- विज्ञापन -
Due to concerns over inadequate security, the Consulate General of India in Toronto has canceled several planned consular camps that were meant to issue life certificates to Indian pensioners. This decision follows warnings from security agencies, who expressed their inability to ensure basic protection amid recent violent actions by Khalistani extremists.
An official statement from the Consulate, shared via X, explained that the cancellation was necessary after security agencies communicated their limitations in safeguarding the community camp organizers. This development comes after clashes between pro-Khalistani protesters and attendees at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, which disrupted a consular event co-organized by the temple and the Indian Consulate, marking another violent incident targeting Hindu institutions.
In view of the security agencies conveying their inability to provide minimum security protection to the community camp organizers, Consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps.@HCI_Ottawa @MEAIndia
— IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) November 7, 2024
On November 4, the Indian government reiterated its concerns about the safety of its citizens in Canada in response to these events. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), condemned the violence at the temple and urged the Canadian government to ensure the protection of places of worship and hold those responsible accountable.
Jaiswal affirmed India’s commitment to providing consular services, stating that efforts to assist Indian nationals and Canadian citizens would persist despite attempts at intimidation and violence. Additionally, the High Commission of India in Ottawa expressed dissatisfaction regarding the disruptions during another consular camp in Brampton, although over 1,000 life certificates were issued despite the disturbances. Similar anti-India disruptions were reported at consular camps in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.
In light of the increasing attacks, the Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH), the Hindu Federation, and various temple leaders have issued a directive prohibiting politicians from utilizing temple spaces for political activities unless they demonstrate tangible measures to address the escalating threat of Khalistani extremism in Canada. This directive reflects rising concerns among the Hindu community in Canada as incidents of religious intolerance reportedly increase under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration.
