Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasised that it is incorrect to believe that his government is hesitant to take action against pro- Khalistani gatherings and terrorists in Canada. He declared that Canada always takes serious action against terrorism and will continue to do so. Trudeau’s statement came in response to a question regarding a parade float in Brampton, Canada, that depicted the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Trudeau’s assertion follows India’s issuance of a demarche to Canada over proposed protests by pro- Khalistani terror outfits outside the Indian High Commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver on July 8. The Canadian leader faced criticism for allegedly refraining from taking action against Khalistani terrorists due to reliance on votes from the Sikh community.
Trudeau vehemently refuted these allegations, stating that Canada has consistently regarded violence and threats of violence as extremely serious matters. He emphasized that the country has always taken significant measures against terrorism and will continue to do so. Acknowledging Canada’s diverse population, he highlighted the importance of freedom of expression while ensuring a strong stance against violence and extremism in all forms.
Trudeau also referenced a recent statement by India’s Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, who emphasized that radical and extremist ideologies are detrimental to both countries and their relationship.
Last week, Jaishankar expressed strong criticism of the Canadian government’s inaction against Khalistani protests, noting that the issue has impacted bilateral ties. He suggested that Canada’s responses seemed to be influenced by vote bank politics, referring to political considerations based on the Sikh community’s voting preferences.
India formally warned Canada about planned pro- Khalistani activities on its soil, urging robust measures to prevent protesters from breaching or vandalizing Indian missions and consulates, as well as desecrating the Indian flag. This warning followed the recent attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, which was set on fire as an act of revenge for the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
The Canadian government condemned the proposed multi-city Khalistani rally in the country and prioritized the safety of Indian diplomats and officials. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the safety of diplomats, stating that the promotion of violence and protests planned for July 8th were unacceptable.
Threat perception levels for Indian missions and envoys in Canada increased significantly after the discovery of posters displaying violent imagery and the words “Kill India” in some locations. These posters featured photographs of India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa and Consul Generals in Toronto and Vancouver.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, denounced any attacks on Indian missions in his country as completely unacceptable, showing solidarity with India in this matter.
