India’s diplomatic missions in Canada are moving forward with the final round of consular camps scheduled for this weekend across various locations. These camps aim to provide life certificates to pensioners, a key service for the elderly diaspora.
Locations and Camps Scheduled
The upcoming consular camps will be held at several locations, including the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Toronto on Saturday, as well as in Surrey, British Columbia, and London, Ontario. These camps are part of a series of consular services held the previous weekend. On November 24, nearly 600 life certificates were issued in Kitchener, Ontario. Additionally, around 100 life certificates were provided in Montreal, Quebec, under the organization of India’s High Commission in Ottawa. India’s Consulate in Vancouver also organized a similar camp in Prince George, British Columbia, on Sunday.
Security Concerns Lead to Camp Cancellation
However, security concerns forced the cancellation of a camp at the Vaishno Devi Mandir in Oakville, Ontario. India’s Consulate in Toronto explained on Thursday that the cancellation was due to the failure of security agencies to provide adequate protection against heightened threats. The Consulate clarified on X, “Due to continued inability conveyed by security agencies to provide minimum security against heightened threats, the Consulate has had to cancel some more consular camps. Most of them were not at any places of worship, including one at a Police facility. The Consulate is fully sensitive to the difficulties faced by close to 4,000 elderly members of the diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area—both Indian and Canadian nationals—who have been deprived of an essential consular service.”
Pro-Khalistan Groups Target Camps
These consular camps have been targeted by pro-Khalistan groups, including the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). One such attack took place on November 3, when pro-Khalistan radicals violently invaded the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton. Local law enforcement responded swiftly, resulting in several arrests.
Frustration Grows in Indo-Canadian Community
The Indo-Canadian community is increasingly frustrated with the lack of action from Canadian authorities against these radical groups. On Sunday, nearly 100 individuals staged a peaceful protest outside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s constituency office in Papineau, Montreal. They voiced their concerns about the threats posed to the Hindu community by Khalistani elements. One anonymous protester shared that the protest was intended to highlight the perceived political support for pro-Khalistan factions from the ruling party, which they believe is contributing to “growing Hinduphobia” in Canada.