Increasing tensions in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada have prompted Indian diplomatic officials to cancel consular camps. This comes after the police said that holding such meetings and events at religious facilities was heightening tensions. Canadian security agencies can also not provide minimum security protection to the organizers.
The consular camps, often held at temples and community centers, are the Indian government’s outreach work to help expats fill out paperwork regarding pensions.
The Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah in a letter to the acting consul-general of India Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh asked for measures to prevent further risks as the location of consular camps in proximity to the religious facilities may contribute to heightened tensions at the gatherings.
Canadian authorities raised these concerns following a brawl outside the Hindu Sabha Temple between Sikh separatist demonstrators and supporters of the Indian government on Sunday evening. The Peel Regional Police deployed its riot squad to disperse a crowd of protestors, breaking off another demonstration to prevent it from turning violent.
Also Read: Canada Charges 3 Men For Violent Protest Outside Hindu Temple And Sikh Gurdwara
S Jaishankar Rebukes Canada Government
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized Canada for making allegations against India over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He said the Canadian government made allegations without providing specifics.
Jaishankar believes Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics. He said it’s unacceptable that Indian diplomats have been put under surveillance. The Minister highlighted that India believes in freedom but it should not be misused.
Regarding the consular camps, Jaishankar explained that the large diaspora in Canada, especially the expats, need documentation for the continuation of their pensions and several other activities in India. He said the consular camps are helpful to the community, and conducted at the request of the community organizations.
