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INTERNATIONAL

Canada asks citizens to avoid traveling to Kashmir; India issues advisory to citizens in Canada

By News Desk

September 20, 2023

The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to avoid all travel to Jammu Kashmir “due to the unpredictable security situation”.

The confrontation between the two countries began over Canada’s accusations that the Indian government is involved in the killing of its citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

Following this, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India has also issued an advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada.

“In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,” read the advisory.

Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. “Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents. Our High Commission/Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well being of the Indian community in Canada,” said the MEA in its statement.

Indian nationals and students from India in Canada must also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in, the Indian Government appealed.

Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergency or untoward incident, said the advisory.

Meanwhile, the United States says it’s asserting its support for Canada in the midst of a foreign-affairs crisis that places it in an uncomfortable quandary.

Late Tuesday, the U.S. vehemently denied the idea that it has been reluctant to speak publicly on Canada’s behalf amid allegations by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the Indian government participated in the extrajudicial killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.