There are many Khalistan supporters in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole, says Canadian Prime Minister

Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recognized the presence of Khalistan supporters in Canada but said they did not represent the Sikh community as a whole.

His comments came recently during Diwali celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, amid an ongoing diplomatic row with India over the killing of the Khalistan extremist. Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

“There are many Khalistan supporters in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. Similarly, there are supporters of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi’s government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians,” Trudeau said.

Relations between the two countries came under strain following Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s assassination. New Delhi rejected Trudeau’s accusations, calling them “absurd.”

India expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew its high commissioner Sanjay Verma and other “targeted” officials from Canada after categorically rejecting Ottawa’s accusations. India maintains that the main issue between the two countries is whether Canada gives space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with complete impunity.

Last week, Khalistan supporters disrupted a consular event co-hosted by the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and the Indian consulate. The incident was condemned by Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said New Delhi remains “deeply concerned” about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.

The Indian consulate in Toronto said it was canceling some of the consular events planned this month due to “Canadian security agencies expressing their inability to provide minimal security protection” to organizers.