Freedom of expression is being “misused” by extremists in Canada to “legitimise terrorism”, said Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi in New Delhi on July 6. He reiterated India’s call for Canada to rein in pro-Khalistan elements who have circulated posters inciting violence against Indian diplomats in Canada, U.S., and Australia ahead of an expected pro-Khalistan demonstration on July 8. Mr. Bagchi’s remarks came soon after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau argued that Canada is taking steps to fight extremism without compromising freedom of expression.
“These posters inciting violence against our diplomats and our diplomatic premises abroad are unacceptable and we condemn them in the strongest terms. With respect to Canada, the matter has been strongly taken up with the Canadian authorities both in New Delhi and in Ottawa. We have called on the Government of Canada to ensure safety of our diplomats and our diplomatic missions in Canada,” said Mr. Bagchi.
Growing presence of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, U.K., U.S. and Australia have been a nagging problem for India’s relation with these countries. The matter acquired a new dimension in June 2023 when a float in Canada that was taken out to mark the 1984 Operation Blue Star, depicted the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar earlier remarked that Canada has not been proactive in containing the Khalistan problem because of “vote bank politics” as the Government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau relies on votes from the Sikh community.
