India has once again slammed Canada for allowing extremist elements to propagate pro-Khalistan imagery during a Nagar Kirtan parade in Malton Toronto. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday reiterated India’s concerns regarding the use of violent imagery by radical factions in Canada against Indian political leaders. He highlighted previous incidents, including a float portraying the assassination of a former Indian Prime Minister and the display of posters threatening violence against Indian diplomats.
In a statement, Jaiswal said, “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,” he added.
“Celebration and glorification of violence have no place in a civilised society,” stated Jaiswal, adding, “Democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression”.
India Criticises Canada For Pro-Khalistan Imagery In Toronto Parade
The Nagar Kirtan parade, organised by the Ontario Gurudwara Committee, featured floats and speeches aggressively targeting Indian political figures, including a portrayal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in confinement.
The procession, spanning 6 kilometres, included inflammatory speeches by persons such as Paramjit Mand from Dal Khalsa, and Avtar Singh Pannu, labelled as terrorists by Indian security agencies.
Concerns regarding the safety of Indian diplomatic personnel in Canada persist. Jaiswal urged the Canadian government to ensure their ability to fulfil their duties without fear.
“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,” added Jaiswal.
Relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have been strained since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unfounded allegations in September last year, implicating Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had dismissed Trudeau’s claim as “baseless”.
Trudeau’s recent attendance at a Khalsa Day celebration event in Toronto, where pro-Khalistani slogans were raised, had further exacerbated the tension between the two countries. India had strongly protested Trudeau’s presence at the event, summoning the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to convey its disapproval and concerns over the propagation of extremist ideologies in Canada.
READ | Pro-Khalistan Chants Echo As Trudeau Addresses Canadian Sikhs On Khalsa Day
On May 3, Canadian authorities arrested three persons – Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar – alleging their connection to the hit squad responsible for Nijjar’s assassination. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated India awaits further details from the Canadian authorities on the matter.
READ | 3 Indian Nationals Arrested In Killing Of Hardeep Singh Nijjar: Canadian Police