SOURCE: AFI
The recent depiction of Canadian Hindus as extremists in Season 8, Episode 7 of the TV show S.W.A.T. is both troubling and irresponsible. By distorting historical realities and perpetuating harmful stereotypes, the episode trivializes the complex issue of Khalistani terrorism and unfairly maligns the Hindu community.
A particularly egregious element of the episode is its description of the Air India Flight 182 bombing—the deadliest act of aviation terrorism before 9/11—as “allegedly” carried out by Khalistanis. This contradicts well-documented evidence implicating Khalistani extremists in the 1985 bombing, which claimed 329 lives. The Canadian government’s own inquiry confirmed their role, leaving no room for ambiguity. By casting doubt on this established fact, the show not only disrespects the victims but also trivializes a dark chapter in history.
Furthermore, the narrative attempts to link the rise of Khalistani extremism to “the rise of nationalism in India.” This framing is misleading and ignores the root causes and historical context of Khalistani separatism, which emerged in the 1980s, driven by militant factions with a violent agenda. Blaming modern Indian nationalism for this decades-old movement distorts reality and unfairly implicates an entire nation.
The episode omits the atrocities committed during the peak of the Khalistani movement, including massacres, assassinations, and forced displacements targeting both Hindus and Sikhs who opposed the separatist agenda. This selective storytelling erases the suffering of countless victims, including those who endured violence both in India and abroad.
Recent incidents of Khalistani-linked violence in Canada, such as attacks on Hindu temples and Indian diplomatic missions, are also conspicuously absent from the narrative. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the show perpetuates a stereotype of Hindus as irrational aggressors, further fueling divisions among communities.
Such biased depictions in mainstream media are not mere storytelling missteps; they carry real-world consequences. By spreading misinformation, S.W.A.T. risks deepening mistrust between communities and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Hindus. In an already sensitive socio-political climate, this portrayal is not just unfair—it is dangerous.
Media has a responsibility to represent communities fairly and truthfully, especially when addressing sensitive historical and political issues. S.W.A.T.‘s portrayal in this episode falls far short of this standard. It not only distorts facts but also ignores the pain and suffering endured by those affected by Khalistani terrorism.
This kind of biased storytelling demands accountability. It is imperative for media creators to approach complex topics with nuance and integrity, ensuring that their narratives do not contribute to misinformation or societal divisions. For a show as widely viewed as S.W.A.T., a more balanced and informed portrayal would have been not only appropriate but necessary.