India has strongly condemned the prominence given to pro-Khalistani factions, who seized the spotlight by chanting anti-India slogans and displaying offensive posters against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ‘Nagar Kirtan’ event held in Malton, Canada. India urges the Justin Trudeau-led government to cease offering shelter and political platforms to criminal and separatist entities within its borders.
The procession, conducted on Monday from Malton to Rexdale in Ontario, not only witnessed the chanting of anti-India slogans but also featured floats with menacing undertones aimed at India’s top leadership.
Expressing ongoing concerns, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the disturbing trend of extremist elements in Canada employing violent imagery against Indian political figures. Jaiswal recalled an incident from the previous year involving a float portraying the assassination of India’s former Prime Minister during a procession.
Additionally, posters targeting Indian diplomats have been distributed across Canada, posing threats of violence against them, Jaiswal added.
Emphasizing that the celebration and glorification of violence have no place in civilized societies, the MEA official stressed that democratic nations, committed to upholding the rule of law, should not permit intimidation by radical factions under the guise of freedom of expression.
Expressing continued apprehension regarding the safety of Indian diplomatic representatives in Canada, India expects the Canadian government to ensure their ability to fulfill their duties without fear.
India reiterates its call upon the Government of Canada to discontinue providing sanctuary and political platforms to criminal and separatist entities within its borders, Jaiswal concluded in the statement.
