Khalistan Protests: India has issued a formal diplomatic objection, known as a demarche, to Canada concerning the anticipated protests by pro-Khalistan extremist outfits outside the Indian High Commission in Ottawa and two consulates in Toronto and Vancouver on July 8. The Indian authorities are demanding that the Trudeau government take firm measures to inhibit these protestors from assembling near Indian diplomatic premises, as well as from desecrating the Indian flag.
Sikh Extremists’ Protests: A Growing Concern
The protests are orchestrated by the US-based outlawed organisation, SFJ. In recent developments, the primary SFJ associate in Canada, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was assassinated in Surrey, Vancouver on June 19 in a gang conflict. While the SFJ has blamed Indian security agencies for this killing in a bid to radicalise Sikh youth against the Indian diaspora, Indian authorities believe these assertions are part of a broader SFJ campaign led by the extremist, G S Pannu.
India Requests Safety Measures
The Indian High Commission in Canada has urged the federal government to implement extensive safety precautions. This includes providing escorts to the High Commissioner and two Consul Generals, especially during attended events, until the overall threat has subsided. In circulating pamphlets by the extremists, they appear to blame these diplomats for Nijjar’s murder, escalating the situation.
India’s Stance on Flag Desecration and Violent Protests
Indian officials have made it clear that they will not tolerate the desecration and burning of the Indian national flag. While authorities in Canada, UK, Germany and the US have generally handled these extremists leniently, under the guise of the right to protest, India has asserted that there will be retaliation if the planned protests turn violent.
In conclusion, with the rapidly escalating situation, the Indian government is now seeking serious commitment from the Trudeau administration to prevent any potential incidents during the anticipated protests on July 8. The diplomatic ties between India and Canada may hang in the balance as India waits for a satisfactory response to its demarche.
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