| 08 June 2023
In a recent turn of events, India has expressed its strong displeasure with Canada over the inclusion of a float in a parade that depicted the 1984 assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The tableau in question is perceived by India as a glorification of violence by Sikh separatists, raising concerns about the space granted to extremists and those advocating violence.
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, voiced his concerns during a press conference in New Delhi, stating, "I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada." His remarks reflect the Indian government's firm stance against actions that could potentially strain diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The incident took place during a parade organized by Sikh activists in Brampton, a Canadian city with a significant Sikh population. Disturbing video footage circulated online, revealing the float portraying Gandhi wearing a blood-stained white saree, with armed men pointing guns at her. A poster with the word "Revenge" completed the scene, adding to the controversial nature of the display.
Cameron MacKay, Canada's High Commissioner in India, swiftly condemned the float on social media, expressing his dismay. He tweeted, "I am appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities."
The parade and its depiction of the assassination also drew criticism from members of Gandhi's Congress party in India. They called for the Indian government to take action in response to the incident. Milind Deora, a former Congress Mumbai leader, emphasized the importance of respecting a nation's history and the pain caused by such a prominent figure's assassination. Deora wrote on Twitter, "It's not about taking sides, it's about respect for a nation's history & the pain caused by its Prime Minister's assassination."
The assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 was carried out by two Sikh bodyguards in response to her decision to allow the storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest Sikh temple. The operation aimed to flush out Sikh separatists who sought an independent homeland known as Khalistan. The incident deeply angered Sikhs around the world, and the exact death toll from the temple attack remains a subject of dispute, with Indian authorities estimating it in the hundreds and Sikh groups claiming it was in the thousands.
Canada, with the largest Sikh population outside of Punjab, India, has seen tensions related to Sikh separatism in the past. Earlier this year, India summoned Canada's high commissioner to express concern over pro-Khalistan protesters in Canada who breached the security of India's diplomatic missions and consulates. The two countries maintain significant bilateral commercial relations, with trade valued at $100 billion, including $70 billion of Canadian portfolio investment, according to official figures.
As the controversy surrounding the parade float continues, it remains to be seen how Canada will respond to India's condemnation and whether the incident will impact the broader relationship between the two nations. With commercial and diplomatic ties at stake, finding a resolution that addresses India's concerns while maintaining Canada's commitment to freedom of expression will be a delicate task.
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