NEW DELHI: India has issued a special advisory for the safety of its citizens living in Canada amid a sarp increase in incidents of hate crimes, says Foreign Ministry.
This advisory comes a day after India termed the so-called Khalistan referendum conducted by separatist groups as a “farcical exercise”. Speaking at a weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India had conveyed concerns to Canada about the use of its territory by politically motivated “extremist elements”
Advisory for Indian Nationals and Students from India in Canadahttps://t.co/dOrqyY7FgN pic.twitter.com/M0TDfTgvrG
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 23, 2022
Foreign ministry advisory to Indians
In an advisory to Indian citizens and students in Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs has said, “There has been a sharp increase in incidents of hate crime, communal violence and anti-India activities in Canada. In view of the increasing incidence of these crimes, Indian citizens and in Canada Students or persons pursuing studies are advised to exercise caution and remain alert.”
Demand for action from the Government of Canada
The Ministry of External Affairs and India’s High Commission and Consulates in Canada have taken up the recent communal incidents with the Canadian authorities and asked them to “investigate the crimes and take appropriate action”. “The perpetrators of these crimes have not yet been brought to justice in Canada,” the advisory said.
Indians can take help from High Commission
India nationals and students from India in Canada may also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites. Or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in . Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizen in Canada in the event of any requirement of emergency, according to MEA release.
Significantly, there are about 1.6 million people of Indian origin living in Canada. Apart from this, Canada also has 17 MPs of Indian origin and three cabinet ministers, including Defense Minister Anita Anand.
