New Delhi: The Consulate General of India in Toronto on Thursday announced the cancellation of several scheduled consular camps across Canada after local security agencies said they could not ensure the safety measures required for these community events.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto posted on
A few days ago, violent riots broke out at the consular camp of a Hindu temple near Toronto.
The Indian High Commission in Canada condemned the attack as a targeted act by “anti-India” elements and said future consular events would only go ahead if local authorities could ensure adequate security for participants and organizers.
The Hindu Foundation of Canada shared footage of the incident, claiming that pro-Khalistani groups targeted women and children outside the temple. The film sparked widespread outrage and sparked calls for better protection of the Indian diaspora.
In response to the attack, more than a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Brampton Hindu College to protest the attack and demand action from Canadian leaders. During the demonstrations, organizers urged Canadian political leaders and law enforcement to cease any support for pro-Khalistan groups.
The incident drew condemnation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Prime Minister Modi said of the X incident: “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally shocking is the cowardly attempt to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve .
Prime Minister Trudeau also expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “The violence that occurred today at the Brampton Indian Temple is unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice his or her faith freely and safely.”
Tensions between pro-India and pro-Khalistan groups in Canada have soared as India-Canada relations soured amid the investigation into the murder of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Canada has said it is “aggressively pursuing credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to Nijar’s assassination, an allegation India has called “ridiculous” and “baseless”.
India recently expelled six Canadian diplomats, including the Acting High Commissioner, hours after the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats.
