An online video that appears to be a threat leveled against Indian diplomats in Canada is being investigated by the Ottawa police, according to the Canadian Press.
On Tuesday, law enforcement said they are “engaged” and Public Safety Canada posted a tweet saying that they will “ensure the safety and security of all diplomats” in Canada after the video began to circulate.
This is not the first, an apparent threat has been made against Indian diplomats in recent months leading to a tense relationship between Canada and India. India’s high commission has yet to respond to this latest potential threat.
Next month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will travel to New Delhi with the hopes to negotiate a new trade agreement however these incidents could potentially hinder the deal.
The department of Public Safety hasn’t released any details yet but they have referred inquiries to the RCMP. The RCMP have not yet publicly identified the video nor confirmed if a criminal probe has been opened as a result.
The death of a prominent Sikh leader in June was suspected to be connected to New Delhi by Khalistanis who are advocating for the succession of a separate independent Sikh state in India. The death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar took place in June outside Vancouver but police have since confirmed that they found no evidence of any connection to New Delhi.
Several months ago, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly publicly denounced posters that had been put up which accused senior diplomats of being “killers.” Joly called the posters, “unacceptable.”
On July 21, a Sikhs for Justice video circulated on social media urging people to “besiege” India’s diplomatic missions within Canada. The video also accused Indian diplomats of being involved in violence against those who desire a separate state. Ottawa hasn’t yet specified if this is the video in question.
YouTube has since removed the clip for violating the platform’s terms of service in which it shows a tank with the words “Kill India” on it that explodes a graphic of India’s borders.
India’s high commission in Ottawa has made a formal request to the Canadian government to increase protection for its senior diplomats such as providing enhanced security.
For years, the Canadian government has come under fire from New Delhi for being soft on Khalistani extremists.
In July, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s refusal to denounce Sikh terrorism after a pro-Khalistani rally, which coincided with the 38th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing that killed 280 Canadians.
“They are wrong,” said Trudeau when asked by reporters about India claiming his government is soft on Sikh extremism. “ Canada has always taken extremely seriously violence and threats of violence.”
“We’ve always taken serious action against terrorism and we always will.”
India took issue with Trudeau’s comments, claiming that Trudeau is pandering for votes.
