Envoy warns Khalistanis against crossing 'big red line', asserts 'Indians will decide the fate of India, not foreigners'
- In Reports
- 07:06 PM, May 08, 2024
- Myind Staff
Amidst escalating tensions in India-Canada relations, India's envoy to Canada has issued a stark warning regarding Sikh separatist groups in the country, stating that they were crossing a significant 'red line' concerning India's national security and territorial integrity.
Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, made these remarks publicly for the first time following the arrest and court appearance of three Indian nationals accused of killing Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Verma's comments, as reported by CTV News, appear to link the case to domestic crime.
In his address to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations, Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, cautioned that Sikh groups in Canada advocating for the separation of their homeland from India were breaching a significant threshold, which New Delhi viewed as a matter of national security.
Verma stressed that the destiny of India would be determined by its citizens, not by outsiders. He also highlighted that despite what he termed as "a lot of noise," the overall relationship between India and Canada remained positive.
Verma also expressed that the two countries are actively engaged in addressing the issue. "We are prepared to convene discussions at any time," he stated. He highlighted that the underlying issues beneath recent "negative" developments stem from Canada's misconceptions regarding "decades-old issues," which he attributed to Canadians of Indian origin reigniting.
Verma expressed concern about national security threats from Canada and emphasised India's stance on dual nationality. He highlighted that India considers emigrants as foreigners and views any threat to its territorial integrity as a significant concern.
India urged Canada to refrain from celebrating or glorifying violence, emphasising that a democratic country must not allow intimidation by radical elements under the guise of freedom of expression.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the security of its diplomatic representatives in Canada, urging the Canadian government to ensure their safety. The statement was issued in response to extremist elements in Canada using violent imagery against India's political leadership.
The MEA spokesperson reiterated the call for Canada to cease providing a safe haven and political space for criminal and secessionist elements. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly maintained allegations that the Indian government was complicit in the killing of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey on June 18, 2023.
Joly reiterated her goal of conducting diplomacy with India in private and deferred to the police investigation regarding the Nijjar case. She stood by the allegations of a Canadian citizen being killed by Indian agents on Canadian soil. Verma highlighted positive developments in India-Canada relations.
Verma highlighted a 26 billion Canadian dollar two-way trade value and significant increases in Canadian lentil exports and Indian-prepared medicines to Canada in the past 11 months. Sikhs for Justice called for the cancellation of Verma's speech, citing the Nijjar case and allegations of foreign interference by India.
Image source: India Today
Comments