Canada Opposition Party Leader Unequivocally Condemns Depiction Of Indira Gandhi’s Killing

International

oi-Deepika S

Pierre Poilievre, Canadian opposition leader has described the display depicting the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on a float, as despicable.

“It is unacceptable to celebrate assassinations, such as the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi,” Pierre Poilievre said in a statement.

“We condemn this despicable display, unequivocally,” he added.

A purported clip showed a parade float, allegedly organised by Khalistani supporters, showcasing the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Reportedly, the video was shot on June 4, two days before the 39th anniversary of ‘Operation Blue Star’.

Operation Bluestar was the Army operation which was carried out in June 1984 to flush out the militants from the Golden Temple.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday slammed Canada for giving space to separatists and extremist elements.

“I think there is a bigger issue involved. And the bigger issue involved really is the space that Canada has continuously and frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics, why anybody would do this,” he said.

“Because if you look at their history, you would imagine that they learn from history and they would not like to repeat that history. It is not only one incident, however, egregious it may be,” Jaishankar said.

“I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence and I think it is not good for relationships and not good for Canada,” he added.

Congress leader Deora also shared the purported video on his Twitter account and said this extremism deserves universal condemnation and a united response.

“As an Indian, I’m appalled by the 5-km-long parade which took place in the city of Brampton, Canada, depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi,” the former Union minister said. “It’s not about taking sides, it’s about respect for a nation’s history and the pain caused by its Prime Minister’s assassination,” Deora said.

This extremism deserves universal condemnation and a united response, he asserted.

Sharing Deora’s tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “I entirely agree! This is despicable and Dr S Jaishankar should take it up strongly with the Canadian authorities.”