India Summons Canada Envoy Over Pro-Khalistan Protests, Seeks Explanation On ‘Security Breach’
New Delhi: India has summoned the Canadian high commissioner and conveyed its strong concern about the actions of separatist and extremist elements against its diplomatic mission and consulates in Canada recently. The Government of India on Saturday sought an explanation on how such elements were allowed, in the presence of police, to breach the security of its diplomatic mission and consulates, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Canada was reminded of its obligations under the Vienna Convention, and asked to arrest and prosecute the individuals who have already been identified as being involved in such acts, it said.
India lodges strong protest with Canada.
Press Release https://t.co/xzqHzbZT2X pic.twitter.com/NNzLI2izsf — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) March 26, 2023
The ministry hoped that the Canadian government would take all steps needed to ensure the safety of its diplomats and the security of its diplomatic premises so that they are able to fulfill their normal diplomatic functions.
On Sunday last, an event to be attended by the Indian envoy to Canada in British Columbia province had to be canceled due to security concerns after a violent protest by Khalistan supporters.
The event was organized at the Taj Park Convention Center Surrey to welcome the high commissioner of India, Sanjay Kumar Verma’s first visit to the west coast.
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The event was ultimately canceled for security reasons, Global News, the news and current affairs division of the Canadian Global Television Network, had reported.
Indian-origin journalist Sameer Kaushal, who was at the venue to cover the protest, was also assaulted by protesters.
Canada has also seen a rise in anti-India activities recently by Khalistan supporters who have vandalised some Hindu temples. Last September, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the rise of hate crimes against Indians and anti-India activities in Canada.