Amid tensions between India and Canada, anti-India activities were again witnessed on Canadian soil. In the latest episode, pro-Khalistani slogans were raised when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was addressing an event in Toronto. The anti-India slogans were raised at the Khalsa Day (Vaisakhi) celebration on Sunday. Several videos were posted on X wherein slogans promoting a separate country for Khalistan were heard during Trudeau's speech.
Besides, Trudeau Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow are among those attending a Khalsa Day celebration in Toronto. Also known as Vaisaki, the day marks the celebration of the Sikh New Year.
Trudeau didn't bother to stop anti-India activities
Despite knowing the slogans being heard during his speech, Trudeau didn't bother to stop him. In fact, he went on to say that his government would protect the Sikh rights and freedoms at all costs in the North American country.
"We gather here today to remember that 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," Trudeau remarked during the Khalsa Day celebration.
Watch the video here:
"To the nearly 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage across this country, we will always be there to protect your rights and your freedoms, and we will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination," Trudeau assured the community even though pro-Khalistani slogans were raised.
Canadian PM vows improved security outside Gurudwaras
Although he didn't mention the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar by "unknown men" during his speech, Trudeau vowed he would improve security and infrastructure by adding more security to community centres and places of worship, like Gurdwaras. Notably, Nijjar was killed outside Gurudwara in June last year.
Nearly three months after the killing, Trudeau abruptly appeared in the Canadian Parliament and alleged India's involvement in the killing of the Sikh separatist leader.
This triggered a massive uproar in India as well as Canada, especially in the diplomatic arena. At first, India halted visas for Canadians and later snatched the diplomatic immunity of at least 41 diplomats in New Delhi. This prompted Ottawa to call back their envoys from India.
Also Read: New Zealand issues clarification over Dy PM's 'Canada doesn't share evidence on Nijjar's' remarks
