• Source:JND
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India on Tuesday responded strongly to the display of an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in chains by pro-Khalistan activists in Canada during a Nagar Kirtan parade in Ontario. The Ministry of External Affairs also called on the Justin Trudeau government to stop offering “safe haven and political space” to criminal and separatist elements.

India also raised concerns about the safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada, asking Ottawa to ensure "they carry out their responsibilities without fear."

This came as on Sunday, during a Khalsa Day parade in Malton town, Greater Toronto Area, pro-Khalistan elements in Canada took up their anti-India agenda a notch. They included a float featuring an effigy of Prime Minister Modi bound in chains and confined within a cage. The parade also saw some members chanting Khalistan slogans and holding Khalistan flags.

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The event marks another decline in bilateral relations, which have been worsening since Prime Minister Trudeau's grave allegations against India last year. Trudeau had alleged an Indian hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar - alleging connections between Indian government agents and the killing of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force leader.

MEA's sharp reaction

While responding to a question about the disrespect of PM Modi and Indira Gandhi and the anti-India chants in the parade, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has repeatedly raised its strong concerns raised concerns over "violent imagery" being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership.

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"We continue to remain concerned about the security of our diplomatic representatives in Canada and expect the Government of Canada to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear," he said.

"We again call upon the Government of Canada to stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven and political space in Canada," Jaiswal added.