Canadian Government was criticized by India for permitting a parade float in Brampton that allegedly commemorated the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
A six-second clip on doing rounds on Twitter, shared by one Balraj Deol, has become viral, which shows a disturbing tableau with Indira Gandhi in a blood-stained white saree, her hands up in fright while Sikh men in turbans pointed guns towards her. Behind this scene was a poster marked ‘Revenge’. According to reports, the Brampton parade had a 5 km-long procession on June 4.
Reportedly, this has led to a diplomatic fallout between the nations, raising concerns and increasing tensions.
During a media briefing in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his concerns over engagement in vote bank politics in Canada, that has given space to separatists and extremists, primarily Khalistanis.
"Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this... I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada," Jaishankar stated.
Congress leaders also condemned the parade and urged EAM Jaishankar to raise the issue with Canadian authorities.
“As an Indian, I’m appalled by the 5km-long parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi,” Congress leader Milind Deora posted on Twitter.
He emphasized that showing respect for a nation's history and condemning the extremism and the assassination of its Prime Minister requires a united response, rather than taking sides. Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh backed the tweet, urging Dr. S Jaishankar to strongly take it up with the Canadian authorities.
This comes amidst the completion of 39 years last week of Operation Bluestar, after which Indira Gandhi's bodyguards had assassinated her.
Canada’s High Commissioner for India Cameron MacKay also condemned the incident, in a tweet where he said, “I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities".
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