Many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent Sikh community: PM Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-- in an unexpected statement during a Diwali celebrations event at Ottawa's Parliament Hill--said "there were supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent Sikh community as a whole".

“There are many supporters of Khalistan 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.

The country, last Sunday, witnessed a massive protests when Khalistani extremists attacked Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of a temple in Brampton.

The Sunday incident was condemned by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident.

India condemned the attack with an expectation that those indulging in violence "will be prosecuted".

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi remains "deeply concerned" about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.

The relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd".

India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

The videos have gone viral on social media and drawn worldwide condemnation, including from several leaders in Canada. Trudeau has been time and again accused of supporting unchecked immigration for alleged “vote bank” in the country.

With PTI inputs