New Delhi: Taking a tough stance on the recent Khalistan referendum in Canada, Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said it found it “deeply objectionable” that a politically- motivated exercise by extremist elements are allowed to take place in a friendly country.
“You are all aware of the history of violence in this regard,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi while describing the so-called Khalistan referendum as a “farcical exercise held by extremists and radical elements”.
It's a farcical exercise that was held by extremist & radical elements in Canada. Matter was taken up with Canadian authorities. We find it deeply objectionable that politically motivated exrercices are allowed in a friendly country: MEA spox on Khalistan referendum in Canada pic.twitter.com/Mye00hXMQ4
— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2022
“We find it deeply objectionable that politically motivated exercises by the extremist elements are allowed to take place in a friendly country,” Bagchi said, adding that the issue has been taken up with the Canadian authority through the diplomatic channels.
The government of Canada has reiterated that it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India and that they will not recognise the so-called referendum, the MEA spokesperson added.
According to the information, Sikh for Justice, a banned terrorist organization in India, organized a referendum on 18 September in Canada. Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, who is the head of this terrorist group reportedly promotes anti-India activities.
