CANADA'S INDIAN CANVAS : HUMAN RIGHTS

 

'' CANADA will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests and human rights anywhere around the world.'' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

New Delhi : India on Friday summoned Canada's ambassador and warned of serious damage to diplomatic ties after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on growing protests by farmers, authorities said.

Trudeau however refused to back down. saying Ottawa would always back the the rights of peaceful demonstrations.

The protests are led by farmers from Punjab, an Indian state which accounts for many migrants in Canada.

The Indian foreign ministry said it had summoned Canada's top diplomat for a warning over  ''unacceptable interference'' in India's internal affairs.

''Such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada,'' said a statement.

The ministry said ''ill informed'' comments by Trudeau and other Canadian politicians had encourage  ''extremist'' gatherings in front of Indian missions in Canada.

''We expect the Canadian government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism,'' it said.

In Ottawa on Friday, Trudeau told reporters : Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests and human rights anywhere around the world.'

He added he was ''pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue'' between farmers and the Indian government.

New Delhi has passed reforms which enable farmers to sell produce anywhere in India and avoid state-run markets.' [AFP]