New Delhi: India on Thursday condemned Khalistani posters that targeted Indian diplomats in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that posters inciting violence against Indian diplomats and missions are unacceptable.
At a media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We condemn this. We have taken up the issue with Canadian govt. We've seen media reports about comments by PM Trudeau. The issue is not about freedom of expression but its misuse for advocating violence, propagating separatism and legitimising terrorism."
MEA spokesperson also said that space must not be given to extremist and terrorist elements in the name of freedom of expression, reported PTI.
He also asserted that the safety of Indian diplomats and the country's missions is of utmost importance for the government.
Earlier, Canada had assured India of the safety of its diplomats following the circulation of Khalistani posters online which named Indian officials and termed the “promotional material” circulating ahead of a Khalistan rally “unacceptable”.
The statement by Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India has asked its partner countries such as Canada, the UK, and the US not to give space to “extremist Khalistani ideology” as it is “not good” for relations.
Last month, India slammed Canada after visuals surfaced on social media of a tableau in Brampton that reportedly celebrated the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.
Canada’s response to the Khalistani issue appeared to be constrained by its “vote bank compulsions” and India will have to respond if the activities impinge on its national security and integrity, Jaishankar had said on the issue.
The Khalistani issue has impacted ties between the two countries in many ways in the last few years, he had said.
India has been asking Canada against giving space to pro-Khalistani separatists and extremist elements, Jaishankar had said.