A video released by Canada-based CPAC TV showed chants of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ growing louder as PM Trudeau approached the stage for his address marking Khalsa Day.
India calls upon Canada’s envoy following Khalistan slogans raised at an event attended by Trudeau.
New Delhi: On Monday, the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner was summoned over the chanting of separatist slogans regarding ‘Khalistan’ at an event addressed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This action highlighted its impact on the relations between the two countries and its encouragement of a “climate of violence.”
“The Government of India conveyed its deep concern and strong protest regarding the disturbing actions allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This underscores once again the political space granted in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
“Their ongoing expressions not only affect India-Canada relations but also foster a climate of violence and criminality in Canada, to the detriment of its own citizens,” the statement added.
As PM Trudeau walked up to the stage for his address to mark Khalsa Day, the chants of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ kept getting louder, showed a video released by Canada-based CPAC TV.
It happened again when Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre walked up to the stage to begin his address. New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were also present at the event.
Thousands of people flocked to downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of the biggest yearly gatherings in the city.
During his address, Trudeau, who has drawn criticism from India over allegations of its involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, pledged to continually safeguard the rights and freedoms of Sikhs in Canada. He also pledged to defend the community against hatred and discrimination.
India has rejected the Canadian government’s allegations as “absurd and motivated.” India accuses Ottawa of harbouring Sikh separatists.
India summons Canadian diplomat over Khalistan slogans at Trudeau speech https://t.co/9O7jGay1la pic.twitter.com/ZIVeoCOzbt
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