A year after the Indian consulate in Vancouver was blocked by protesters, New Delhi has formally asked Canada’s mission in the country to “fully deploy” security measures to prevent such disruptions from happening again.
India’s request was conveyed to Ottawa by a note verbale, an official diplomatic communiqué, from the Indian High Commission to Global Affairs Canada, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
A senior Indian official told the Hindustan Times that they had communicated “accurate and specific information” about the threat to the Canadian mission. “We have conveyed the more blatant threats we have received to our Canadian colleagues and asked them to ensure that nothing unpleasant happens,” the official said.
Concerns have been raised about this year’s Punjab elections, with separatist group Sikh Justice (SFJ) already making a public statement calling the Republic Day event in Vancouver disturbing, while other hardline groups are planning a consulate in Toronto. Holding the car rally The official said Canada’s law enforcement agency responsible for diplomatic security will “intensify patrols and deploy static and plainclothes personnel.”
SFJ’s general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun said activists who backed its Khalistan referendum had been assigned to “Elevate Khalistan – Stop Tiranga” on January 26 missions in India, including a mission in Vancouver, which The task has been assigned to Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In November last year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against Nijjar with a special court in New Delhi under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for planning a terrorist act in India.
Nijjar and the SFJ deny any involvement in terrorism, although they openly support secession and support a non-binding referendum.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
