India advises students and citizens to stay alert in Canada over ‘Sharp Rise in Anti-India Activities’
New Delhi: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) issued an advisory urging Indian citizens and students living in Canada to remain vigilant in the wake of rising cases of hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities in Canada.
The MEA also asked students to stay in touch with the respective high commissions and consulates in respective cities in the wake of these incidents.
In a press release, the MEA said they have consulted the relevant Canadian authorities and urged them to look into the issue. Indian authorities also pointed out that Canadian authorities have failed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The advisory from the MEA comes after the defacing of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir earlier this month by alleged Khalistani elements in Toronto. It also comes after the so-called “referendum” in Canada’s Brampton on the creation of a separate Khalistani state held on September 19.
“You are all aware of the history of violence in this regard,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi earlier on Thursday while pressing the Canadian government to act. The referendum was organized by the pro-Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
In sharp criticism of the Canadian government, India said such acts were ‘deeply objectionable’, especially on the soil of a nation with whom India has close ties.
“There has been a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs and our High Commission/Consulates General in Canada have taken up these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested them to investigate the said crimes and take appropriate action,” the statement said.
“The perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada,” the MEA said.
“In view of the increasing incidences of crimes as described above, Indian nationals and students from India in Canada and those proceeding to Canada for travel/education are advised to exercise due caution and remain vigilant,” the statement said.
(Vinayak)
