New Delhi, Dec 13: In recent weeks, a series of tragic events involving Indian students in Canada has raised alarms. In a press briefing on Thursday, the MEA spokesperson expresses concern and grief in response to a question. At least three students have lost their lives under disturbing circumstances and safety concerns.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been vocal in addressing these tragedies. “We are saddened at these terrible tragedies that have struck our nationals in Canada. We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families,” said the MEA spokesperson in a press briefing. The High Commission of India and Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver are actively liaising with local authorities to ensure thorough investigations and provide necessary assistance.
The safety and welfare of Indian nationals, particularly students, have been flagged as a pressing issue. “The safety, security, and welfare of Indian nationals in Canada remain of utmost importance to us,” said Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesperson. He also highlighted the growing concerns over hate crimes and criminal violence, advising Indian nationals and students to exercise extreme caution.
“We are saddened at these terrible tragedies that have struck our nationals in Canada. We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families. Our High Commission and Consulates in Toronto & Vancouver are extending all possible help in the matter. They are in touch with the local authorities for thorough investigation in these incidents, “MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a media press briefing.
This statement follows a grim series of incidents, including the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old student from Punjab in Edmonton on December 6. The victim was working as a security guard when he was fatally shot in a stairwell. Edmonton police arrested two suspects, charging them with first-degree murder. CCTV footage reportedly shows the victim being thrown down the stairs and shot from behind, though the motive remains unclear. The Police continue to investigate, with a postmortem examination scheduled.
In another incident, Peel Regional Police in Brampton identified a 26-year-old Indian national, Pritpal Singh, as the victim of a targeted shooting. Singh, who had moved to Canada just five months ago, was killed in the driveway of a residence on December 4. “We are shocked by the cold-blooded gunning down of a young Indian national,” stated the Consulate General of India in Toronto. Investigators are exploring links between this attack and another shooting in the vicinity.
Tragedy struck again on December 7, when Rittika Rajput, a 22-year-old student from Punjab, died after a tree fell on her during a gathering at James Lake near Kelowna, British Columbia. Friends of Rajput have launched a fundraising campaign to repatriate her remains to India.
Amid these personal tragedies, diplomatic tensions between India and Canada continue to delay visas for many of the family members of those living in Canada or India, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Responding to media reports regarding Indian visa policies, the MEA dismissed allegations from Canadian media as disinformation. “Granting of Indian visas is our sovereign function, and we have the legitimate right to deny visas to those who undermine our territorial integrity,” the spokesperson said, labelling the commentary as “foreign interference.”
On recent reports about the granting of Indian visas in Canada, an MEA spokesperson remarked, “We have seen the said media report. It is yet another example of Canadian media’s disinformation to malign India. Granting of Indian visas is our sovereign function, and we have the legitimate right to deny visas to those who undermine our territorial integrity. The commentary that we see in the Canadian media on this matter is akin to foreign interference in India’s sovereign affairs.”
The reports from a Canadian newspaper, Global News, allege that Indian consular officials in Canada have been refusing visas to certain individuals of Indian origin.
