Canada pledges strong action after India lodges protest against Khalistan extremism

Canada's Department of Public Safety said that it was actively engd in safeguarding wellbeing and protection of all diplomatic representatives present within nation. This commitment comes in response to dissemination of an online video that is linked to threats targeting Indian diplomats.

This anuncement from Public Safety Canada follows nearly a month after online circulation of Khalistani posters which specifically identified Indian officials. S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, conveyed that India had reached out to allied nations like Canada, UK, and US, urging m t to provide a platform for propagation of "extremist Khalistani ideology," as it is detrimental to state of bilateral relations.

“re is place in Canada for incitement of violence. Law enforcement has been engd following circulation of an online video in relation to threats against Indian diplomatic officials,” Public Safety Canada said on platform X, formerly kwn as Twitter.

“Canadian law enforcement and Government continue to work to ensure safety and security of all diplomatic representatives in Canada,” it said last week.

Last month, Melanie Joly, Canadian Foreign Minister, provided assurance to India regarding safety of its diplomats and deunced "promotional material" that was circulating ahead of a Khalistan rally, deeming it as unacceptable.

Canada faces criticism

In June, Canada faced criticism from India when visuals emerged on social media depicting a tableau in Brampton that reportedly glorified assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Canada's response to Khalistani issue seemed to be influenced by its "vote bank compulsions," according to Jaishankar, who also stated that India would need to take action if se activities posed a threat to its national security and integrity.

Khalistani matter has had a significant impact on relationship between two countries over past few years, Jaishankar remarked. India has consistently urged Canada to refrain from providing a platform to pro-Khalistani separatists and extremist elements, as emphasised by Jaishankar.

NIA takes over investigation

According to police sources, National Investigation ncy (NIA) has assumed control of inquiry into attacks carried out by supporters of Khalistan on Indian Missions in US and Canada in March. Furrmore, investigation into violent protests and attempted vandalization at Indian High Commission in London, which occurred in March of this year, has also been entrusted to same ncy.

Earlier, Delhi Police's Special Cell had initiated FIRs under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in relation to attacks that transpired in March. se sources have indicated that responsibility for investigation has w been transferred to NIA.

Pro-Khalistan protests in Australia, UK & USA as well

re have been reports of pro-Khalistani groups staging demonstrations outside Indian High Commission in various countries apart from Canada like Australia, United Kingdom and United States.

Numerous accounts have verified that se protests organised by pro-Khalistani factions featured provocative posters. rallies prominently displayed contentious posters that incited violence, featuring ims of Indian High Commissioner to UK Vikram Doraiswami and Dr. Shashank Vikram, Consul General of India in Birmingham.

In January, an altercation occurred between members of Indian diaspora and proponents of Khalistan in Australia. This incident took place during a referendum organised by banned group Sikhs For Justice, which sought to establish an automous Sikh state.

In March 2023, a contingent of pro-Khalistan demonstrators launched an assault on Indian Consulate in San Francisco, resulting in dam to facility. This incident prompted strong denunciation from Indian-Americans, who called for swift measures against individuals accountable for attack.