This is being made way more complicated than it needs to be. Does the NDP support self-determination or not? Or do they support it, but only for some people? Why was there no objection when support for Catalonia was expressed? Is not Spain a sovereign nation? Should the NDP have opposed the referendum?
It seems to me that the only thing that will satisfy his critics is for Singh to state that he is unequivocally against the Sikhs seeking an independent homeland.
As an aside, it is far too early to assume that a Sikh homeland would expel all non-Silkhs.
What statement would be acceptable to his critics?
Where was the uproar over this:
http://nationalpost.com/news/politics/as-trudeau-supports-united-spain-q...
That decision doesn’t sit well with New Democrats, who are trying to retain or grow support in Quebec under new leader Jagmeet Singh. Foreign critic Hélène Laverdière, a Montreal MP, said in a statement “the NDP has always believed in the right to self-determination.”
“We find it extremely disappointing that the Liberal government has simply called the situation an ‘internal problem’ for Spain,” she said. “The imposition of direct rule on Catalonia, and the removal of the region’s president, is not a constructive course of action and may further inflame tensions. We would much rather see both parties engage in respectful dialogue to find a solution to the crisis.”
How dare the NDP meddle in Spain's internal affairs! They should have agreed with the Liberals, right?
Singh said:
“So whether it is in Punjab, for the people of Punjab, or whether it is in Catalonia, for the people of that region, whether it is in Basque, wherever that is, whether it is in Quebec, it’s a basic right. Everyone should be able to do that.”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/jagmeet-singh-leader-of-canada...
But in equating self-determination and the issue of recent separatist movements to the demand for a separate Sikh homeland, Singh is echoing the strategy adopted by hardline groups such as Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which is spearheading the so-called “Khalistan 2020 Referendum” effort.
This may be a coincidence, and SFJ’s legal advisor Gurpatwant Pannun said that while he had communicated with Singh in 2010-11, there had been “no contact” since then.
So no evidence that he is an active separatist.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/jagmeet-singh-1.4590537
Jagmeet Singh's outreach has been about thwarting violence, not stoking it
These spaces are exactly where Singh's message needs to be heard
Jagmeet Singh taught me how to channel that pain and turn it into something positive. Instead of avoiding it, he talked to me — and so many others — openly and honestly about the 1984 Sikh genocide. About how it was okay to feel enraged, and helpless. And about how the first step toward healing was to turn that rage into something positive for our community, lest we perpetuate the cycle of violence. For me, that path led to law school and graduate studies in conflict, law and transitional justice. It could have gone another way.
Here's another thing that seems to be missing in discussion of this issue: "self-determination" doesn't mean violent separation. It doesn't even necessarily mean the creation of a new state. It means the right of the Sikh community in India to determine their own future. It's a right shared by all peoples, from Quebec to Catalonia. It's a right so important that it is enshrined in the very first article of the United Nations Charter.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2018/03/21/ndp-leader-jagmeet-singh-...
“Let’s make it really clear. I think it’s an important question. I condemn political violence absolutely, no question about that. It’s something that’s unacceptable. It divides people. It hurts people. It does not advance justice. It does not build a better society,” Singh said.
“I have never attended an event where the goal was to advance political violence, nor would I ever. That’s not my response; that’s not my values. It’s not what I believe in.”
NDPers who opposed having Singh as leader have been very quick to condemn him and very slow to do any research. People who regularly condemn mainstream media as biased against the NDP embrace any negative word they print about Singh even though there is zero evidence against him. None that he has ever worked for organizations, or even belonged to organizations, that promote Sikh independence.
Even if he personally supports independence, since becoming leader, he has only supported self-determination for all people. Apparently that is not NDP policy.
Is this what you want him to say?
"My position and Canada's position has not changed. We support one united India," Trudeau said.