In light of the rise in criminal activity and anti-Indian sentiment in Canada, India on Friday issued a warning for its citizens and students there.
The Indian embassies in Canada have discussed these events with the Canadian authorities and asked them to look into these offences, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “Hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-Indian activities have all dramatically increased in Canada.
The Ministry of External Affairs stressed in a statement that “the perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada” and added that “the Ministry of External Affairs and our High Commission/Consulates General in Canada have taken up these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested that they investigate the said crimes and take appropriate action.”
The message said, “Indian nationals and students from India studying in Canada, as well as anyone travelling to or enrolling in school in Canada, are asked to exercise appropriate caution and be watchful.”
The advice also stated that Indian nationals and students studying in Canada might register through the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, the Indian Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, or the MADAD portal at madad.gov.in.
The warning stated that registration will make it easier for the High Commission and Consulates General to communicate with Indian people living in Canada in the case of a need or emergency.
This warning comes a day after India on Thursday denounced the purported Khalistan referendum as a “farcical exercise.”
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated at a weekly media conference that India has expressed concerns to Canada over the use of its territory by politically motivated “extremist groups.”
He claimed that India has voiced its strong disapproval of “politically driven exercises by extreme forces” being permitted to occur in a friendly nation like Canada.
“It’s what we would call a ridiculous exercise. Extremists and extreme groups promoting the so-called Khalistan referendum in Canada performed a ridiculous exercise “Bagchi declared.
According to him, India raised the matter with Canadian officials, who underlined their support for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Through diplomatic channels, the issue has been raised with the Canadian authorities. The Canadian government has maintained that it respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India and that it would not recognise the alleged referendum being held in Canada “stated the MEA spokeswoman.
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