The government of India is warning of a “sharp increase of hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities” in Canada, reports the Post Millennial.
It is calling on the Canadian government to investigate and take “appropriate action” to protect its people.
“The perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada. In view of the increasing incidences of crimes as described above, Indian nationals and students from India in Canada and those proceeding to Canada for travel/education are advised to exercise due caution and remain vigilant,” the statement read on Twitter.
The statement did not indicate any specific incidents that prompted the warning but indicated it had brought several cases to the Canadian government, according to the CBC.
AlJazeera suggested the warning may be tied to a referendum organized by Sikhs in Canada demanding a separate Khalistan nation in the northern Indian state of Punjab. Sikhs form a significant portion of the 1.6 million Indians in Canada.
India has continuously pressed Canadian authorities for allowing the Khalistani separatist group to operate. India’s foreign ministry called the referendum a “farcical exercise held by extremist and radical elements.”
Canada has pledged to recognize the sovereignty of India and said it would not recognize the referendum.
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