India issues advisory for its citizens and students in Canada
New Delhi: The Indian government has issued a travel advisory for its nationals and students in Canada in view of the growing anti-India activities in the country.
”In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution. Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indian nationals are, therefore, advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
The advisory comes following the frosty relations between India and Canada after a diplomatic row caused by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s allegations of India’s hand in the killing of Khalistan separatist near Vancouver.
“Our High Commission/Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well being of the Indian community in Canada. Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students, in particular, are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” the MEA further stated.
The statement further added, “Indian nationals and students from India in Canada must also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in. Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergency or untoward incident.”
Expulsion of diplomats
Earlier, in a tit-for-tat move, India expelled senior Canadian diplomat after Ottawa ordered Indian intelligence official to leave the country. The move of expelling each other’s diplomat has further exacerbated the tensions in the already strained relationship between the two nations.
Khalistani Gurpatwant Pannu threatens Hindus in Canada
Meanwhile, pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Pannu issued a video statement threatening Hindus in Canada and asked them to leave the country as tension heightened between Canada and India over Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination. In an open threat, Pannu, who is leader of the pro-Khalistani group Sikh for Justice (SFJ), asked Hindus in Canada to go back to India.