New Delhi: Two Indian diplomats stationed in Canada have become the targets of Sikh extremists who have accused them of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force and a designated terrorist. The accusation was made through a poster that has been circulating on social media platforms.
The poster prominently displays the photographs of Sanjay Kumar Verma, India's High Commissioner to Ottawa, and Apoorva Srivastava, the Consul General in Toronto, with the caption "Faces of Shaheed Nijjar's Killers in Toronto."
In response to this threat, the Indian government has urgently called on Canada to take immediate action against these Khalistan extremists. It has been revealed that these extremists are planning protest marches to Indian embassies in Toronto and Vancouver. The rallies are scheduled to take place on July 8.
The Indian High Commission is expected to issue a demarche to the Canadian government on Monday, requesting swift action against the Khalistan extremists for targeting and threatening Indian diplomats. The protest posters for the rallies in Toronto and Vancouver name the diplomats and include their photographs.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has already established contact with the Indian High Commission in Toronto and Vancouver and has made arrangements to provide personal security to Indian diplomats, including the High Commissioner and the Consul General.
In addition to the threat faced by Indian diplomats, the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) organization has taken to social media to announce "kill India" rallies in eight countries on the same day, further escalating concerns about the extremist activities.
These incidents occur in the context of ongoing tensions between the Indian
government and Sikh separatist groups. The Indian government has repeatedly urged partner countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, not to provide a platform for Khalistani separatists. The Indian government considers these activities detrimental to bilateral relations.
The Canadian authorities have been criticized for their perceived inaction against Khalistan extremists, as they have failed to address the concerns raised by the Indian government. It is believed that the Canadian government's reluctance to take action stems from the political influence of Sikh separatists, who constitute a significant vote bank.
The safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada are of utmost importance, and the Indian government will continue to press the Canadian government to take decisive measures against these Khalistan extremist groups.
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