‘Fake’: India on viral post urging Indians to confront Khalistanis in Canada

India has dismissed a social media post as “fake”, that purportedly called for mobilising groups of the Indian community to confront pro-Khalistani extremists in Canada.
The development came amid the escalating India-Canada diplomatic standoff.
The post purportedly mentioned ‘Government of India’ and said that the Indian community needs to be “mobilised” and that diaspora organisations, some of which have been named, could be “cultivated as a vital force” to confront extremists.
The post, bearing the name of the ‘Ministry of External Affairs’ and the year 2023, mentions the name of a top diplomat of India and is addressed to a senior diplomat in Ottawa, the ministry.
This development came amid strained ties between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September last year that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India junked the Trudeau’s claim, calling it absurd.
Nijjar was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia in June last year.
India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.
The surfacing of the fake document came days after devotees were attacked by pro-Khalistanis at a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton, with Jaishankar calling it “deeply concerning”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and said that there were “cowardly attempts” to “intimidate” Indian diplomats.
India “condemned acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists”, and called on Canada to ensure that all places of worship are adequately protected.
Last month, ties nosedived when Canada termed the Indian High Commissioner a “person of interest” in its probe into Nijjar’s murder. India vehemently dismissed the fresh charge and recalled the envoy and some diplomats, while expelling six Canadian officials, including Canada’s acting High Commissioner.