Canadian Sikh leader Jagmeet Singh, a former aide to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, called for sanctions on Indian diplomats amid an escalating diplomatic row with India. When he said this, the journalists present there made fun of him. “We need to impose strict sanctions on Indian diplomats,” said Jagmeet Singh, a pro-Khalistan leader and leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
Before ending the press conference, he said, “The Modi government must be held accountable and we all need to be united as Canadian leaders. We must all be united to condemn PM Modi. We must ensure that “We must protect Canadians by putting their safety first.”
After this, when Jagmeet Singh was coming out of the room, a conversation started between the journalists. One of the reporters mocked him, saying, “That doesn't happen.” After this all the journalists present there started laughing.
Jagmeet Singh had last month supported Trudeau's Liberal government, accusing the Canadian Prime Minister of not fulfilling his promises. He has frequently attended rallies of Khalistani extremists, who advocate a separate Sikh state. Earlier, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie had indicated that the Trudeau government may impose sanctions on Indian diplomats.
The ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada took a sharp turn on Monday. India said Trudeau's hostility towards India has been long evident and his continued support to violent extremists and terrorists to harass, threaten and intimidate Indian diplomats in Canada. Both India and Canada have recalled six of their diplomats.
Relations between India and Canada hit a snag in September last year when Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjar's murder on Canadian soil.
Canadian Sikhs remain in fear
Jagmeet Singh claimed that Canadian Sikhs are facing fear, threats and harassment from Indian diplomats. He called for a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh network (RSS) in Canada. He said, “We support India's decision to expel its diplomats. We call on the Government of Canada to once again impose diplomatic sanctions against India, ban the RSS in Canada and those participating in organized criminal activity on Canadian soil.” “Calls for any person committed to face the most serious consequences.”
