Canada Condemns Disturbing Protest Outside Indian Consulate in Toronto

Canadian officials have expressed strong disapproval of a recent protest outside the Indian consulate in Toronto, where demonstrators showcased an image depicting two men targeting pictures of Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The protest has been widely condemned by lawmakers who view it as a threat to democratic principles and have called for accountability.

Randeep S Sarai, Canada's Secretary of State for International Development, took to social media to assert that such an act "undermines democracy" and has "no place" in Canada. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also voiced his outrage, describing the display as "absolutely vile and unacceptable," further emphasizing Canada's zero-tolerance policy towards threats aimed at public officials.

The protest, reportedly organized by Sikh extremist factions associated with the Khalistani movement, included unsettling imagery of mock executions and Khalistani flags. This incident comes amid efforts to mend strained relations between India and Canada, after past allegations and diplomatic tensions. The recent reset in diplomatic ties, including the exchange of high commissioners, marks a significant step towards improving bilateral relations.