Toronto: Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted for the first time the presence of Khalistanis in his country. However, he added that not all Khalistani supporters represent the Sikh community as a whole. He made this comment during a Diwali event at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill.
Trudeau also claimed that while there were supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in Canada, they didn’t represent all Hindu Canadians.
“There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh Community as a whole. There are supporters of the Modi government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole,” he said, as quoted by NDTV world.
Celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas reminds us of our strength and unity. “Those inciting violence and hatred do not represent the Sikh or Hindu communities in Canada,” said PM Justin Trudeau. Let’s stand together against hate and support an inclusive Canada. pic.twitter.com/ecMHEqkf0n
— Sonia Sidhu (@SoniaLiberal) November 6, 2024
Relations between both the countries deteriorated since the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist wanted by the Indian government, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia last year. The bilateral relations hit rock bottom after Trudeau’s allegation that India might been involved in the murder.
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly said the Canadian government did not share any evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing despite repeated requests.
India has also accused Trudeau of doing vote bank politics and not taking adequate measures to tackle separatist elements on Canadian soil.
The tension grew further earlier this week when protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with devotees at a Hindu temple in Brampton. The attack disrupted a consular event of Indian government that was being held on the temple premises.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had condemned the violence. “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely,” Trudeau wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Indian government had also expressed deep concern over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada.