India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that it expects Canadian authorities to take actions pro-Khalistan groups operating in the country, as it responded to calls by secessionist groups such as Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) calling upon “Hindus to leave Canada”.
“The issue is larger. This is not about individual groups. There are elements linked to organized crime, linked to terrorists, secessionists or extremists, who are operating freely. They are politically condoned. They seem to have a free run. And we expect the Canadian government to take action against them,” MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in response to a question from Sputnik India at the weekly press briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.
The MEA was asked if any Indian community members, particularly those from the Hindu community, have expressed safety concerns after SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued a video message urging Hindus to leave the country amid massive diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa.
“We want the Indian citizens there to follow the advisory. I hope that they feel safe,” Bagchi stated.
In response to a separate set of questions, Bagchi said that Indian authorities have provided Canada with a list of over 20 pro-Khalistan radicals but no action has been taken against them by Ottawa till date.
On Wednesday, Chandra Arya, an Indian-origin Canadian MP from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party, disclosed that many Hindus in Canada were “living in fear” following the threat by Pannu and other pro-Khalistan radicals.
The advisory issued by the MEA on Wednesday calls upon Indian students and citizens in Canada to “exercise utmost caution” in view of “growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence”.
“Our High Commission/Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Canada,” the advisory said.
Further, it has asked Indian citizens in Canada to register themselves with the Indian High Commission in Ottawa or the consulates in Vancouver or Toronto.
Work of Indian Missions in Canada Disrupted Due to Security Concerns: MEA
Bagchi stated that New Delhi has asked its Canadian counterparts to ensure safety of Indian diplomatic personnel serving at the High Commission in Ottawa and the consulates, in line with Canada’s obligations under the Vienna Convention.
The MEA spokesman disclosed that New Delhi’s decision to suspend visa services at various missions in Canada was because of security concerns by pro-Khalistan groups operating in the country.
Several of these groups have reportedly threatened attacks against the Indian missions.
“You are aware of the security threats faced by our High Commission and consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications,” Bagchi said.