New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar Thursday condemned Canada government over a tableau that celebrated former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assasinaton by a Sikh clad in a float.
The union minister hit out at Canada for apparent tolerance of pro-Khalistani elements despite India’s repeated requests to stop Khalistani elements in the country. The foreign minister further pointed out that such acts are not good for the India and Canada relations.
He questioned the objective behidn allowing such acts other “vote-bank politics”. He said, “…I think there is a bigger issue involved… Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this…”
“I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada,” he added.
“If you look at their history, you would imagine that they would learn their history and they wouldn’t like to repeat that history,” he said.
#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on reports of late PM Indira Gandhi's assassination celebration in Canada; says, "…I think there is a bigger issue involved…Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do… pic.twitter.com/VsNP82T1Fb
— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023
The parade was carried out in Canada’s Brampton allegedly by Khalistani supporters where the display showed Indira Gandhi with her hands up as a Sikh clad pointed guns at her. Gandhi’s saaree was tainted red, depicting blood stains, while the poster behind read “Revenge for Attack on Shri Darbar Sahib.”
Canadian High Commissioner in Delhi, Cameron MacKay, said, “I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities.”
I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities.
— Cameron MacKay (@HCCanInd) June 7, 2023
Formal Notice To Condemn The Act
India’s High Commission in Ottawa stated that the act is “not acceptable” in a formal formal note sent to Global Affairs Canada (GAC). “You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation,” a senior official said.
