Amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Indian Consulate in Canada has been forced to cancel several scheduled consular camps due to escalating security concerns. The decision, announced Thursday, comes after repeated warnings from local security agencies that they could not provide sufficient protection for the events.
The consular camps, which serve as essential outreach for the Indian diaspora in Canada, were primarily aimed at providing services to the elderly members of the community in the Greater Toronto Area. With close to 4,000 elderly individuals, including both Indian and Canadian nationals, dependent on these services, the cancellation has been met with disappointment and concern.
Heightened Security Concerns
The decision to cancel the camps follows a series of disruptions linked to pro-Khalistani activities. On November 2 and 3, two consular camps—one in Brampton and the other in Surrey—were targeted by mobs supporting the Khalistani movement. These incidents resulted in significant security concerns, prompting local authorities to inform the Consulate that they could not guarantee the necessary safety for future events.
“The inability to provide minimum security protection to the community camp organizers has led to the decision to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps,” said the Indian Consulate in Toronto. While some camps had been planned at police facilities and other neutral venues, the ongoing threat of violence has left the Consulate with little choice but to suspend these vital services.
The Indian government, through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), expressed its disappointment at the disruption. “Our consulate in Toronto had to cancel the consular camp they were planning to organize over the weekend because they did not get adequate security or security assurance from the government,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “These consular camps are conducted at the request of community organizations, and where the community is comfortable, we will continue to organize them.”
The cancellations come at a time of growing diplomatic friction between India and Canada. Tensions have been fueled by accusations from both sides, including reports about Canada’s alleged reluctance to take action against individuals associated with the Khalistani movement.
Community Concerns
The suspension of consular services, particularly in the context of these disruptions, is causing serious concerns within the Indian diaspora in Canada. Many members of the community rely on these camps for access to essential consular services, including visa applications, passport renewals, and legal assistance. The cancellation of these events has left a significant gap in the ability of the diaspora to access services, especially for those who are elderly and face mobility challenges.
While the Consulate remains sensitive to these challenges, there are growing concerns about the safety of both consular staff and the community. These concerns were exacerbated by the involvement of a Canadian police officer in a pro-Khalistani protest in Brampton, which was captured on video and went viral. The incident led to the suspension of the officer, Harinder Sohi, further fueling distrust between the two countries.
The Bigger Picture
These developments are just the latest chapter in a broader and increasingly strained diplomatic relationship between India and Canada. Over the past several months, tensions have escalated with accusations of interference, violent protests, and a growing divide over issues related to the separatist movement.
The Indian government has strongly refuted allegations made in Canadian media suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had prior knowledge of the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia, and other purported violent plots. “Such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve,” the MEA spokesperson asserted, further aggravating the diplomatic rift.
Arrest of Arsh Dalla
Arsh Dalla, a notorious criminal with a long list of violent offenses in India, has caused further strain. Dalla, who has been designated a terrorist by the Indian government, was involved in terrorist financing and other illegal activities across Canada.
In May 2022, India issued a Red Corner Notice for Dalla’s arrest, but the Canadian government has so far refused to cooperate with India’s request for his provisional arrest. Despite these obstacles, the Indian government remains determined to pursue an extradition request for Dalla.
“In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request. Given Arsh Dalla’s criminal record in India and his involvement in similar illegal activities in Canada, it is expected that he will be extradited or deported to face justice in India,” said Randhir Jaiswal.
Jaiswal further explained that a separate request was also sent to Canada under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to verify Arsh Dalla’s suspected residential address, his financial transactions to India, moveable/immovable properties, details of mobile numbers etc. – all of which were provided to Canadian authorities in January 2023. In December 2023, the Department of Justice of Canada sought additional information on the case. A reply to these queries was sent in March this year, he said.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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