There has been deep concerns following the assault on RED FM Calgary’s news director, Rishi Nagar, by two individuals in Calgary, Canada, on Sunday.
The incident, which took place on 29 September at 3.00 pm outside the Rio Banquet Hall, is seen as part of a worrying trend of attacks on journalists, particularly those covering sensitive topics such as Khalistani violence and Punjabi gang related extrortions in Canada.
Nagar, who sustained head injuries in the attack has said that he will not be silenced.
A former senator of the University of Calgary and a former member of the Calgary Police Service’s Anti-Racism Action Committee, Nagar is well-known and respected for his contributions to the South Asian community in Calgary.
Shiv Majumdar, Conservative Member of Parliament for Calgary Heritage, has condemned the attack and said that this kind of violence has been on the rise under Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh.
CoHNA Canada condemned the attack on Ngaar and pointed that this assault is not an isolated event but part of a pattern of violence targeting media professionals.
The organisation has emphasised that this attack is not only a personal assault but an attack on the freedom of the press in Canada, calling it “a deeply troubling incident in a democratic country.”
They have urged the Calgary Police and RCMP to take swift action against the perpetrators and ensure the safety of journalists across the country.
Violence against journalists in Canada, particularly those reporting on Khalistani-related issues, has been escalating.
According to CoHNA, this long history of violence against journalists reporting on Khalistani issues stretches back to the 1980s. One notable case is that of Tara Singh Hayer, who survived a bomb attack in 1986, only to be murdered in 1998 after two more assassination attempts.
Other journalists, such as CBC’s Terry Milewski, have faced repeated death threats for their reports on events like the Kanishka bombings. Some recent incidents include:
- March 2023: AM600 Sher E Punjab Radio journalist, Sameer Kaushal, was assaulted in Surrey after covering a Khalistani protest.
- February 2022: A Brampton radio host was attacked in his studio after criticising violence linked to the Khalistan movement.
- August 2021: Joti Singh Mann, a Punjabi radio host, was viciously attacked with axes and a machete.
- October 2009: Jagdish Grewal, publisher of a Punjabi-language newspaper, was assaulted and held at gunpoint for publishing anti-Khalistan content.
- Death threats have been issued to investigative journalists like Mocha Bezirgan for their coverage of these protests.
CoHNA and other organisations have voiced frustration over the lack of significant action from law enforcement to protect journalists and prosecute perpetrators.
In several cases, such as the murder of Tara Singh Hayer, no charges were filed. Sameer Kaushal was reportedly told by police to leave for his safety, as protection could not be guaranteed.
The assault on Nagar is now under police investigation. Calgary Police have confirmed they are seeking two suspects and reviewing video footage of the incident.
Staff Sgt. John Guigon has described the attack as “particularly troubling” due to its impact on press freedom. He assured the public that resources are being allocated to the investigation.
Political commentator Duane Bratt described the attack as “an attack on freedom of the press,” urging people to focus on the issue at hand and not let political rhetoric obscure the severity of the crime.
This incident has further intensified calls for law enforcement to act decisively to protect journalists and uphold press freedom. CoHNA, alongside other advocacy groups, hopes that the authorities will send a strong message to extremists that such violence will not be tolerated. In closing, CoHNA expressed relief that Nagar’s injuries were not life-threatening, but warned: “Will the next target be as lucky?”
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