Toronto: Khalsa Day festivities in Canada’s Toronto were marked by slogans raised in favor of the Khalistan movement during a speech by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has assured nearly a million Canadians of Sikh heritage that his government will always be there to protect their rights and freedom, as tens of thousands raised slogans in support of Khalistan before the former on the occasion of Khalsa Day in Toronto on Sunday.
The festival of Vaisakhi — also known as Baisakhi — honours the founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa in 1699. It also marks the beginning of a new solar year and the harvesting season.
In videos released by Sikh groups, chants of “Khalistan Zindabad” and tribute to “Shaheed Hardeep Singh Nijjar” can be heard during the speech of PM Trudeau who looked on whilst a charged congregation of Sikhs raised slogans.
A similar instance also occurred when the leader of the official opposition of Canada, Pierre Poilievre walked up to the stage to begin his address to the people gathered at the event.
Thousands of people reached downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of the biggest yearly gatherings in the city.
The Canadian PM also said the country was enhancing the security and infrastructure programmes by “adding more security at community centres and places of worship, including Gurdwaras.”
“Trudeau, in a staunch assurance to the Sikh Community in the country, has said that the government is always there to protect their rights and freedoms at all costs,”
Trudeau’s remarks come at a time when the diplomatic relations between India and Canada are on the rocks after the assassination of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and Khalistan Referendum’s Canadian head Hardeep Singh Nijjar by the Indian state agents last year and an unsuccessful attempt on the life of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the SFJ founder who is both Canadian and American national. Nijjar was killed as he came out of a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on the evening of June 18, 2023.
Meanwhile, India summoned the Canadian deputy high commissioner and expressed “deep concern and strong protest” after the separatist slogans were raised.
India’s foreign affairs ministry said it had conveyed “deep concern and strong protest” at such actions “being allowed to continue unchecked at the event”.
The Canadian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
