Canada has issued a travel advisory for its citizens in India, urging them to "stay vigilant and exercise caution" in the wake of protests by pro-Khalistani groups over the killing of a wanted terrorist by Indian agents.
The Canadian government said on its website that there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media, following the recent developments in Canada and in India. The advisory did not mention any specific threat or location, but advised Canadians to avoid large gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities.
The advisory came as Khalistani sympathisers staged demonstrations outside the Indian embassies and consulates in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver on Tuesday, demanding justice for Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in British Columbia in June. The protesters, led by members of a pro-Khalistani outfit called Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), were seen raising slogans and waving Khalistani flags.
The protests also came a week after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sparked a diplomatic row with India by alleging that "Indian government agents" could be behind the shooting of Nijjar. Trudeau said that Canada had shared "credible allegations" with India weeks ago and hoped that they would engage with Canada to investigate the matter.
India has rejected Trudeau's allegation as "absurd" and accused Canada of not acting upon "specific evidence about criminal activities" done by Canada-based individuals. India has also flagged "politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence" against minority Hindus in Canada, who have been targeted by pro-Khalistani extremists. Sources say that many instances of defacing of temples have been reported in Canada.
India has also prepared a list of 19 fugitive Khalistani terrorists living in various countries, including Canada, whose properties are likely to be confiscated, according to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Trudeau's allegation has also drawn criticism from the US, which is part of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing alliance with Canada. Top US diplomat David Cohen said that it was the shared intelligence among 'Five Eyes' partners that had prompted Trudeau to go public with his charge against India.
Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair called the relationship with India "important", but asserted that allegations over the killing of Nijjar should be investigated. He said that Canada respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, but also supports the right to peaceful protest.
