Canada Takes Down Anti-India Posters Amid Diplomatic Tensions with India
Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, Canadian authorities have removed posters and billboards endorsing violence against Indian diplomats. These posters, which advocated for the killing of three Indian diplomats, were displayed at a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. The move came after local authorities intervened, citing the severe implications and negative image such materials projected when originating from Canadian territory.
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Canada’s action marks the first step in addressing concerns raised by India regarding unchecked anti-India activities within Canadian borders. These activities have encompassed attacks on Hindus or Indians not supporting the Khalistan movement, as well as assaults on Indian temples and missions. The Sikh for Justice, a radical group, has gone so far as to threaten Indian diplomats, accusing them of orchestrating the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), in the parking area of the Surrey Gurdwara on June 18.
India has consistently voiced its concerns to Canada, emphasizing the need for adherence to the Vienna Convention and the assurance of its diplomats’ security. This diplomatic dispute has strained relations between the two nations.
“The New York Times” reported that the United States was initially unaware of the plot to kill Hardeep Singh Nijjar or any evidence linking India to it until Nijjar was killed by two individuals. The report indicated that the U.S. shared intelligence with Canada only after Nijjar’s death, while intercepted communications by Ottawa were more conclusive and led to accusations against India for masterminding the plot.
These allegations have sparked a strong reaction from India, which has dismissed them as “absurd” and “motivated.” India has taken reciprocal measures, expelling a senior Canadian diplomat in response to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official. India has also accused Canada of providing refuge to terrorists.
The ongoing dispute has prompted India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) to initiate the confiscation of properties belonging to “designated individual terrorists” residing in Canada, such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The Indian government has directed investigative agencies to identify the properties of other terrorists residing abroad, with the aim of confiscating their assets and India seeks to revoke their Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) to hinder their entry into the country.
Indian agencies are closely monitoring individuals globally, including those in the UK, US, Pakistan, UAE, Australia, Canada, and more, as part of security measures.
In summary, the removal of anti-India posters in Canada is a notable development in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. This dispute, fueled by allegations and counter-allegations, underscores the complexity of international relations and the challenges of addressing issues related to terrorism and separatism.
