MEA SUMMONS CANADA DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER OVER KHALISTAN SLOGANS RAISED AT EVENT ADDRESSED BY PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Monday summoned Canadian deputy high commissioner with regard to raising of separatist slogans on ‘Khalistan’ at an event which was being personally addressed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence. Their continued expressions not only impact India-Canada relations but also encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens", the statement read.

Amid loud pro-Khalistan chants, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday assured the Sikh community that the "country is always there to protect their rights and freedom at all cost", as he walked up to address the community in Toronto.

Speaking to the Sikhs on the occasion of Khalsa Day, Trudeau hailed Canada's diversity and said, "One of Canada's greatest strengths is its diversity. We are strong not in spite of our differences, but because of our differences; but even as we look at these differences, we have to remember, and get reminded on days such as this, and every day, that Sikh values are Canadian values."

Thousands of Sikhs flocked to downtown Toronto on Khalsa day for one of the biggest yearly gatherings in the city.

Trudeau's remarks come at a time when the diplomatic relations between India and Canada are going through a difficult phase after the death of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar sparked a row between India and Canada.