Protestors burnt an effigy of the Indian leader and showcased him in a jail-like cage during the roadshow in Calgary
NEW DELHI – Khalistani separatists on Monday organised a demonstration in the Canadian city of Calgary to express their discontent with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the two-day Group of Seven (G7) summit starting later in the day.
The protest was reportedly led by Khalistan supporter Manjinder Singh. It started from the Dashmesh Gurudwara in Calgary, where anti-Modi slogans were raised. Protestors included children, and they burnt an effigy of Prime Minister Modi. The Indian leader was also displayed in a jail-like cage during the roadshow in Calgary, triggering security concerns, according to media reports.
Prime Minister Modi headed for Canada after completing his visit to Cyprus. His engagements in Canada include meetings with several world leaders, foremost being Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to local media, the protest organisers called PM Modi an “enemy of Canada.” They claimed they aimed to “end PM Modi’s politics” and “make Canada secure.”
According to reports reaching here, the protesters used abusive language towards Indian Hindus. They vowed that their demonstrations would continue as long as the prime minister stayed in Canada. Demonstrators also raised slogans in support of Khalistan.
The protest has raised alarm among Indian security agencies. Indian officials are taking the matter seriously and are working closely with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety of the Indian delegation.
Meanwhile, several prominent Sikh leaders from India have strongly condemned these actions, labelling them as reflective of a hardcore and chauvinist mindset.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa expressed grave concern, saying, “Some people have now started using even children for their political agendas. These are just a handful of individuals who have tried every tactic possible, and now they are attempting to influence the minds of young children.”
Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, President of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front, warned against such provocative actions. “To those who are throwing stones at the prime minister’s photo and burning his effigy, those days are gone. The fear you once tried to create is over. He went straight to the place you used to ignite hate from. Do whatever you want; he is standing before you. This stone-pelting, insulting the national flag, all of this has lost its impact now,” he was quoted by the news agency IANS as saying.
RP Singh, BJP national spokesperson, emphasised the innocence of the children involved in the protest, saying, “I don’t think the children are being brainwashed.”
Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Secretary Harbans Singh also reacted with disapproval.
India received the G7 Summit invitation just 10 days before the event, indicating the recent improvement in ties with Canada. – With inputs from Agencies.
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Photo: Screengrab from a video footage of the demonstration in Canada. – courtesy, Bhaskar English
