External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday hit out against the Canadian government with regard to the Khalistani tableau featuring the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating "it is not good for Canada and its relationship with India."
His response came after a float, believed to be from the 5-km long parade taken out by Khalistan supporters on June 4, went viral on social media. It showed bodyguards firing on the former Prime Minister, with signs that read, "revenge for the attack on Shri Darbar Sahib." This referred to the storming of the Golden Temple by Indian troops in 1984.
The parade came days before the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. The video had drawn a huge backlash on social media.
"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," Jaishankar said while addressing the media.
#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on reports of late PM Indira Gandhi's assassination celebration in Canada; says, "...I think there is a bigger issue involved...Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do… pic.twitter.com/VsNP82T1Fb
— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023
The EAM also responded to Canada's National Security Adviser Jody Thomas's statement that India is among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada. "The phrase which came to my mind was 'Ulta chor kotwal ko daante..." If anyone should complain, it's India," he added.
Meanwhile, the tableau by Khalistani sympathisers has drawn the ire of Congress leaders.
Congress leader Milind Deora tweeted he was appalled by the parade taken out on June 4. "It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Minister’s assassination. This extremism deserves universal condemnation & a united response," Deora said.
Tableau depicting Indira Gandhi's assassination by Sikh bodyguards part of parade in Canada's Brampton on 4th June. Video Courtesy Balraj Deol #Canada #Brampton #IndiraGandhi #Khalistan pic.twitter.com/rdiNPydkvZ
— Namaskar Gujarat Australia (@NamaskarGujarat) June 7, 2023
Jairam Ramesh responded to the tweet, calling it 'despicable'. He also urged the External Affairs Minister to take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities.
Canadian High Commissioner in India Cameron MacKay too reacted to the statement. "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," MacKay tweeted.
