MEA on the cancellation of Canada’s Diwali celebration – ThePrint – ANIFeed

New Delhi (India), November 2 (ANI): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed disappointment and pointed out a worrying trend of intolerance and extremism in Canada after Canadian Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre canceled Diwali celebrations on Parliament Hill.

Earlier, Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre canceled Diwali celebrations, which were supposed to take place on Parliament Hill, amid the ongoing diplomatic row with India.

The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the organizer of the event, received no explanation for the cancellation of the Diwali celebration.

This comes amid strained ties between India and Canada, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The situation has led to diplomatic tensions and the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats from the country in mid-October.

OFIC President Shiv Bhasker wrote a letter to Pierre Poilievre, expressing his dissatisfaction with the decision. In a letter to Pierre Poilievre, Bhasker wrote: “It is with extreme disappointment and sadness that I write this letter to you to express our dismay that the Office of the Leader of the Opposition has canceled the 24th Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill cancelled.”

Additionally, Jaiswal addressed the recent reduction in the number of visas issued by the Canadian government to India and said that the Indian government is closely monitoring the well-being of its students and professionals living in Canada.

“We monitor the well-being of our students and professionals working in Canada. Our concern for their safety and security remains paramount,” the MEA spokesperson said. (ANI)

This report is automatically generated by the ANI news service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.