'Political Space Given to Extremist Forces': Jaishankar on Canada Consular Camp Attack
New Delhi: A day after the Indian High Commission in Ottawa claimed in a statement that the violence was perpetrated by “anti-India elements” at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton near Toronto, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Tuesday (November 5) that the incident shows how “political space” is being given to the “extremist forces” in Canada.
“What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was deeply concerning. You should have seen the statement by our official spokesperson and also the expression of concern by our PM yesterday. That should convey to you how deeply we feel about it,” Jaisahankar said in Canberra on November 5, reported The Indian Express.
“Let me make three comments. One, Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics. Secondly, when we look at Canada, for us the fact that they are putting our diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable. Third, the incidents (attack on the Hindu Temple) and do look at the videos. I think they will tell you in a way in political space today which has been given to extremist forces there,” added Jaishankar.
After the alleged incident of violence on Monday (November 4), The Indian high commission had further noted in a statement that “in light of these incidents, and with the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats and officials, local venue organizers as well as local attendees, organization of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities.”
“Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said in a statement on X.
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