India Halts Consular Camps in Canada Over Security Concerns

“Aakhir Tak – In Shorts”

India cancels consular camps in Canada over security concerns.
Khalistani groups attacked Hindu temples in Brampton and Surrey.
The camps provided essential services for Indians in Canada.
Canadian agencies failed to offer “minimum security” at these sites.
Pro-Khalistani supporters disrupted consular services in protest.

“Aakhir Tak – In Depth”

India Cancels Consular Camps in Canada Citing Security Concerns Amid Khalistani Attacks

Following a violent attack by Khalistani groups on a Hindu temple in Brampton, the Indian High Commission in Canada has canceled several planned consular camps. This attack involved a mob disrupting a temple event, causing harm to worshippers and damage to property.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto stated that Canadian security agencies expressed an inability to provide “minimum security” for the events, putting organizers and attendees at risk. In response, the Indian High Commission decided to cancel consular camps intended to assist the Indian diaspora in Canada with essential administrative services, including life insurance certifications.

Khalistani Groups and Police Inaction

The Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, hosting one of these consular camps, faced a severe disturbance from Khalistani supporters who chanted slogans against Indian consular officials. The group “Sikhs for Justice,” a banned organization, claimed responsibility for the protest, saying they opposed Indian diplomatic presence in Canada.

This incident raises concerns within the Indian community, as anti-India sentiments in Canada have been increasing recently. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party are also under scrutiny for their perceived leniency toward Khalistani groups, which critics say emboldens these extremists.

Viral Video of Police Officer with Khalistani Flag

Adding to the controversy, a viral video showed Peel Regional Police Sergeant Harinder Sohi holding a Khalistan flag during a pro-Khalistan protest. This incident raised concerns over potential Khalistani sympathies within Canadian law enforcement, sparking outrage in the Indian community.

Reason for Camp Cancellations and Future Plans

On September 27, the Consulate General of India in Toronto announced 14 consular camps scheduled between November 2 and November 23 across Canadian cities, including Winnipeg, Brampton, and Oakville. The camps intended to offer life certificate services, a crucial need for Indian pensioners. However, with security concerns unaddressed, the Indian High Commission chose to cancel the camps.