The Indian government on Monday summoned Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to the Department of External Affairs in view of raising separatist slogans about ‘Khalistan’ at an event personally addressed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Deep concern and strong protest of the Government of India has been expressed that such disturbing actions can continue unchecked at the event. It illustrates the political space that is dedicated to separatism, extremism, violence in Canada,” reads the official statement.
“Their continued displays not only affect Indo-Canadian relations but also foster an atmosphere of violence and crime in Canada at the expense of its own citizens.” added an official MEA statement.
Khalsa Day celebrations held in Toronto saw loud chants of pro-Khalistan slogans in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilivre. This comes amid a recent surge in anti-Indian sentiment in Canada.
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As Prime Minister Trudeau prepared to take the stage for his Khalsa Day speech, the chants grew louder and louder until he arrived and began his speech in a video released by Canada’s CPAC TV.
Slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad” were chanted at the event, which was also attended by NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
Thousands of people descended on downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of the city’s largest annual gatherings.
According to the Ontario Sikh Council and Gurdwaras (OSGC), Vaisakhi, also called Khalsa Day, commemorates the founding of the Sikh community in 1699, as well as the Sikh New Year.
