Amid heightened tensions between Bharat and Canada, the External Affairs Ministry or EAM delivered a sharp condemnation of a float used in the Nagar Kirtan parade in Ontario, asserting that the “celebration and glorification of violence” have no place in a civilised society.
EAM spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed Bharat’s concerns about the security of its diplomatic representatives in Canada, urging the Justin Trudeau Government to ensure they fulfil their responsibilities without fear. Jaiswal called upon Canada to cease providing safe haven and political space to criminal and secessionist elements.
Furthermore, in response to recent separatist rallies in Canada, Jaiswal raised alarms about the use of “violent imagery” by extremist factions against Indian political leadership. He particularly highlighted instances of Khalistani supporters chanting anti-Bharat slogans during the Nagar Kirtan Parade from Malton to Rexdale.
Addressing media queries regarding the float depicting the assassination of a former Indian Prime Minister in the parade, the official spokesperson reiterated Bharat’s strong objections to the use of violent imagery by extremist elements in Canada.
“As you are aware, we have repeatedly raised our strong concerns regarding the violent imagery being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership. Last year, a float depicting the assassination of our former PM was used in a procession. Display of posters of Indian diplomats have also been put out across Canada threatening violence against them,” he said.
Canada has witnessed multiple incidents of Khalistan extremism in recent years, including a so-called Referendum held by Khalistani secessionists during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to Bharat for the G20 Summit. Additionally, pro-Khalistan protesters have vandalised temples and engaged in anti-Bharat activities, leading to strained Bharat-Canada relations and the halt of free trade agreement negotiations between the two nations.
