The threat perception over the security of Indian missions and envoys has escalated after pro-Khalistan elements put out a poster with violent imagery, the words ‘Kill India’ and photographs of its High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma, Consul General in Toronto Apoorva Srivastava and Consul General in Vancouver Manish
The Canadian government has described the proposed rally by pro-Khalistan elements to Indian missions in the country as ‘unacceptable’, which has caused concerns over the safety of its senior envoys, reported Hindustan Times. In a statement released on Twitter on July 3 evening, Melanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said, “Canada takes its obligations under Vienna Conventions regarding the safety of diplomats very seriously. Canada remains in close contact with Indian officials in light of some of the promotional material circulating online regarding a protest planned for July 8th, which are unacceptable.”
A similar statement was also tweeted by Canada’s Minister of National Defence Anita Anand, who said, “The materials posted online for a protest on July 8 are unacceptable, and they do not represent Canadians. Canada will continue to ensure the safety of foreign diplomats in this country – and we take this responsibility seriously.”
The threat perception over the security of Indian missions and envoys has escalated after pro-Khalistan elements put out a poster with violent imagery, the words ‘Kill India’ and photographs of its High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma, Consul General in Toronto Apoorva Srivastava and Consul General in Vancouver Manish.
India has already communicated its concerns to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the country’s foreign ministry, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which is tasked with diplomatic security, and local police in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.
Security worries have increased following reports of an incident of arson at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. A senior Indian official said these details were being shared with Canadian authorities and they were being ‘sensitised’ to these issues. The official added that security patrols at the missions in Canada already appear to have been enhanced by law enforcement agencies.
A poster, similar to those targeting officials in Canada, was circulated featuring the India’s Ambassador to Washington Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Consul General in San Francisco TV Nagendra Prasad.
On Sunday, the protest was criticised by the High Commissioner in Canada. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Verma said, “In the garb of freedom of expression, they are attempting to cause harm to foreign envoys, which may not be the intention of Canadian law and constitution, under which such rights are provided.”
In Australia too, the Indian High Commissioner, Manpreet Vohra, the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, Sushil Kumar are being threatened by Khalistan extremists. A poster has been circulated on social media by the extremist elements having pictures of both diplomats and the text reading “Faces of Shaheed Nijjar’s killers in Australia”, Australia Today reported.
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This comes on the heels of the June killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was wanted in India and with National Investigation Agency (NIA) announcing a bounty for his arrest
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Nijjar was gunned down outside a gurdwara in the parking area in Canada’s Surrey, according to a report in Vancouver Sun
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Since the killing of designated terrorist Nijjar, the Khalistani extremists are targeting Indian diplomats in Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom and Australia
Terry Milewski, a Canadian journalist and former CBC correspondent also tweeted on the issue and shared the poster issued by Khalistani elements.
“Now, after targeting Indian diplomats in Canada, the menacing Khalistani posters have spread to Australia. Again, both High Commissioner and Consul-General are pictured and named as “Killers” of “Shaheed” Nijjar. A march on the Indian embassy in Melbourne is set for July 8,” Milewski said in a tweet.
The issue has also drawn stern criticism from New Delhi. An Indian official told the Australia based news platform that the Indian authorities are taking the issue very seriously and are in touch with Australian officials. “We all should condemn this terror, Melbourne is the third best city to live in and here the democratic values and harmony of the community are being destroyed by few. Indian Authorities are taking this very seriously and are in touch with relevant Australian officials,” Australia Today quoted the official.
The Australian government has also ensured the security of foreign missions and their staff in the country. “The Australian Government takes seriously its obligations under the Vienna Convention to ensure the security of foreign missions and their staff in the country. Australia does not tolerate hate speech, violence, or threats of violence. Any threat to accredited officials residing in Australia will be investigated,” Australia Today quoted the spokesperson of the department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This comes on the heels of the June killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was wanted in India and with National Investigation Agency (NIA) announcing a bounty for his arrest. Nijjar was gunned down outside a gurdwara in the parking area in Canada’s Surrey, according to a report in Vancouver Sun.
Since the killing of designated terrorist Nijjar, the Khalistani extremists are targeting Indian diplomats in Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom and Australia.
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