India cancels few consular camps in Canada over safety

India today asked Canada to “uphold the rule of law” and bring to justice the perpetrators of violence at a Hindu temple in Brampton earlier this week. In the wake of the violence, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was cancelling some of its scheduled consular camps after the security authorities there conveyed their inability to provide minimum protection to the organisers.

“We condemn the attack on a temple in Brampton, and also call upon the Canadian government to uphold the rule of law and bring to justice people who perpetrated the violence,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal here.

“We hope the Canadian government will take strong action,” Jaiswal said. Asked as to why the Indian consulate had cancelled camps, he said: “The camp planned to be organised over the weekend was cancelled as adequate security, or a security assurance, was not given by Canada.”

“Threats against our diplomats have increased in Canada,” Jaiswal said. Canada has a large diaspora and many people require documentation for continuation of their pensions accruing in India. Not just Indian nationals but also those of Indian origin who are Canadian citizens now require a “life certificate” at the end of the year for their pensions to continue. Jaiswal said a consular camp would be conducted in Vancouver. Such camps are organised on the request of community groups, he said.

Oz outlet blocked after EAM coverage

The MEA slammed Ottawa for “hypocrisy” towards freedom of speech over blocking an Australian media outlet ‘Australia Today’, hours after it broadcast EAM S Jaishankar’s presser. “We were surprised... These actions yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech.”