‘Glorification of violence’: India slams Canada over Khalistani ‘float’
08/05/2024
NEW DELHI, May 7: India on Tuesday hit out at Canada over the 'Nagar Kirtan' parade that allegedly featured a Khalistani "float" in Malton, and urged Ottawa to stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven and political space in the country.
“Celebration and glorification of violence should not be a part of any civilized society,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.
Jaiswal said democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression.
“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 Prime Minister was used in a procession. Display of posters of Indian diplomats have also been put out across Canada threatening violence against them,” he said.
Jaiswal said India continues to remain concerned about the security of its diplomatic representatives in Canada and expects Ottawa to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear.
The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Prime Minister Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd".
Last week, Canadian authorities charged three Indian nationals with the murder of Nijjar. It is reported that they entered Canada on student visas.
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