Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

Joly concerned for safety of India's diplomats, calls protest poster 'unacceptable

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Jul, 2023 11:52 AM
  • Joly concerned for safety of India's diplomats, calls protest poster 'unacceptable

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Tuesday she is concerned about the safety of India's diplomats following what she called an "unacceptable" poster for an upcoming protest in Toronto.

The poster is the latest in a string of problems in recent weeks that have increased tension between Ottawa and New Delhi over Sikh separatists in Canada.

The upcoming protest is planned in memory of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was killed last month in a shooting in Surrey, B.C. Niijar was a vocal opponent of India and supporter of an independent Sikh state, but police say they have found no link to India in their investigation.

The protest is to begin Saturday at the Great Punjab Business Centre in Mississauga, Ont. and end at the Indian consulate near downtown Toronto.

A poster for the event circulating on social media includes photos of India's top two diplomats in Canada — High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and Toronto Consul General Apoorva Srivastava — and refers to them as "the faces of Niijar's killers in Toronto."

The poster also includes the words "kill India."

In a Monday evening tweet, Joly said Canada takes its international obligations to uphold the safety of foreign diplomats "very seriously." She said Canada is in touch with Indian officials about the promotional materials for the protest "which are unacceptable."

New Delhi has long accused Canada of harbouring extremists who want to carve out a state within India, but Ottawa says that freedom of speech means groups can voice political opinions if they don't use violence.

Similar concerns raised ahead of Trudeau's state visit to India in 2018 contributed to the trip's difficulties. Trudeau may travel to India again later this year as the G20 leaders' summit is scheduled for New Delhi in September.

Last month, India's foreign minister condemned a parade float in Brampton, Ont. that portrayed the 1984 assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards.

Indian media have reported that the high commission in Ottawa has formally asked the Canadian government to enhance protection for its senior diplomats, such as through escorts. The Canadian Press has asked the diplomatic mission to confirm these reports.

Earlier this year Verma raised concerns about a rowdy March 23 protest by Sikh groups at the high commission. While Indian media reported the use of grenades, Ottawa Police say they instead are "investigating the possible use of smoke canisters during the protest." Their investigation is ongoing.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada removes limit on study programmes' length for work permit holders

Canada removes limit on study programmes' length for work permit holders
The Canadian government on Tuesday introduced a public policy that will be beneficial for immigrants, including those from India, to boost their career, job prospects, and chances of permanent residency.

Canada removes limit on study programmes' length for work permit holders

Trudeau announces child-care infrastructure funding to build more spaces

Trudeau announces child-care infrastructure funding to build more spaces
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $625 million of funding to help provinces and territories build child-care infrastructure.  Trudeau says the money will be rolled out over four years and will help providers renovate, retrofit and build new not-for-profit and public child-care facilities.   

Trudeau announces child-care infrastructure funding to build more spaces

Think you could pass the citizenship test? Poll shows most Canadians would flunk

Think you could pass the citizenship test? Poll shows most Canadians would flunk
In a survey of 1,512 Canadian adults, Leger found that only 23 per cent would pass the citizenship test, based on their answers to 10 randomly selected questions. People who wish to become Canadian need to answer 20 questions about citizens' rights and responsibilities, as well as Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols.

Think you could pass the citizenship test? Poll shows most Canadians would flunk

Canadian wildfires send smoke south, triggering air quality warnings

Canadian wildfires send smoke south, triggering air quality warnings
Canadian wildfires are continuing to send heavy clouds of smoke south, from Northern Ontario and Quebec, through both provinces and into the United States. Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for large areas of Ontario and Quebec warning of high levels of air pollution due to the smoke.

Canadian wildfires send smoke south, triggering air quality warnings

Canada welcomes largest number of immigrants in first quarter since at least 1972

Canada welcomes largest number of immigrants in first quarter since at least 1972
Statistics Canada says the country welcomed more than 145,000 immigrants during the first three months of the year. That's the highest number for a single quarter on record, since comparable data became available in 1972.

Canada welcomes largest number of immigrants in first quarter since at least 1972

B.C. port union issues 72-hour strike notice affecting 7,400 workers

B.C. port union issues 72-hour strike notice affecting 7,400 workers
The union representing port workers in British Columbia says it has issued 72-hour strike notice and its members are ready to walk off the job on Saturday. The strike notice affects about 7,400 terminal cargo loaders and 49 of the province's waterfront employers in more than 30 B.C. ports.

B.C. port union issues 72-hour strike notice affecting 7,400 workers