New Delhi: India today expressed deep objection and regret over not stopping the referendum conducted by pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. “This is just a hoax by some radical elements in Canada,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in response to questions at a regular briefing here. The matter has been taken up with the Government of Canada.
The Canadian government has also said that it does not recognise this so-called referendum and supports the unity and integrity of India, but it is highly objectionable to allow such politically motivated activity in a friendly country. India will continue to engage with the Government of Canada in this regard. Asked about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in the UN General Assembly, the spokesperson said, “It is a different issue, everyone is aware of our position on Kashmir.”
Jammu and Kashmir is our internal matter and we have opposed it. The mention of Kashmir by other countries in the UN General Assembly does not make any difference.
Responding to questions on the violent attacks on the Hindu community in the UK, the spokesperson said the Indian High Commission in London has condemned the attacks and has taken up the matter with the British government and the police. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has also spoken to the British Foreign Minister over the incident.