Stop providing safe haven to criminal, secessionist elements, India tells Canada

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday, in response to media queries regarding the float in the Nagar Kirtan parade in Malton, Canada, “As you are aware, we have repeatedly raised our strong concerns regarding the violent imagery being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership. Last year, a float depicting the assassination of our former Prime Minister was used in a procession. Display of posters of Indian diplomats have also been put out across Canada threatening violence against them.”

“Celebration and glorification of violence should not be a part of any civilized society. Democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression,” the spokesperson said.

“We continue to remain concerned about the security of our diplomatic representatives in Canada and expect the Government of Canada to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear. We again call upon the Government of Canada to stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven and political space in Canada,” the MEA spokesperson said.

In April, the MEA had summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner and lodged a strong protest over the pro-Khalistan slogans raised during a public event in Toronto in the presence of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The event was also attended by Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and Trudeau’s ruling coalition partner, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh.

India and Canada are dealing with an unprecedented diplomatic crisis. It started after Trudeau dropped a bombshell allegation in September last year, telling his country’s Parliament that it is possible that the Indian government had a hand in the killing of Nijjar.

The Ministry of External Affairs called Trudeau’s accusation “absurd and motivated”.