It appears that the Indian government is concerned about recent protests in Canada by supporters of the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent state for Sikhs in India’s Punjab region. These protests have reportedly taken place outside Indian diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada, and the Indian government has raised concerns about the security arrangements in place to protect their diplomats and premises. In response to these concerns, the Indian government has summoned the Canadian High Commissioner and called on the Canadian government to take steps to ensure the safety of their diplomats and the security of their diplomatic premises.
The Indian government has also sought an explanation for how these protesters were able to breach the security of their diplomatic mission and consulates in the presence of police. It is important to note that the Khalistan movement is a controversial and divisive issue in India, and protests by its supporters have been a source of tension between India and Canada in the past. It remains to be seen how the Canadian government will respond to these latest developments and whether they will take steps to address the Indian government’s concerns. It is unfortunate to hear that the event organized to honor Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian envoy to Canada, was cancelled due to security concerns after a violent protest by Khalistan supporters. Additionally, it is disturbing to learn that an Indian-origin journalist was reportedly assaulted by the protesters.
The timing of the protest, amid a crackdown on radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates in Punjab, suggests that the protesters may have been motivated by the ongoing tensions surrounding the Khalistan movement. It is important to remember that peaceful protests are a fundamental right in any democracy, but violence and assault are never acceptable. It is crucial for authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all individuals, including journalists, and to protect the right to peaceful assembly while preventing any violent or illegal activity.
