Canadian politicians slam extremists glorifying Indira Gandhi's assassination

Canadian politicians have slammed Khalistani extremists who recently glorified the assassination of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi. On Thursday (June 6), around 30 protesters gathered in front of the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, vandalised the Indian flag and celebrated former Indian prime minister's assassins. The abhorrent display has drawn criticism from two federal ministers and a Canadian Member of Parliament.

Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc said, "This week, there were reports of imagery depicting the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Vancouver. The promotion of violence is never acceptable in Canada."

ThePublic Safety minister's remarks shows a rare and firm stance by the Canadiangovernment against those who glorify violence.

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Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, expressed her concerns as well, saying, "The use of violent imagery in relation to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is disturbing and unacceptable as it promotes and perpetuates hate and violence."

Canadian MP Chandra Arya in a detailed post said, "Khalistan supporters in Vancouver with posters, of Hindu Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi body with bullet holes with her bodyguards turned assassins holding their guns, are again attempting to instil fear of violence in Hindu-Canadians."

He pointed to a similar float in Brampton a couple of years ago and recent provocations by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice, who had urged "Hindus to leave Canada."

Pannun is listed as a terrorist by the Indian government. Arya elaborated on the symbolism used by the extremists, noting, "the prominence of bindi on the forehead of Indira Gandhi is to make doubly sure the intended targets are Hindus in Canada."

He called upon Canadian law enforcement agencies to take "immediate action", highlighting that "with picture of guns readily being used to convey the message may lead to something real if this is left to continue unchallenged."

In the past as well, similar anti-India protests have taken place in Canada, drawing a strong response from New Delhi.

Earlier this year, India summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner following an event in Toronto in which pro-Khalistan slogans were raised. The event was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other top Canadian political leaders.

In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing their dismay: "The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence."

India-Canada ties have seen a fall over India raising its concerns over Khalistani extremists being given a space while Canada has accused Indian hand behind the killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, though no proof has been given on it.