India cancels consular camps in Toronto amid security concerns over Khalistani extremism

Canada fails to protect community camp organizers from Khalistani extremist violence

In a sharp rebuke of the Canadian government‘s inability to ensure the safety of its citizens, the Consulate General of India in Toronto has announced the cancellation of several consular camps, which were initially scheduled to issue life certificates to Indian pensioners. The decision comes after security agencies in Canada failed to provide the minimum protection necessary for the community camp organizers amidst escalating violence by Khalistani extremists.

“In light of security agencies conveying their inability to offer even basic security measures to our camp organizers, the Consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps,” said a statement issued by the Consulate General on X. This marks a significant setback for the Indian community in Canada, which has been increasingly targeted by extremist groups.

The cancellation follows a series of violent clashes in Brampton, where Khalistani supporters clashed with individuals at the Hindu Sabha Temple. This altercation, which disrupted a consular event co-organized by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate, is yet another instance of violence aimed at Hindu establishments in Canada.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concern over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple and called on the Canadian government to ensure the protection of places of worship. “We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment, and violence,” Jaiswal said in a statement.

The High Commission of India in Ottawa also voiced its disappointment, particularly over the disruptions faced at another consular camp in Brampton. “It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions allowed for routine consular work,” the statement said. Despite the challenges, over 1,000 life certificates were successfully issued. However, similar anti-India disruptions were attempted at consular camps in Vancouver and Surrey earlier this month.

The rise in such violent incidents has sparked alarm within Canada’s Hindu community. Advocacy groups such as the Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH), the Hindu Federation, and temple leaders have raised strong objections against the government’s handling of Khalistani extremism. They issued a directive calling on politicians to refrain from using temple facilities for political purposes unless they show concrete efforts to address the growing threat of extremism and violence targeting the Indian community in Canada.

The directive highlights a growing unease among Canada’s Hindu population, who feel increasingly vulnerable in a country where such attacks are becoming more frequent. The community has questioned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government for its failure to take action against Khalistani extremists, despite repeated warnings.

India’s decision to cancel consular camps is seen as a direct consequence of Canada’s failure to protect its citizens from growing violence, further straining diplomatic ties between the two nations. It also raises serious questions about Canada’s commitment to countering extremism and upholding the safety and security of all communities within its borders.

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