Vande Mataram: Indians protest Canadian police's response to Khalistani flag display

India-Canada row: In the latest escalation of diplomatic tensions, a viral video shows a confrontation between Indian nationals and Canadian police outside a consular camp at a Hindu temple in Brampton. Hours after pro-Khalistan supporters reportedly targeted the camp, the footage, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), captures the moment when Indians stepped on a Khalistani flag, prompting Canadian police to warn them against desecrating it, threatening arrest.

As the video spread, Indian supporters accused the Canadian police of bias. “They are supporting them,” one member of the Indian group can be heard saying in reference to the officers. In response, the group began chanting "Vande Mataram" as police officers attempted to stop further actions against the flag. Canadian commentator Daniel Bordman shared the video, writing, "Two-tier policing in Canada at its finest... You can burn the Canadian flag or rip up Indian flags, but if you step on a Khalistani flag, the cops will attack you. Trudeau’s Canada."

Shameful this banana republic #Canada @PierrePoilievre @JustinTrudeau

Pl stop calling yourselves a developed nation. You folks are more primitive than Pakistan. https://t.co/fVaOR9tdHn

— #IndiaFirst 🇮🇳 (@savitha_rao) November 4, 2024

Deepening diplomatic strain between India and Canada

This incident adds to the growing diplomatic rift between New Delhi and Ottawa. India has repeatedly urged Canada to take firm action against Khalistani extremists operating within its borders. In contrast, Canada has accused India of targeting pro-Khalistan individuals domestically, further complicating relations.

The video has sparked intense reactions online. One user wrote, "If it keeps happening this way, you will definitely have a Khalistan carved out of Canada, and I suspect Brampton will be its capital & Jagmeet will be its PM!" Another commented on what they perceived as hypocrisy in Canadian law enforcement, remarking, "Canada is turning into totalitarianism reminiscent of Nazi Germany."

Indian high commission expresses disappointment over security issues

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa issued a statement expressing concern over security at routine consular events, particularly after the consular camp attack. "We remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, at these events," the High Commission wrote on X, accusing "anti-India" elements of orchestrating the disruption.

Background: Canada-India relations already under strain

The video emerged shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim that India has firmly denied, further souring diplomatic relations.