A video going viral on social media has Chrystia Freeland, Canada's Finance Minister, being questioned over the tribute by the Canadian Parliament to this Khalistani separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was assassinated after the Justin Trudeau government put him on Canada's 'no-fly' list and froze his bank accounts. The video went viral at a time when India reiterated its stand against the Canadian indulgence of separatism, extremism, and violence.
"We naturally oppose any moves of giving political space to extremism and those advocating violence," said Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for India's External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi, responding to a gesture by the Canadian Parliament to mark Nijjar's death anniversary.
In the video, Freeland, who is a former Foreign Minister of Canada, responded to questions as to why Nijjar had been under travel and financial sanctions while he was still alive. "It was imperative that there be a moment of silence acknowledging the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil. This is completely unacceptable," she said.
Freeland continued with accolades for Trudeau over his reaction to the killing in no uncertain terms.
"I was very proud of the Prime Minister and of the strong position he took after the murder. It was the right thing to do but not an easy thing. He made it clear that for the Government of Canada, all Canadians are the same, all Canadians have the same rights and murder on Canadian soil is just not allowed and the government of Canada will enforce our laws and protect all Canadians regardless of who is threatening us or what the consequences would be," Freeland said.
Despite such assertions, New Delhi continues to raise red flags about pro-Khalistan elements in Canada fomenting anti-India sentiment through extremist rhetoric and activities. India has been registering its dismay and protest with Ottawa about the perceived allowance by Canada to such activities and elements.
Last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the Trudeau administration for continuing to foster pro-Khalistani elements.
"Freedom of speech cannot be freedom of advocating violence, freedom of speech cannot be freedom of supporting separatism and terrorism in a foreign country. It cannot be. A group of Khalistanis have been misusing Canada's freedom laws for years. But when the Canadian government has any political compulsions, they accommodate these people who are also their vote bank," Jaishankar said while speaking at a 'Vishwabandhu Bharat' interaction session in Nashik.
It is India that has consistently impressed upon Ottawa the need to check such radicals from fatwa-like dictats that instill fear in the minds of others in the garb of freedom of speech, with respect for democratic values and the rule of law.
"Our relations have been spoiled today because of the activities of these people who are even threatening our Ambassador and various diplomats posted in the country. They hurled smoke bombs inside the High Commission and, at one time, our diplomats were facing great difficulty in getting out of the building. People who supported terror activities against India have been given refuge in Canada. The government there should have a relook at the entire situation," Jaishankar added, referring to incidents where smoke bombs were thrown inside the Indian High Commission in Canada, posing risks to diplomatic personnel.
Jaishankar urged the Canadian government to reassess the situation and take appropriate action, emphasizing the need to uphold international norms and obligations.
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