By giving political space to Khalistani separatist elements, the Canadian government is sending the message that its vote bank is more powerful than its rule of law. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said this on Thursday.
Jaishankar said during an interview, India respects and follows freedom of expression. But freedom of expression does not equate to freedom to threaten foreign diplomats, support separatism or give political space to elements advocating violence. The Foreign Minister mentioned Khalistan supporters among the Sikh immigrants from Punjab and expressed surprise at how people with dubious backgrounds are being allowed to enter and stay in Canada.
He further said, in any rule based society you will check the background of people, see how they came, what passport they hold. If you have people living here with doubtful documents, what does it say about you? This actually shows that your vote bank is more powerful than your rule of law.
Last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged that Indian intelligence agents may have been involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Since then relations between the two countries are tense. New Delhi has rejected Trudeau’s allegations. India says the main issue is Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements on its soil.
The Foreign Minister said that Canadian politics has given place to separatists and extremist forces, many of whom openly advocate violence.
There are people in prominent positions in Canadian politics today who actually support that kind of separatism and extremism, he said. Jaishankar said that India cannot ignore the issue for the sake of good relations. He said, whenever we have raised this issue with Canada. This is not a new issue. This has been going on for ten years that they say, we have freedom of speech.
No fee should be charged from Indians visiting Kartarpur Sahib: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that no fee should be charged from Indian pilgrims on the $20 fee imposed by Pakistan for visiting Kartarpur Sahib. He assured to discuss the charges with Pakistani authorities.
After filing nomination of BJP candidate Taranjit Singh Sandhu in Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency on Friday, Jaishankar said that Kartarpur is not our part. We have an agreement with Pakistan regarding this. Visa is not required for Kartarpur Sahib. He said, to go to Kartarpur Saheb one has to cross international borders. But the visa requirement for this has already been abolished. Passport is enough for this.