Indian Govt seeks reply from Canada over protest by Khalistan supporters
India has expressed strong concern about the actions of separatists and extremist elements against its consulates. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the Canadian High Commissioner over the violent protest by Khalistani supporters outside the Indian missions and consulates in Toronto.
The High Commissioner was summoned on Saturday.
“The High Commissioner of Canada was summoned yesterday to convey our strong concern about the actions of separatist and extremist elements against our diplomatic Mission and Consulates in Canada this week,” the Ministry for External Affairs said in a statement.
India lodges strong protest with Canada.
Press Release ➡️ https://t.co/xzqHzbZT2X pic.twitter.com/NNzLI2izsf
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) March 26, 2023
“The Government of India sought an explanation on how such elements were allowed, in the presence of police, to breach the security of our diplomatic Mission and Consulates,” it said further.
The Government of Canada was reminded of its obligations under the Vienna Convention, and asked to arrest and prosecute the individuals who have already been identified as being involved in such acts, the Ministry’s statement said.
“It is expected that the Canadian government will take all steps which are required to ensure the safety of our diplomats and security of our diplomatic premises so that they are able to fulfill their normal diplomatic functions,” the ministry has conveyed to the Canadian government.
Last Sunday, an event in Canada was cancelled due to security concerns after a violent protest by Khalistan supporters.
It was organized to honour Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian envoy to Canada, while he was on his first visit to the west coast.
An Indian-origin journalist, who was at the event to cover the protest, was also reportedly assaulted by the radicals.
The protest came amid a massive crackdown on radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates in Punjab.
Canada has also seen a rise in anti-India activities recently by Khalistan supporters who have vandalized some Hindu temples.
Last September, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the rise of hate crimes against Indians and anti-India activities in Canada.
[With Inputs from IANS]
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