New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, July 6 condemned the ‘Khalistan posters’ against Indian diplomats, that appeared in Canada, saying “space should not be given to those advocating violence or legitimising terrorism, in the name of freedom of expression.”
The MEA made these remarks to countries such as Canada, Australia, the US and the UK where pro-Khalistan groups issued posters with threats against senior Indian diplomats.
Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson, said that the safety of the diplomats and security of the Indian missions are of utmost priority to the government and New Delhi has taken it up with countries concerned.
The developments come after Khalistani activists attempted to burn down the Indian consulate in San Francisco on July 2.
“In the name of freedom of expression, we should not be giving space to those who advocate violence or propagate separatism or legitimise terrorism,” Bagchi said.
He said the posters “inciting violence against our diplomats and our diplomatic premises abroad are unacceptable and we condemn them in the strongest terms.”
Bagchi added that it is the host governments’ responsibility to provide security to Indian diplomats and India’s missions.
“This is primarily a responsibility that we expect that host governments will discharge as per their obligations under the Vienna Conventions and that we are reminding them of what they need to do and also bringing to their attention specific instances which might come to our attention,” he said.
“With respect to Canada, the matter has been strongly taken up with the Canadian authorities both in New Delhi and in Ottawa,” he said.
Also read: India Protests ‘Khalistan’ Posters; Canada Says Threat to Indian Diplomats ‘Unacceptable’
Bagchi said New Delhi has called upon the Canadian government to take all required steps to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and security of India’s diplomatic missions in Canada.
“It is a matter of concern that freedom of expression and speech is once again being misused by anti-India elements based in Canada and elsewhere. We continue to press the Canadian side to ensure that our diplomats can carry out their normal functions without fear or intimidation,” he said.
Apart from Canada, Bagchi said that India has taken up the matter of threats issued to the Indian diplomats with London as well.
“We have noted these comments by the UK foreign secretary but we would naturally judge them by what happens on the ground,” he added.
He further said that the government is in touch with other countries where the posters were found to be circulating.
“The safety of our diplomats and security of our missions is of utmost priority to the government,” he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justic Trudeau has countered the MEA’s allegation that Canada has not done enough to deal with the Khalistani campaign. “They are wrong,” Trudeau said in Ottawa when a journalist asked for his comment on New Delhi’s allegation. “Canada has always taken violence and threats of violence extremely seriously. We have always taken serious action against terrorism and we always will.”