The Indian Consulate in Canada announced on Thursday that several scheduled consular camps have been cancelled due to security concerns. The decision follows warnings from local security agencies about their inability to provide adequate protection for these events.
Reasons for Cancellation
- Security Challenges: Local security agencies cited heightened threats and expressed their inability to ensure minimum security measures for the organisers.
- Past Incidents: A recent violent disruption at a consular camp held at the Hindu Sabha Temple near Toronto has heightened concerns.
Official Statements
- The Consulate General of India in Toronto issued a statement explaining the cancellations and acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the Indian diaspora, particularly the elderly population in the Greater Toronto Area.
- MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the need for security assurances from Canadian authorities to conduct such events safely.
Impact on the Indian Diaspora
- Affected Services: Many Indian nationals and members of the diaspora rely on consular camps, especially during November and December, for essential services such as documentation for pensions and administrative processes.
- Regional Variations: While camps in some regions like Vancouver are expected to proceed, they depend on the safety guarantees provided by local community organizations.
Community Concerns
- The cancellations have left around 4,000 elderly members of the Indian diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area without access to critical consular services.
- Community organizations and individuals have expressed frustration, urging local authorities to prioritize security for such events.
This development adds to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, with the Indian government seeking stronger assurances from Canadian authorities to facilitate the resumption of consular services.
