Buffer zone ordered to stem protests expected over 'consular camps' at Vancouver Sikh temple

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has issued an order to establish a buffer zone around Vancouver's biggest Sikh temple this Saturday to prevent anticipated confrontations between protesters and Indian consulate officials.

Leaders of the Ross Street Gurdwara sought a preemptive injunction ahead of two "consular camps" planned for Nov. 2 and Nov. 16, amid tensions between Canada and India over allegations the Indian government has been complicit in widespread violence within Canadian borders.

The camps — which happen every year — are described in court documents as a way for "seniors of Indian descent to complete administrative tasks with the Government of India, primarily in relation to their pensions, without the need for attending in person at the Indian consulate."

Temple leaders say they expect "intense protest" against the event this year in light of recent allegations by the RCMP that Indian consular officials have been involved in illegal and violent activities in Canada.

"The current climate is one of tension between pro-Khalistani supporters and the Indian government, and they are opposed to all manifestations of the Indian government, including in Canada," said Scott Turner, the lawyer for the Ross Street Gurdwara leadership.

"We think that's inappropriate and people need consular services and we're trying to assist people in accessing consular services — full stop."

Increasing tensions

The injunction comes weeks after representatives of Surrey's Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara called for the closing of Indian consulates following the expulsion of six Indian diplomats because of their alleged involvement in criminal activity.

The Canadian government claims India is behind a series of attacks on people involved in a movement advocating for an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan.

Authorities have linked India's government to the 2023 killing of the Surrey temple's leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and, earlier this month, the RCMP alleged India's involvement in homicide and extortion — all of which India denies.

Owned and operated by the Khalsa Diwan Society, the Ross Street Gurdwara is one of the largest places of Sikh worship in British Columbia, occupying nearly half a city block.

Justice Miriam Gropper's Thursday order applies from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 and Nov. 16.

The ruling creates a 60-metre buffer zone around the gurdwara, and prohibits protesters from engaging in sidewalk interference or protesting, or interfering with or "intimidating or attempting to intimidate" anyone trying to access the building.

The order can be enforced by police.

A 'decoy plan'

In arguments to secure the buffer zone, the Khalsa Diwan Society said tensions over the presence of Indian consulate staff in gurdwaras have risen to a boiling point.

The society pointed to last year's consular camps, during which about 100 protesters showed up, placed flags and banners on sidewalks, attempted to block the entrance and sidewalks and were "[vocally] and emotionally charged throughout the day," according to court documents. 

"The [Vancouver police] officers note in their [2023] reports ... that a 'decoy plan' was required to escort Indian Consulate staff out of the Ross Street Gurdwara, from a side door, out of sight of any protesters, to prevent confrontations," a petition to the court reads.

"Protesters refused to believe that Indian consulate staff had left the Ross Street Gurdwara. Ultimately, protesters were brought into the ... gurdwara by officers to confirm that the Indian consulate staff were no longer present. The protesters then began to pack up and leave."

The court documents say weekends are typically busy at the Ross Street temple, and the building is expected to be packed this weekend for Diwali celebrations.

"The society has been advised by the VPD that the VPD expects protests and intends to deploy significant resources for crowd and protest control for the events," the petition reads.

In a statement to CBC, VPD Sgt. Steve Addison said the department supports the right of the public to "assemble and to express themselves lawfully."

"Staff from our Emergency Operations and Planning Section are working with leadership from the Ross Street temple to address their specific concerns, and we have plans in place to respond should a protest or gathering occur," Addison said.

"Generally, we do not share specific information or intelligence related to protests — including the number of people who may attend a protest."