A US-based Hindu organisation has urged Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to respect the right of his country's people to protest peacefully.
The right to peaceful protest is fundamental in any democracy and the promulgation of an emergency order to quell voices of dissent sets, for the first time, a tragic precedent for Canada, it said.
HinduPACT also urged Trudeau and New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh not to conflate the "Swastika", an ancient and auspicious symbol for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and many indigenous communities around the world, with the "Hakenkreuz", a 20th century Nazi symbol of hate.
In for the long-haul
A day after Canada's PM Justin Trudeau invoked rare emergency powers to quell protests, protestors have set up saunas, hair cutting facilities and options to procure a hot meal, indicating that they are in this for the long haul. Jeff, a retired trucker who arrived in Ottawa 17 days ago, told the Guardian, “There’s a sense of unity here – and I think it’s only increased since yesterday. When you’ve seen the light, it’s hard to (go) back to the dark.” The camp residents have also held an open mic so that protesters can share stories. The growing protests now have become organised with various delegated positions for a cadre of volunteers.
The protesters intend to stay in the city long-term despite opposition from local residents. The emergency legislation includes measures intended to put immense pressure on protesters, including the possibility of losing their commercial vehicle licenses; but that doesn't seem to deter the truckers who are there for the long haul, a Guardian report reads.
-- With PTI inputs
