India summons Canadian deputy envoy over pro-Khalistan slogans at event attended by PM Justin Trudeau

Sandeep Dikshit

New Delhi, April 29

India on Monday summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner with regard to the raising of separatist slogans on ‘Khalistan’ at an event which was being personally addressed by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event,’’ said the MEA, adding that this incident once again illustrates the political space given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence. “Their continued expressions not only impact India-Canada relations but also encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens,’’ said an MEA statement.

Overseas-backed separatism had once again reared its head when loud and persistent pro-Khalistan slogans were raised in Toronto at the Khalsa Day Celebrations in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as opposition leader Pierre Poilievre with both of them seemingly taking the disruptions in their stride.

While the speech of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was heard in silence, pro-Khalistan chants began when Trudeau was invited to take the stage. The slogans began getting louder when he began his speech but Trudeau apparently opted not to notice the disturbance at a smallish gathering. Videos also showed the presence of Jagmeet Singh, the chief of National Democratic Party, which competes for Sikh votes with Trudeau’s Liberal Party.

The slogan shouting during Trudeau’s speech was to reoccur when leader of the opposition Pierre Poilievre took the podium. Observers said Khalsa Day was attended by several thousands of people on Sunday, turning it into one of the biggest gatherings in Toronto. Much louder cheers went up when to the delight of the gathering, Chow declared that henceforth the City Council will observe March 28 as Khalsa Day or Vaisakhi.

Trudeau stressed on the importance of diversity and claimed that Sikh and Canadian values are similar. “To the nearly 8,00,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage across this country, we will always be there to protect your rights and your freedoms, and we will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination,’’ he assured.

Against the backdrop of the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, he assured that the government will add more security at community centres and places of worship, including gurdwaras. “Your right to practice your religion freely, and without intimidation is exactly that. A fundamental right guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that we will always stand up and defend you for,” he observed.

The gatherings in Toronto on Sikh holy occasions have become controversial because of the interjection of the separatism element by a small minority. The annual parade down Lake Shore Boulevard in the past has been criticised for a couple of tasteless and crude floats, including the depiction of assassination of then PM Indira Gandhi. Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya is an exception among Canadian politicians who has frequently issued appeals for calm.

India strongly protests ‘Khalistan’ slogans at a public event attended by Canadian leaders:https://t.co/ELigT7BEDl pic.twitter.com/7k9DCl2yAv

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 29, 2024