The Indian Mission in Ottawa conveyed deep disappointment and concern after a consular camp, set up outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, was targeted by pro-Khalistan supporters, describing the incident as a "violent disruption orchestrated by anti-India elements." The consular camp was part of the mission's ongoing efforts to provide essential services to Indian nationals and members of the Indian diaspora in Canada, particularly for those needing documentation support.
In a statement, the mission underscored the cooperative nature of these events, which are organized with local partners to facilitate consular services in a secure environment for the community. The disruption, they added, not only jeopardizes the safety of applicants attending these events but also hampers the provision of crucial services intended to support Indian citizens abroad. The mission expressed heightened concern about the implications of these repeated interruptions for the Indian diaspora, especially elderly applicants seeking life certificates, as such events are intended to bridge bureaucratic gaps and cater to the needs of Indian nationals who cannot frequently travel to main consular offices.
To counter the disruptions, the consular staff and local authorities worked swiftly to ensure that services were continued, despite the challenges posed by protesters. In their statement, the mission shared images of the event, emphasizing their achievement of issuing over 1,000 life certificates to both Indian and Canadian applicants in a single day. This successful turnout, despite the interference, underscores the mission's commitment to serving the diaspora and reinforcing India’s support for its citizens abroad. The mission also reiterated its stance on the importance of ensuring that such events proceed without interference, calling for greater cooperation with Canadian authorities to prevent future incidents that disrupt essential consular services.
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