Indian Govt Issues Advisory for Indian Students in Canada as Anti-India Activities Rise

New Delhi: India on Friday resorted to the unusual step of issuing an advisory asking its nationals in Canada to “exercise due caution and remain vigilant” against the backdrop of what it said was a “sharp increase” in hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities.

The MEA stated, “our High Commission/Consulates General in Canada have taken up these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested them to investigate the said crimes and take appropriate action. The perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada.”

This advisory comes a day after India termed the so-called Khalistan referendum conducted by separatist groups as a “farcical exercise”. Speaking at a weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India had conveyed concerns to Canada about the use of its territory by politically motivated “extremist elements”.

The advisory said Indian nationals and students in Canada may register with the high commission in Ottawa or consulates in Toronto and Vancouver through their websites or the MADAD portal at madad.gov.in. Such registration will allow the Indian missions to “better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any requirement or emergency”.

Earlier on 19 September, over 100,000 Canadian Sikhs took part in voting for the Khalistan Referendum in Brampton, Ontario which was organised by pro-Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Visuals on social media showed a huge number of men, women queueing up to vote in for Khalistan Referendum