New Delhi on Monday summoned Canadian Deputy High Commissioner over elevating of separatist slogans on ‘Khalistan’ at an occasion addressed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, underlining that it impacts the relations between the 2 international locations and encourages “climate of violence”.
“The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence,” mentioned the Ministry of External Affairs in an announcement.
“Their continued expressions not only impact India-Canada relations but also encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens,” the assertion added.
As PM Trudeau walked as much as the stage for his deal with to mark Khalsa Day, the chants of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ stored getting louder, confirmed a video launched by Canada-based CPAC TV.
It occurred once more when Opposition chief Pierre Poilievre walked as much as the stage to start his deal with. New Democratic Party chief Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow have been additionally current on the occasion.
Thousands of individuals flocked to downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of many greatest yearly gatherings within the metropolis.
In his deal with, Trudeau, who has angered India with allegations that it was concerned within the killing of a Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar final yr, additionally vowed to at all times defend the rights and freedoms of Sikhs in Canada and defend the neighborhood in opposition to hatred and discrimination.
India has rejected the Canadian authorities’s allegations as “absurd and motivated.” India accuses Ottawa of harbouring Sikh separatists.