But a spokesman for a major Sikh group blamed tensions on the pro-Modi media and demonstrations themselves. He called the rallies an attempt to divert attention from an oppressive government, while creating the false narrative of religious strife in Canada. “It’s not a Hindu-vs-Sikh issue, it really isn’t,” said Jaskaran Sandhu of the World Sikh Organization. “This is an attempt to kind of provoke the (Sikh) community. It’s a very nefarious attempt to change the issue and make it a communal issue.” Motives aside, the opposing factions clashed just over a week ago on the streets of Brampton, Ont., west of Toronto, when Sikh counter-protesters met a pro-India car rally.