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“High levels of intolerance and extremism”: MEA responds to cancellation of Diwali celebrations in Canada

Posted on by Pranco
“High levels of intolerance and extremism”: MEA responds to cancellation of Diwali celebrations in Canada

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reacted strongly on Saturday, November 2, to the cancellation of the Diwali celebrations on Canada’s Parliament Hill, calling it a “high level of intolerance and extremism.”

When asked about reports of canceled Diwali celebrations on Canada’s Parliament Hill, Jaiswal told the media: “We have seen some reports in this regard. Unfortunately, the prevailing atmosphere in Canada has reached a high level of intolerance and extremism.”

EarlierCanadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre had canceled Diwali celebrationswhich will take place on October 30 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. He received major backlash from the Indian community over this decision, which came amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations after Canada alleged the involvement of Indian diplomats in Khalistani’s killing. separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.

The Diwali event, organized by the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), was scheduled for October 30. However, according to reports, the organizers received no response to the cancellation of the event.

The cancellation ended a 23-year tradition of celebrations by diverse communities such as Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs under one umbrella, OFIC President Shiv Bhasker claimed in an open letter to Poilievre.

The MEA spokesperson also noted that the government is monitoring the welfare of the Indian students and professionals present in Canada.

Commenting on the reduction in visas by the Justin Trudeau-led government, Jaiswal said: “We are monitoring the well-being of our students and professionals working in Canada. Our concern for their safety and security remains great.”

India protests surveillance of consular officials

Recently, some consular officials have been informed by the Canadian government that they are under constant audio and video surveillance, Jaiswal said, adding that their communications have also been intercepted.

“We have formally protested to the Canadian government as we consider these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular treaties. By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify indulging in bullying and intimidation,” he said.

Jaiswal noted that India’s diplomatic and consular staff were functioning in an environment of “extremism and violence”, adding that the Canadian action further aggravates the situation. “It is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” he said.

‘Absurd and unfounded references’

India has protested against a Canadian minister’s references to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The MEA stated that such ‘absurd and baseless’ allegations will have serious consequences for bilateral relations between India and Canada.

“With regard to the latest Canadian target, we yesterday summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission… The note stated that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms the absurd and unsubstantiated references to the Minister of Home Affairs of the Union. before the committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison,” Jaiswal said.

He further emphasized that the revelation that senior Canadian officials “deliberately leaked baseless innuendo to the international media as part of a deliberate strategy to discredit India and influence other countries only reaffirms the position that the Government of India has long held honored about the political situation of the current Canadian government. agenda and behavior pattern.”

The MEA spokesperson said such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences on bilateral ties.

According to reports, this came after Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison previously alleged that Amit Shah had ordered a campaign of violence and intimidation against Sikh separatists in Canada.