Amid the diplomatic standoff after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly alleged a “foreign agent’s hand” behind the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, News18 spoke with Indian High Commissioner in Canada Sanjay Verma over the developments in the ties between the two countries. Verma stressed “things are better than before than what it used to be a couple of months ago. We have demonstrated this feeling by restoring some more visa services. There are protests, but we are secure.”
India resumed e-visa services for Canadian citizens almost after two months of pause. In October, it resumed the services in certain categories for Canadians, excluding tourist, employment, student, film, missionary and journalist visas.
When asked about the reported protests at a Hindu temple in Surrey on the occasion of Dev Deepawali (Kartika Poornima) and Guru Purab on November 27, Verma said it was not related to any religious activity. He blamed the Khalistani elements for creating ruckus outside the temple, where the India High Commission was organising a consular camp. “Luckily, local authorities took cognizance of those hooligans.”
With anti-India sloganeering and protests still continuing in parts of Canada, Verma said the matter has been raised with the Canadian authorities and Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. “Our core concerns are yet to be addressed. We will keep sensitising Indian interlocuters to address our concerns, which is not to allow Canadian citizens to use Canadian soil against India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
On the issue of Nijjar’s killing, Verma pointed out that the investigation is on. Once it is concluded, then the details of investigation will be shared with India. “As per our information, in the Canadian legal system, unless the investigation is concluded, it will not go to prosecutor”.
Recently, an American citizen and leader of banned Sikhs for Justice, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has released videos, threatening Indian citizens to fly Air India. Indian authorities had tightened the security of Ahmedabad, Delhi and Chandigarh airports after Pannun’s threats amid Cricket World Cup matches early November.
Verma said Pannun is a “propagandist. Such people do things for attention. All such information has been shared with the Canadian counterpart”.
India’s Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu was heckled by pro-Khalistan protesters during a visit in gurdwara in New York on Sunday. “Gangster activity is being investigated. The safety concerns remain,” Verma added.
Calling out Canada’s hypocrisy over Pannun’s issue, Verma said laws will have to be followed. Once the investigation is concluded, “we will see better times”.
On pointing out anti-India elements in Canada, Verma stressed people have started coming out and protesting such hooligans. “We saw that K elements were strongly countered by pro-India voices at the temple. Majority of Indian diaspora is a united community and lives in harmony”.
Any foreigner who violates the regulatory framework of obtaining an Indian visa or an OCI card at any point, will be dealt with a “no”, he said.
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