‘Misuse of freedom of expression …’ India slams Canadian PM Trudeau-led govt over Khalistan issue

Jul 06, 2023

New Delhi, July 06 (ANI): Amid the surging cases of vandalism incidents by the Khalistani separatists in Canada and lack of concrete action against them by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led government has raised concern among the Indian diplomats in Canada. Amid all this, India on July 06 strongly condemned Trudeau’s take on the issue and said, "this issue is not just about freedom of expression; it’s the misuse of advocating violence, propagating separatism, and legitimizing terrorism." The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, said, "Indian government has condemned the issue and has also taken it up with the Justin Trudeau administration. no space should be given to extremist and terrorist elements in the name of freedom of expression. The issue is not about freedom of expression but its misuse for advocating violence and propagating separatism and legitimizing terrorism" Meanwhile, reacting to allegations that the Canadian government is soft and reluctant to act against pro-Khalistan gatherings and terrorists in the country, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada has "always taken serious action against terrorism and we always will." In the past couple of months, three major anti-India incidents involving Khalistani separatists have been reported in Canada.