NDP urges Canada to sanction India, ban RSS amid emergency debate on foreign interference
Ottawa: During an emergency debate in the Canadian House of Commons, MPs raised serious allegations of Indian government involvement in crimes against Canadian Sikhs, prompting calls for significant actions against India. The New Democratic Party (NDP) has proposed that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) be designated a terrorist organisation in Canada. Additionally, they urged for a ban on entry for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officials linked to violence and sanctions against India.
Liberal MP Ruby Sahota shared distressing accounts from constituents, highlighting threats and extortion calls from individuals connected to criminal gangs in India. “I have had constituents come to me with videos of FaceTime calls from leaders of gangs sitting in prisons in India. How does that happen?” she questioned, emphasising the need to address foreign interference.
NDP MP Heather McPherson echoed the urgency of the situation, calling for a halt to arms sales to India and sanctions against the country. Liberal MP Randeep Sarai stated that all available tools should be employed by the government, including expulsion of Indian diplomats, in light of allegations from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) regarding India's involvement in homicides and extortions.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stressed the need to pause intelligence sharing with India, citing concerns about the safety of Canadian citizens. He labelled the RSS as a “violent, extremist, right-wing organisation” that should be banned.
Hindu and Sikh Canadian MPs united in condemning the alleged actions of the Indian government, which Delhi has denied. Randeep Sarai clarified that the issue transcends religious divides, framing it as a matter of Canadians standing against the Indian government.
Political tensions were evident as parties blamed each other for the rise in foreign interference in Canada. Conservatives and NDP members criticised the Liberals for their delayed response to establishing a foreign agent registry, while the Liberals accused the Conservative leadership race of being influenced by Indian interference.
Conservative MP Jasraj Singh Hallan highlighted the alarming rise in violent crime and extortions, attributing these trends to the Liberal government's policies. He claimed that under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, violent crime has surged significantly, exacerbating the safety concerns within Canadian communities.
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Fresh snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir
Srinagar (PTI): Few areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir, including the Gulmarg tourist resort, received fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains on Sunday, officials said.
The upper reaches of Gulmarg, including Apharwat and Kongdoori bowls, received snowfall, which continued till last reports came in.Pir Ki Gali, along the Mughal Road in Shopian district of south Kashmir, and Sonamarg Zojilla axis also received fresh snowfall.
The snowfall on the Zojilla Pass forced the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway, the officials added.
The plains of the valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by rains which were going on till last reports, the officials said.
The wet weather has brought down the day temperature across the valley.
The Meteorological Department has forecast erratic weather till March 20.
It said intermittent light to moderate rain, or snow in the higher reaches was likely till Monday morning.
There is a possibility of a brief spell of light rain or snow, in the higher reaches, at isolated places on Tuesday.
From March 18-20, the weather will remain generally cloudy with a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain or snow at many places.
The MeT Office said another wet spells is likely on March 24-25, with light rain, or snow in the higher reaches, at scattered places.
It said there is a possibility of thunder or gusty winds, about 40-50 kmph, at a few places on Sunday and Monday.
