India summons Canadian diplomat over Khalistan slogans at ...
Video of Trudeau's remarks show spectators shouting 'Khalistan Zindabad'
Published Apr 29, 2024 • Last updated 39 minutes ago • 2 minute read
OTTAWA — What appeared to be a last-minute trip to attend Khalsa Day celebrations in Toronto has landed Canada into another diplomatic tiff with India.
The Indian government summoned Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler to explain “separatist slogans” shouted at the parade where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave remarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Monday.
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“The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event,” the press release read.
“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.”
Originally not on the prime minister’s itinerary, Trudeau flew to Toronto from Ottawa early Sunday afternoon, with an amended itinerary listing the appearance released by the PMO at around 4 p.m.
The leaders of Canada’s two major opposition parties — Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh — also spoke at the event.
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Video of Trudeau’s remarks show spectators shouting “Khalistan Zindabad” — Khalistan referring to the controversial movement to establish a Sikh homeland within India, and the patriotic Urdu phrase “zindabad,” which literally translates into “long live.”
After offering greetings in Punjabi, Trudeau is seen giving an off-hand acknowledgement “yes” to the hecklers as he was replacing the microphone onto the podium, which many Indian media outlets claimed was a tacit endorsement of the Khalistan movement.
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The National Post has asked the PMO for comment.
Trudeau earned India’s ire late last year when he announced in the House of Commons that Canada was “actively pursuing credible allegations” that India was directly responsible for the death of prominent British Columbia Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar was shot dead by two masked gunmen outside of his Sikh temple in Surrey, B.C., on June 18.
More to come . . .
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