Is Canada Soft On Khalistan Supporters For Votes? Here's What Trudeau Says

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday said that he has always taken threats of violence "extremely seriously".

In the recent past, three major anti-India incidents involving Khalistani separatists have been reported in Canada.

Responding to allegations that the Canadian government is soft and reluctant to act against pro-Khalistan gatherings and terrorists, he said Canada has "always taken serious action against terrorism and we always will."

His statement comes after India summoned Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi over propaganda material, including posters, containing threats to Indian diplomats being circulated in Canada and has served a demarche to the Justin Trudeau government.

On a question about the parade in Canada depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Trudeau said, "They are wrong. Canada has always taken extremely seriously violence and threats of violence. We have always taken serious action against terrorism and we always will." "We have an extremely diverse country and freedom of expression is something that we have. But, we will also make sure that we are pushing back against violence and extremism in all its forms," he added.

A parade float, allegedly organized by Khalistani supporters, showcasing the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Reportedly, the video was shot on June 4, two days before the 39th anniversary of 'Operation Blue Star'.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had slammed Canada for giving space to separatists and extremist elements after a video showed a parade float in Canada's Brampton city celebrating the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Last week, S Jaishankar expressed his unhappiness over the way Canada has been dealing with Khalistani elements. "How Canada has dealt with the Khalistani issue is a longstanding issue for us, because very frankly, they seem to be driven by vote bank politics. Their responses have been constrained by what they regard as vote bank compulsions," he said.

"We made it very clear that if there are activities which are permitted from Canada that impinge on our sovereignty, territorial integrity and our security, then we will have to respond," the minister added.