Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A concert by Punjabi global icon Diljit Dosanjh in Vancouver was disrupted on the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2026, by pro-Khalistan supporters. The incident occurred during the Vancouver leg of his “Aura World Tour,” which kicked off that night at BC Place stadium.
Reports indicate that a group of individuals waved Khalistan flags and shouted separatist slogans, briefly interrupting the proceedings. Security personnel intervened to manage the situation, resulting in heated altercations before the agitators were escorted from the venue. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), subsequently claimed responsibility for the disruption. In a video statement released on April 27, Pannun labeled Dosanjh an “agent of the BJP and RSS,” and issued threats that similar actions could target future shows in cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto.
Context of the Disruption
- Tensions Abroad: The incident reflects ongoing friction involving separatist elements in Canada targeting Indian artists perceived as being aligned with, or not sufficiently critical of, the Indian government.
- Prior Threats: This follows a history of threats issued by SFJ against the singer. In late 2025, the group targeted Dosanjh after a viral video showed him touching the feet of Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan on Kaun Banega Crorepati, an act they characterized as an insult to the community.
- Tour Security: Despite the unrest, the sold-out concert—attended by approximately 55,000 fans—eventually continued with Dosanjh delivering a full set. The performance also featured a tribute to the passengers of the Komagata Maru.
While Vancouver authorities were present to manage the crowd, they have not yet issued a detailed formal statement regarding arrests or specific security breaches. Dosanjh’s tour is scheduled to continue with upcoming dates in Calgary and Edmonton later this week.
