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India cancels consular camps in Canada amid security concerns
The Consulate General of India in Toronto explained the decision in a statement, citing heightened threats and insufficient security assurances.
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Amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, the Indian Consulate in Canada announced the cancellation of several upcoming consular camps on Thursday, citing security concerns. The decision came after local security agencies warned of their “continued inability to provide minimum security protection” for the organizers of these events.
The Consulate General explained the decision in a statement, citing heightened threats and insufficient security assurances. “Most of these camps were not held at places of worship, including one at a police facility.” The cancellations have affected nearly 4,000 elderly members of the Indian and Canadian diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area, many of whom rely on consular services for critical administrative needs.
This is not the first time the Consulate has had to cancel consular camps due to security concerns. Earlier this month, several camps were canceled after local authorities indicated they could not provide the necessary security. This followed a violent disruption at a consular camp held at the Hindu Sabha Temple near Toronto.
Addressing the issue, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in New Delhi, “Our consulate in Toronto had to cancel the consular camp they were planning to organize over the weekend because they did not get adequate security or assurances from the government.”
Consular camps are particularly important for the Indian diaspora during November and December, a period when many seek assistance with pension documents and other administrative needs. Jaiswal emphasized that while consular camps in cities like Vancouver would proceed, they remain contingent on safety assurances from local community groups. “These consular camps are conducted at the request of community organizations. So where the community organization is comfortable, we will go ahead with these consular camps,” he stated.
The cancellations have raised concerns within the Indian diaspora in Canada, particularly among elderly members who rely heavily on these services. The ongoing tensions and disruptions highlight the broader challenges faced by the Indian Consulate in ensuring the safety of its operations.
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