Ahead Of Khalistan Rally, Canada Terms Promotional Material "Unacceptable," Says Serious About Diplomat Safety

Calling the promotional material circulating ahead of the 'Khalistan Freedom Rally' "unacceptable," Canada expressed its commitment towards diplomats' safety, stating it takes its "obligations regarding safety of diplomats very seriously."

The country emphasised its adherence to the Vienna Conventions and said it is in close contact with Indian officials regarding the protest planned for 8 July.

“We know that the actions of a few do not speak for an entire community, or Canada," Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, said.

The Punjabi diaspora in Canada expressed widespread outrage over a poster titled "Kill India." This poster, released by Pro-Khalistani leaders in Canada, accused Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and Consul General of India in Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava, of assassinating Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

An invitation to a rally called the 'Khalistan Freedom Rally' has been circulated through a poster. The rally is scheduled for 8 July and will begin at the Great Punjab Business Centre Malton, culminating at the Indian Embassy in Toronto (although it should be noted that Toronto houses the Consulate General of India, not the Indian Embassy).

The poster includes photos of Indian officials in Canada, labelling them as killers of Nijjar in Toronto.

India has expressed concerns regarding the posters and their implications. The country believes that the radical thinking of the Khalistanis is detrimental to India and its relationships with partner countries.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, addressed the issue during a conversation with reporters at a BJP outreach programme.

"We have already requested our partner countries like Canada, the US, the UK and Australia where sometimes Khalistani activities happen, not to give space to Khalistanis. Because their (Khalistanis) radical, extremist thinking is neither good for us nor for them nor our relations."