Bula Devi reports from New Delhi
In a “strong protest”, India summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday in regard to pro ‘Khalistan’ sloganeering at an event which was addressed by none other than Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau.
India’s “deep concern” was conveyed. New Delhi made it explicit that it was concerned over why an event in which separatist slogan shouting on Khalistan was allowed, and that too the Canadian Prime Minister “personally addressed” the event.
MEA made its point clear that it was not only distressful but a cause of disquiet that such “disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked” at the event.
In a statement, India said, “This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence”.
The Ministry of External Affairs said: “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.
Trudeau attending the event went viral on social media site X. It is said that while Trudeau was delivering the speech pro-Khalistan slogans were heard throughout.
India-Canada relations soured many times in the past over the Khalistan issue, but the rift between two countries touched the rock bottom after Trudeau last September said that Ottawa was “actively pursuing credible allegations” that Indian agents were linked to the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver suburb in June last year.
India has not only firmly denied the allegations but termed Trudeau’s allegations “absurd”. New Delhi said Ottawa should first provide evidence of the allegations before pointing a finger.
Advertisement
