IN A strongly-worded message to foreign governments on posters by pro-Khalistan groups inciting violence against senior Indian diplomats, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that space should not be given to those advocating violence or legitimising terrorism in the name of freedom of expression. Such posters have surfaced in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK ahead of a “rally” being organised by pro-Khalistan groups in these countries. On July 2, pro-Khalistan activists attempted to burn down the Indian consulate in San Francisco. “In the name of freedom of expression, we should not be giving space to those who advocate violence or propagate separatism or legitimise terrorism… the posters inciting violence against our diplomats and our diplomatic premises abroad are unacceptable and we condemn them in the strongest terms," the MEA’s official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, said. "This is primarily a responsibility that we expect that host governments will discharge as per their obligations under the Vienna Conventions, and we are reminding them of what they need to do and also bringing to their attention specific instances which might come to our attention," he said. "With respect to Canada, the matter has been strongly taken up with the Canadian authorities, both in New Delhi and Ottawa," he said. Bagchi said New Delhi has asked the Canadian government to take all required steps to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and security of India's diplomatic missions in Canada. "It is a matter of concern that freedom of expression and speech is once again being misused by anti-India elements based in Canada and elsewhere. We continue to press the Canadian side to ensure that our diplomats can carry out their normal functions without fear or intimidation," he said. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada has always taken "serious action" against terrorism and it will continue to do so, as he asserted that it is "wrong" to believe his government is soft on Khalistan supporters in the country. His remarks came days after India summoned the Canadian envoy in New Delhi on Monday and issued a demarche over increasing activities by pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. His remarks also came two days ahead of a proposed pro-Khalistan rally outside the Indian High Commission in Ottawa on July 8. "They are wrong. Canada has always taken extremely seriously violence and threats of violence. We have always taken serious action against terrorism and we always will. We have an extremely diverse country and freedom of expression is something that we have, but we will always make sure that we are pushing back against violence and extremism in all its forms,” Trudeau said while responding to a question. Asked about Trudeau's comments on freedom of expression, Bagchi said the issue is about advocating violence and propagating separatism. “Let me make the larger point that the issue is not about freedom of expression, but its misuse for advocating violence, for propagating separatism and for legitimising terrorism. That's what we would like to emphasise," he said. The MEA spokesperson also said India has taken up with London the threats issued to the Indian diplomats. "We have taken up this latest issue of threats against our diplomats with the UK authorities. We have noted comments by the UK foreign secretary but we would naturally judge them by what happens on the ground," he said. UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted on Thursday: “Any direct attacks on the Indian High Commission in London are completely unacceptable. We have made clear to @VDoraiswami [Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami] and the Government of India that the safety of staff at the High Commission is paramount.” The MEA spokesperson also said the arson attempt at the Indian consulate in San Francisco was quickly brought under control by local authorities, adding that the US administration responded "very promptly" at senior levels.
