India calls out Canada over ‘celebration of violence’ at pro-Khalistan parade
In Short
- India criticises Canada for allowing pro-Khalistani imagery at parade
- Violent imagery by extremist elements in Canada against India’s leadership
- India urges respect for rule of law, condemns glorification of violence
India has issued a stern rebuke to Canada following a Nagar Kirtan parade held in Ontario that prominently featured pro-Khalistan imagery and aggressive rhetoric targeting Indian political figures.
The parade, organized by the Ontario Gurdwara Committee, saw floats and speeches that included depictions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi behind bars and inflammatory remarks against Indian officials.
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, expressed deep concern over the event, stating, “We have repeatedly raised our strong concerns regarding the violent imagery being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership.”
He highlighted previous instances where similar displays, including a float depicting the assassination of a former Indian Prime Minister, have been utilized, along with threats against Indian diplomats.
Jaiswal emphasized that the celebration and glorification of violence have no place in civilized society and urged democratic nations to prevent intimidation by radical elements under the guise of freedom of expression.
He called upon the Canadian government to cease providing a safe haven and political space for criminal and secessionist elements.
The strained relations between India and Canada were further exacerbated by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegations in September of the previous year, insinuating Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed these allegations as baseless.
More recently, Trudeau’s attendance at a Khalsa Day celebration event in Toronto, where pro-Khalistan slogans were raised, elicited strong protest from India.
The summoning of the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner underscored India’s disapproval and concerns regarding the political accommodation of extremist ideologies in Canada.
In a related development, Canadian authorities arrested three individuals—Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar—allegedly linked to the hit squad responsible for Nijjar’s killing.
In response, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India would await further information from Canadian authorities on the matter.