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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
