Ottawa/New Delhi: Despite the Indian Government’s warning, on Friday, of damage bilateral ties, Canada’s Prime Minister once again supported the farmers’ right to hold peaceful protests.
It can be recalled that the ministry of external affairs on Friday, summoned the Canadian High Commissioner and slammed the Justin Trudeau government over its recent support to farmers’ agitation in Punjab and Haryana.
“Such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada,” the statement warned.
The ministry said the comments by the Canadian leadership “have encouraged gatherings of extremist activities” in front of India’s High Commission and Consulates in Canada that raise issues of safety and security.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa in response to a query about India’s warning, Trudeau said, “Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests anywhere around the world. And we are pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue.”
When asked if he was worried about the consequences of his statements, Trudeau merely repeated his statement.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked moments ago about whether he is concerned that his comments on the #FarmersProtests will hurt relations with India
Here’s his reponse: pic.twitter.com/01MRKxcqBP
— Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) December 4, 2020
Earlier this week, while extending his support to the farmers’ protest, the Canadian Prime Minister had said, “I would be remiss if I didn’t start by recognising the news coming out of India about the protests by farmers. The situation is concerning, and we are all very worried about family and friends. I know that’s the reality for many of you.” His political rhetoric drew widespread flak across India.
Incidentally, the Trudeau government has also been a supporter of Khalistanis in Canada.
Meanwhile, thousands of farmers have been camping on the outskirts of New Delhi for the past week in protest of the new farm laws regarding produce trading. They claim that the new laws will leave them at the mercy of large corporations and override several legal safeguards.
(with IANS, PTI inputs)
