Indian Thought Latest News & Views
New Delhi: India has expressed strong opposition to the pro-Khalistani sloganeering in the presence of Canadian ( Canadian) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Also the Canadian Ambassador has been summoned. The Ministry of External Affairs had summoned the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada for raising slogans against Khalistan during an event attended by senior Canadian leaders.
“India is cooperating in the investigation of Hardeep Nijjar murder case”: Canada’s stance softened
The Ministry of External Affairs has summoned the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada in connection with the raising of separatist slogans. The program was also addressed by the Prime Minister of Canada.
The Government of India has expressed deep concern and strong protest over the consent to continue such sloganeering in the event. It has been said that this once again reflects the political space given to separatism, extremism and violence in Canada. Such incidents not only affect India-Canada relations but also promote an environment of violence and criminality in Canada towards its own citizens.
In fact, at the Khalsa Day celebration held in Toronto, pro-Khalistan slogans were raised in the presence of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. Video released by Canada-based CPAC TV showed that as soon as PM Trudeau was about to take the stage to deliver his address on the occasion of Khalsa Day, slogans started being raised in loud voice.
Slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad” were raised at the event, which was also attended by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
Khalsa Day is celebrated in Toronto
Thousands of people descended upon downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of the city’s largest annual celebrations. According to the Ontario Sikh and Gurdwara Council (OSGC), Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, commemorates the founding of the Sikh community in 1699 as well as the Sikh New Year.
The group has been holding an annual parade down Lake Shore Boulevard for several years. According to CBC News, the council claims that this is the third largest parade in the country and it regularly attracts thousands of spectators.
When Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped forward to address the Sikh community in Toronto, loud slogans were raised in support of Khalistan from the crowd. Trudeau assured the Sikh community in the country and said that the government is always present to protect their rights and freedoms at all costs.
“Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths and the country is stronger not despite its differences, but because of those differences,” he said.
Canada committed to protecting Sikh rights – Trudeau
Trudeau assured the Sikh community in his Khalsa Day address, “Your right to practice your religion freely and without fear remains exactly that. A fundamental right guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, for We will always stand and protect you.”
However, Trudeau’s comments come at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Canada are going through a difficult phase. The killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has particularly sparked controversy between India and Canada.
