New Delhi on Monday summoned Canadian Deputy Excessive 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 nations and encourages ”local weather of violence”.
”The Authorities of India’s deep concern and powerful protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to proceed unchecked on the occasion. This illustrates as soon as once more the political house that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence,” mentioned the Ministry of Exterior Affairs in a press release.
”Their continued expressions not solely impression India-Canada relations but additionally encourage a local weather of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its personal residents,” the assertion added.
As PM Trudeau walked as much as the stage for his tackle 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 tackle. New Democratic Occasion chief Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow had been additionally current on the occasion.
Hundreds of individuals flocked to downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of many largest yearly gatherings within the metropolis.
In his tackle, Trudeau, who has angered India with allegations that it was concerned within the killing of a Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar final 12 months, additionally vowed to all the time 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.
Days after Trudeau’s allegations, India requested Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence within the nation to make sure parity. Subsequently, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their relations from India.
India has been asserting that its ”core problem” with Canada remained that of the house given to separatists, terrorists and anti-India parts in that nation.
Following Trudeau’s allegations final 12 months, India quickly suspended issuance of visas to Canadian residents. The visa providers had been resumed a number of weeks later.