Indians Not Safe in Canada

It seems that Canada has decided to adopt the policy of supporting and abetting anti-India elements. This is increasing with each passing day. The Canadian Government’s stance of patronising the Khalistani groups is an open secret now. It got catalysed when the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged potential involvement of the Indian Government in the killing of a Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India have termed as absurd and motivated. After that the relations between the two countries have nosedived. It was followed by the withdrawal of the diplomats in two batches from both the countries. Canada has not stopped here. Recently it accused the Home Minister Amit Shah of being behind the targeting of the Khalistan separatists based in Canada. These anti –India elements are being termed as Canadian nationals by the Trudeau regime. Countering this tirade India has lodged a protest through diplomatic channels to drive home the point, terming these allegations as absurd and baseless. Now the red line has been crossed. There has been an attack on the temple on Sunday at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario during a visit by the Indian consular officials. This has prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to react. While condemning the attack on the temple he has asked the Canadian Government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. He has rightly pointed out that these are acts of violence perpetuated by extremists and separatists. There is a need to protect the places of worship from such acts and those responsible for such acts must be prosecuted, asserted the Prime Minister. In this incident that took place on Sunday outside a consular camp organised to address the issues of passport documentation and OCI cards, Khalistani supporters carrying the Khalistan flags attacked the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton near Toronto. This camp was jointly organised by the Indian High Commission in collaboration with the Hindu Mandir. This attack signifies that Khalistani supporters are acting with impunity and have a tremendous influence on the Canadian Government that has left no stone unturned so far to patronise the Khalistani radicals. Justin Trudeau’s regime seems to be highly dependent on the political support of the Khalistanis to maintain his hold over the government. This open assault on the Indians in the Hindu temple makes it abundantly clear that they suffer a grave risk to their life and limb in Canada. This incremental belligerence against India and Indians raises many questions about the Canadian policy towards the Indians present there. Prime Minister Modi’s reaction rightly underlines the gravity of the situation and thus it must bring sense to the Canadian Government. The issues that need to be addressed are the safety and security of the Indians stuck in Canada and putting an end to the Canadian propaganda guided by baseless accusations against India. That includes the recent accusation against the Home Minister Amit Shah. India must take this issue seriously and blow into smithereens the untruths being propagated by the Canadian Government to tarnish Indian image. On the contrary, the free run given to Khalistanis and allowing them to hijack the foreign policy is unfortunate. In such a situation, India must re-define its foreign policy towards Canada and impose strict measures to checkmate the nefarious designs of Canada to take India for granted. Any nation that abets the forces working for the balkanisation India, posing a threat to its territorial integrity, sovereignty and internal security must be considered to be indulging in an enemy act. India cannot afford to leave its citizens insecure in Canada. As such Indian foreign policy towards Canada must be guided by the terms of security and safety for its citizens.