‘Will affect ties’: Jaishankar reacts to Khalistan ‘poster threat’ to Indian diplomats in Canada

Jul 03, 2023

New Delhi, July 03 (ANI): The Khalistan issue continues to create major diplomatic rift between India and Canada. In the latest development, extremist groups plan to take out protest rallies on July 8. Rally will start from Great Punjab Business Centre in Malton to Indian Embassy in Toronto. India lodged a strong protest with Canada over ‘Khalistan Freedom Rally’ to Indian Embassy. ‘Khalistan Freedom Rally’ announcement comes weeks after the controversial parade in Brampton. The parade included tableau depicting PM Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her bodyguards. Recently, a Khalistani poster was spotted with the names of Indian HC Saurabh Sharam and Counsellor Apurva Srivastava on it. Sharply reacting to Khalistani activities, EAM Dr S Jaishankar urged Canada not to give space to Khalistanis. Khalistani separatists are deliberately trying to blame Indian diplomats for killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Wanted in India, Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot dead by unknown assailants last month. National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a cash reward for designated terrorist. Nijjar was gunned down outside a gurdwara in the parking area in Canada's Surrey. India has repeatedly asked Canada to take action against Khalistan extremists for threatening Indian diplomats.