Canadian Sikhs held protests outside Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver wherein demonstrators carrying Khalistan flags burnt the Indian flag and hit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s effigy with shoes. According to Kashmir Media Service, hundreds of protesters took part in the protests in Toronto and Vancouver. In Ottawa, protesters were seen outside the Indian High Commissioner’s office, waving flags that read “Khalistan”, which signifies their support for a separate state for Sikhs in India. A protester mentioned their gratitude towards Trudeau and called for exhaustive investigations to prevent future attacks on innocent people. “We are really thankful to Justin Trudeau… We want no stone left unturned to get to the bottom of this cowardly act,” the protesters said.

Diplomatic relations between Canada and India have become increasingly tense over the murder of a Canadian Sikh leader. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that intelligence agencies were investigating “credible” allegations linking Indian agents to the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The recent allegations have heightened tensions between the two countries, leading to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats and India’s temporary suspension of visas for Canadians.

 Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)