Canada: 'Khalistan Zindabad' Slogans Raised In PM Trudeau's Presence On Khalsa Day Amid Diplomatic Tensions With India

'Khalistan Zindabad' slogans were raised when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was invited on stage to address the Sikh community in Toronto on the occasion of Khalsa Day Celebrations on Sunday (28 April).

Trudeau can be seen smiling while walking on the stage when pro-Khalistan slogans were raised and began his address by saying, "Wahe Guruji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guruji ki Fateh."

This comes at a time when India has been calling out Canada for becoming a "safe haven" for pro-Khalistan, anti-India and terrorist elements. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have also deterirorated.

In his address, Trudeau emphasised diversity as strength and said, "Sikh values are Canadian values." He assured protecting rights and freedoms of 8 lakh Canadian Sikhs.

"We will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination," he added informing that security at community centres and places of worship, including gurdwaras is being enhanced.

Notably, many Hindu temples in the recent past have been attacked and defaced in Canada, however, no such assurance came from Trudeau for the Hindu community.

"Your right to practice your religion freely, and without intimidation is a fundamental right guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of rights and Freedoms that we will always stand up and defend you for," he asserted.

He informed about a new agreement with India to add more flights, and more routes between the two countries. "We will keep working with our counterparts to add even more flights, including to Amritsar," he said.