Indians living in Canada say while there is currently no impact from the escalation of diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. However, a majority of them said they were concerned about their safety and potential movement restrictions.
News18 spoke to various Indians in Canada, and who expressed that, so far, there has been no direct impact. However, their families in India have urged them to avoid going out alone, especially in areas with strong Khalistani support. Cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Ontario have already witnessed killings of Indian nationals this year.
According to 47-year-old Kunwar Singh, who lives in Surrey, Indians do feel fear, especially those who do not hold pro-Khalistani sentiments. “Canada is very big, but Indians living in different parts are concerned due to the diplomatic conflict between India and Canada. We have no one to help us now except local authorities, who may be biased. We have seen killings of Indians here, and due to pressure from the Indian side, authorities used to take action. But now we will have no voice. The problem is grave for those who do not have pro-Khalistani sentiments,” Singh stated during a call.
Similarly, 31-year-old Gurmanjot, who lives in Ottawa, Ontario, shared that her family has been urging her to return to India for a few months until the situation improves. “I recently came back from India. I was there on Monday when everything happened. My parents wanted me to stay for a few more weeks, but due to my job, I had to return. So far, the situation is fine for us, but some Indians running businesses are likely to face more problems. Pro-Khalistani groups are constantly threatening Indian restaurant owners, which will further escalate tensions. Here where I live, we have mixed population but Indians are in very large numbers,” Gurmanjot told News18.
Cities like Surrey and Montreal have been experiencing issues due to Khalistani groups. In fact, those who have recently moved are especially worried about the escalation. “I just moved here this year. After hearing the news about India shutting down its high commission, my family has stopped going out frequently, especially to public areas like parks. We have seen people protesting against India openly and encouraging Indians living here to join them. The police also avoid taking action against them. There is a risk that these protests could turn violent,” said Gurpreet Kaur, who moved with her two children this year.
On Monday evening, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of its high commissioner and other “targeted” officials from Canada. The Indian government summoned Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and stated that the Trudeau government’s actions had “endangered” the safety of Indian diplomats and officials in an atmosphere of extremism and violence.
Wheeler was summoned by MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar, who informed him that “India reserves the right to take further steps in response to the Trudeau government’s support for extremism, violence, and separatism against India,” according to a statement released by the ministry.
In a late evening statement, the MEA announced that it has asked six Canadian diplomats, including Charge d’Affaires Wheeler and Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, to leave India by or before 11:59 PM on October 19.
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