India asks Canada to make sure safety at Independence Day celebration occasions | World News

TORONTO: For the primary time ever, the Indian authorities has referred to as upon Canada to make sure satisfactory safety throughout Independence Day celebrations at missions within the nation however to additionally forestall the disruption of occasions organised by the Indo-Canadian neighborhood.

This was conveyed by India’s excessive fee in Ottawa to World Affairs Canada, the nation’s overseas ministry, in a diplomatic communique. It got here because the neighborhood prepares to watch August 15 with public in-person occasions for the primary time since 2019 as Covid-19 associated restrictions ease.

A senior Indian official confirmed that this was the primary time India has broadened its safety request for Independence Day from enhanced measures at its diplomatic premises in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, to guarding “Indian pursuits” associated to neighborhood occasions throughout the nation.

The official clarified that such celebrations had been organised by Canadian residents however the “broader” concern was because of the massive presence of Indian residents together with college students and youngsters. “We recognise that is an inner matter for Canada, however we encourage Canadian authorities to make sure their security as effectively,” the official mentioned.

Indian officers mentioned there was info that pro-Khalistan and pro-Pakistan Kashmiri outfits had been “planning to disrupt” such occasions.

Final 12 months, the non-profit Panorama India organised an occasion for August 15 within the Toronto suburb of Mississauga however there have been disturbances attributable to protesters reported on the time.

Equally, organisers of a Tiranga Rally in Vancouver to mark Republic Day in 2021 confronted protesters at their workplaces following the occasion. That got here after India’s consulate in Vancouver was blockaded by protesters on January 26 that 12 months, amid pro-Khalistan speeches and slogans.

The showpiece occasion this 12 months would be the India Day parade in Toronto, organised by Panorama India, which can embody floats from varied states and neighborhood teams. It is going to culminate at a public celebration in downtown Toronto. In 2019, this occasion had attracted over 50,000 individuals of Indian origin. In British Columbia, Indo-Canadian teams are planning a big automotive rally from the city of Surrey within the Metro Vancouver area.