India pillories Canada for ‘glorifying violence’ after Khalistani imageries displayed at nagar kirtan parade

India on Tuesday (May 7) blasted the Canadian government for 'glorifying violence' after pro-Khalistan imageries were displayed at a religious event in Malton, Toronto. New Delhi has expressed its concerns over inaction by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government against what it calls 'intimidation by radical elements.'

"As you are aware, we have repeatedly raised our strong concerns regarding the violent imagery being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership. Last year, a float depicting the assassination of our former Prime Minister was used in a procession." 

"Display of posters of Indian diplomats have also been put out across Canada threatening violence against them," read a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

"Celebration and glorification of violence should not be a part of any civilised society. Democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression," the statement added.

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Canadian Khalistanis are infamous for mixing their anti-India political narratives with local religious events, a practice that helps them project India as an oppressor of Sikhism. 

A Nagar Kirtan parade, a religious procession, was held by the Ontario Gurdwara Committee on June 4 where violent imageries targeting Indian politicians, including PM Narendra Modi, were displayed.

The parade was joined by people designated as terrorists by India, including Paramjit Mand of Dal Khalsa and Avtar Singh Pannu.

"We continue to remain concerned about the security of our diplomatic representatives in Canada and expect the Government of Canada to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear," Jaiswal said.

"We again call upon the Government of Canada to stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven and political space in Canada," he added.

Relations between New Delhi and Ottawa nosedived last year when Trudeau directly accused the government of India of killing a Canadian national on Canadian soil, named Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was declared a terrorist by India in 2020 for inciting violence against India overseas and masterminding attacks on Indian soil.

Also read: India terms Nijjar investigation results Canada’s internal matter; Ottawa notifies Delhi of arrests

India refuted all claims made by Canada and called the allegations "absurd and motivated". Trudeau's public allegations against the Indian government soon escalated into a diplomatic row.

Just last week, Canada arrested three Indian nationals in connection with the Nijjar murder case. As per court records, Karan Brar, 22, Kamal Preet Singh, 22, and Karan Preet Singh, 28, were arrested from Edmonton, Alberta and have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

(With inputs from agencies)