India concerned over threat to citizens in Canada

Threat to Indian citizens in Canada

Indian High Commission in Ottawa expressed its apprehension over the threat looming over Indian citizens, including Indian students. Canadian authorities presented multiple reports of Indo-Canadian community members being threatened and intimidated for their actions classified as pro Indian or posing a controversial stance over ongoing farmers' protests against the new farm laws issued by Indian Parliament.

In an awareness message to diaspora in Canada, India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Ajay Bisaria wrote, "We encountered some reports where Indian citizens and friends of India who firmly supported the new farm reforms in India are subjected to intimidation, threats of violence and calls to boycott or destroy their businesses." Several cases of warnings, including violence, molestation and rapes against Indo-Canadian community were received from the Greater Toronto Area, Metro Vancouver, Calgary and Vancouver. This issue in context of security and safety of large communities has spread fear and unrest in the air. This concern over Canadian emergency preparedness and safety procedures have been raised by 28 Indo-Canadian organisations in the letter to minister Bill Blair but are due to hear from him.

Bisaria announced that if any Indian National is subjected to any such threat, intimidation or violence, they must report to the nearest local police station, citing all details and bring it to authority's attention. He added, "a layer of misinformation, blatant lies and distortions is fluttering about recent advancements in India. This is promoting violence in India, defaming or tarnishing the image of India and Indians. Moreover, it is instigating disharmony among Indian communities in Canada." Several Canadian politicians also brought the issue of farmers' protest, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Poetic Justice Foundation, the group credited for development of the infamous toolkit, is under investigation by Indian law enforcement and is based in Vancouver. Its founder, Mo Dhaliwal was responsible for the blockade of Indian consulate in Vancouver on Republic Day. In an unverified video, Dhaliwal made a pro-Khalistani speech. Bisaria sought the diaspora to Indian nationals, friends of India and Canadian public to remain alert about such attempts of domination and not be moved by false narratives. "The Indo-American community in Canada reflects diversity and plurality in India and is testament to unity and peaceful relations between the countries. The people should join hands to dispel hatred and vengeance dividing them. All voices must have representation and respect," he said.