Actions of few do not represent entire community or Canada, says Justin Trudeau on Khalistani issue
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on Sunday spoke on the issue of pro-Khalistani elements in his country and said Ottawa will always prevent violence and push back against hatred.
He said the actions of a few people do not represent the entire community or Canada.
Trudeau said Khalistani extremism and 'foreign interference' have been discussed several times during his conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi over the years.
"Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues," he told reporters.
"Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred," the Canadian PM, who visited India to attend the G20 Summit, said.
"It is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada," he said.
"The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference," he said.
Trudeau made the remark at a time when a Hindu temple in British Columbia in Canada was desecrated with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti.
The Indian Consulate in Vancouver condemned the incident and asked Canadian authorities to investigate the matter.
"We strongly condemn the defacing of Shree Mata Bhameshwari Durga Devi Temple at Surrey with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators," the consulate posted on X.
We strongly condemn the defacing of Shree Mata Bhameshwari Durga Devi Temple at Surrey with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators.
— India in Vancouver (@cgivancouver) September 8, 2023
Meanwhile, Indian PM Narendra Modi said he met Trudeau and discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.
Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors. pic.twitter.com/iP9fsILWac
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023