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India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has come down heavily on Canada for allowing pro-Khalistani elements to freely operate and voice separatist ambitions from its soil. He asserted that freedom of speech cannot be an excuse to propagate ideologies aimed at challenging India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through violence.
Jaishankar’s stern remarks came during an official visit to Germany, where he addressed the issue of rising pro-Khalistan activities in Canada by fringe outfits and individuals. He highlighted that New Delhi has registered strong protests at the highest levels with the Canadian government over this matter.
The minister made it clear that while democratic societies uphold freedom of expression, it does not constitute a free pass to harbour separatist voices and allow separatism and violence against the Indian state to be promoted. His statement underlines India’s tough stance against secessionist movements like the Khalistan struggle.
The pro-Khalistan movement, which had turned violent in the 1980s before being crushed, still persists in some Western nations with sizable Sikh populations like Canada, the UK, and the US. Separatist outfits have taken advantage of permissive speech laws to keep the movement alive.
Jaishankar’s unequivocal message seeks to convey India’s concerns over Canada becoming a breeding ground for anti-India separatist ideologies and activities. It puts pressure on Ottawa to take firm action against such elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.
How Canada addresses this prickly issue while balancing democratic liberties will remain a challenge. But New Delhi’s stance indicates it will not turn a blind eye to any threats against its unity and territorial integrity under the garb of free speech.