MEA rejects "fake memo" alleging links between Indian diplomats, violent activities
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed a "secret memo" circulating on social media as fake. This memo, dated April 2023, falsely claims that Indian diplomats abroad are linked to violent activities involving Indian diaspora groups. The MEA’s External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division clarified, “The said GoI communication is fake,” refuting that any such directive had been issued.
This fabricated document, allegedly signed by former Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, suggests that Indian diplomats were instructed to encourage diaspora groups, particularly in Canada, to engage in "street confrontations" with Sikh extremist groups. Named organizations include the Indo-Canada Association (ICA), Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), TiE Silicon Valley (TiE SV), and US-India Business Council (USIBC).
The fake memo has surfaced amidst heightened tensions between India and Canada, spurred by India’s accusations that Canada has become a refuge for Khalistani separatists. Recently, violence occurred at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, which India condemned, urging Canada to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats.
This controversy follows accusations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who alleged last year in Parliament that he possessed credible evidence linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2022. India has staunchly denied these claims, calling them “absurd” and accusing Canada of supporting extremist elements on its soil.
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Sanju Samson ton guides India to 61-run win over South Africa
Durban, Nov 8: Sanju Samson scored a scintillating century as India inflicted a 61-run defeat on South Africa in the first T20I here on Friday.
Invited to bat, Samson blazed away to 107 off 50 balls, hitting as many as 10 sixes and seven fours to help India post 202 for 8.
The spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy (3/25) and Ravi Bishnoi (3/28) then shared six wickets between them to bowl out South Africa for 141 in 17.5 overs.
Earlier, Samson became the first Indian to score back-to-back centuries in T20Is.
The opener notched his second T20I hundred off just 47 balls. His first had come in India's last outing against Bangladesh last month.
However, South Africa clawed their way back into the game as they stemmed the flow of runs by picking wickets in the last five overs.
Pacer Gerald Coetzee who claimed three wickets was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts.
Brief Scores:
India: 202 for 8 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 107, Tilak Verma 33; Gerald Coetzee 3/37)
South Africa: 141 all out in 17.5 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 25; Varun Chakaravarthy 3/25, Ravi Bishnoi 3/28)
