Following recent events, Canada amended its travel advice for its visitors to India, advising them to “stay vigilant and exercise caution” as there are calls for protests and some “negative sentiment” toward Canada on social media, according to PTI.
“In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution,” the Canadian government said in an update.
In the meantime, Firozpur police conducted operations at locations linked to Lakhbir Singh, also known as Landa, a Khalistani extremist who has attracted the attention of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). According to media reports, these operations covered a total of 48 locations throughout the district and resulted in the arrest of several individuals.
In an effort to dismantle terrorist gang networks across the country, the NIA has released two names of 54 people with pictures who are wanted in connection with the investigation of two cases filed last year. On its official X account, formerly known as Twitter, the NIA released the lists — one of 11 people and the other of 43— to the public knowledge.
Two people familiar with the matter told Mint on Sunday, that the Indian government is also in the process of revoking the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards of more than a dozen holders for engaging in pro-Khalistan and anti-India propaganda.
The action comes against the backdrop of India halting the issuance of visas at its Canadian diplomatic missions and directing Canada to reduce its diplomatic personnel there.
Tensions erupted between the two nations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made sensational claims about the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the June 18 killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in British Columbia.
In retaliation for Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official, the Indian government dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and removed a senior Canadian ambassador.