Canadian diplomat 'appalled' over Indira Gandhi's assassination celebration in Brampton
What's the story
Cameron MacKay, the Canadian High Commissioner in India, has condemned the reported celebration of the assassination of late PM Indira Gandhi in Canada's Brampton City. Taking to Twitter on Thursday, MacKay said, "There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities." His statement came after the event's purported video surfaced on social media.
Twitter Post
MacKay's Twitter post after incident
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.
— Cameron MacKay (@HCCanInd) June 7, 2023
Details
Parade had tableau of Gandhi and her killers
According to reports, Khalistan supporters in Brampton allegedly organized a parade on Sunday, two days before the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar. In the video, a tableau of Gandhi was seen wearing a blood-stained white saree with her hands up. Meanwhile, figures of her killers pointed guns at her. A poster also said the assassination was "revenge for attack on Shri Darbar Sahib."
Twitter Post
Purported video of parade
Does it help Canada's 'Indo-Pacific strategy'? A float depicting murder of late Indian PM by her Sikh bodyguards being part of about 5 KM long parade in city of Brampton on June 4th. Jody Thomas may reflect on it! pic.twitter.com/rBFn7vMKyz
— Balraj Deol (@BalrajDeol4) June 6, 2023
Criticism
India expresses displeasure over event
Following the alleged parade, India also formally expressed its displeasure to the Canadian government. According to the Hindustan Times, India's High Commission in Ottawa wrote a letter to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), describing the event as "not acceptable." "You cannot exceed freedom of expression like this, glorifying the assassination of the leader of a democratic nation," a senior official reportedly said.
Background
Gandhi was killed by her bodyguards after Operation Bluestar
The first female prime minister of India, Gandhi, was assassinated by her bodyguards in the aftermath of her controversial Operation Bluestar. She was killed on October 31, 1984 at her New Delhi residence. Under the operation, the Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple in Punjab's Amritsar to remove Khalistan militants. This led to massive protests by the Sikh community.