On October 3, the government of India asserted that it expects the government of Canada to recognise those people as terrorists who have been declared as such under Indian laws, and that it is requesting Canada to stop anti-Indian activities carried out there. Moreover, the MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi added, “In light of the ongoing so-called Khalistan referendum in Canada, India would keep pressing Canada to take appropriate action!”
He further stated, “Our stand on the anti-Indian groups’ attempts to convene a “Khalistan referendum” is widely known now. Additionally, it has been communicated to the Canadian government in both Canada and New Delhi. Moreover, the Canadian government has cleared that it respects India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and that it would not recognise the so-called referendum.”
Also read: Finally! Gujarat Poll Dates Out: 2 Phases, Voting On 1 & 5 December
As proposed by the SFJ – Sikhs For Justice, the referendum is scheduled for 6th of November at Mississauga, close to Toronto. Reportedly, over 100,000 Canadian Sikhs participated in the first of these elections, which were held in Brampton on September 18 and was organised by the pro-Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice. Social media images displayed a sizable line-up of men and women waiting to cast their votes in the Khalistan Referendum.
Furthermore, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “This viewpoint was reaffirmed by the Canadian deputy foreign minister and high commissioner. You all know the history of violence in this area, but we find it very reprehensible that politically motivated exercises by the extremist forces are permitted to take place in a friendly country.”
Moreover, such activities are a matter of concern for the Indian as well as the Canadian government. However, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday, Canada has informed India that it will not recognise the controversial “Khalistan” referendum being held in Ontario on November 6 by the banned group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
