As tensions between India and Canada increase, the New Delhi government has accused Canada of "glorifying violence" after Khalistani floats appeared during a a Nagar Kirtan parade in Malton.
As per the official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Canada has been accused of allowing the "celebration and glorification of violence".
"Celebration and glorification of violence should not be part of any civilized society. Democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression," read the statement issued by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
The Indian government has further called on Canada to "Stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe-haven and political space in Canada".
In June 2023, images of a float depicting the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. As per reports, this float was part of a five kilometres long parade organized by Khalistan supporters in Brampton, Canada.
The video soon went viral on social media. As per reports, the parade was organsied on June 4, days before the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, which was marked on June 6.
In its statement, the external affairs ministry has that the Indian government remains "concerned about the security of our diplomatic representatives in Canada".
Following the death of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, multiple rallies across the US, Canada and the UK were carried out targeting Indian diplomats working in Canadian missions.
"Wanted" posters with images of Indian diplomats such as the High Commissioner were circulated across Canada threatening violence against them.
However, tensions between India and Canada boiled over after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of ordering the assassination of Nijjar.
Nijjar, who was addressed as a Canadian Sikh citizen by Trudeau, was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020 for inciting anti-India sentiments abroad.
India refuted all claims made by Canada and called the allegations "absurd and motivated". Trudeau's public allegations against the Indian government soon escalated into a diplomatic row.
From September 2023 onwards, India and Canada have halted visas for each other, expelled diplomats and put a hold on their trade agreements.
Canada Arrests 3 Indians In Nijjar Killing Case
As the investigation into Nijjar's killing continues, Canada recently arrested three Indians in relation to the case. The suspects are under the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further questioning and to establish any links to the Indian government.
As per court records, Karan Brar, 22, Kamal Preet Singh, 22, and Karan Preet Singh, 28, were arrested from Edmonton, Alberta and have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Following the arrests, the Indian government is awaiting for more information from the Canadian police.
