he did not order the CAF to prioritize Afghan Sikhs. He explained that he merely relayed information provided by a Canadian Sikh group to the CAF through the appropriate channels, to be used as deemed fit by the operational command in Afghanistan.
- **Clarification**: In a statement to CBC, Sajjan emphasized that his role was to pass on the information about the Afghan Sikhs' locations and status to help in their evacuation if possible, without instructing the CAF to prioritize them over others.
### Public and Media Reaction:
- **Outrage**: The report led to significant public backlash against Sajjan, with accusations of prioritizing individuals based on ethnic and religious backgrounds over Canadian citizens. Some commentators called for serious repercussions, including charges of treason.
- **Political Fallout**: The controversy has reignited debates about Sajjan's role and decisions during his tenure as Defence Minister. The issue has further complicated his public image, especially in light of his previous contentious visits to India and accusations of being a "Khalistani sympathizer."
### Current Position:
- **Minister of Emergency Preparedness**: Harjit Sajjan currently serves as Canada's Minister of Emergency Preparedness. The recent allegations have placed additional scrutiny on his current and past roles within the Canadian government.
This situation underscores the complexities and high-stakes decisions faced by government officials during crisis situations. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing national priorities with humanitarian considerations in international contexts.
