Indian government warns of rise in hate crimes, 'anti-India activities' in Canada

The Indian government says there's been arise in "hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities" in Canada and is warningIndian nationals in the country, including students, to be on the alert.

The news release issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Friday did not saywhat prompted the warning. It said the ministry and Indian diplomats havebrought several incidentsto the attention ofCanadian authorities. It also said the alleged perpetrators have not been brought to justice.

"In view of the increasing incidences of crimes as described above, Indian nationals and students from India in Canada and those proceeding to Canada for travel/education are advised to exercise due caution and remain vigilant," the release said.

The release also did not point to any data or evidence of an increase in hate crimes.

CBC News has reached out to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for more detailsbut has not received a response. A number of Canadian federal government departments also have not responded to CBC's queries.

Earlier this week, Sikh organizers held what they called a referendum in Brampton, Ont.on whether there should be an independentSikh state in northern India called Khalistan.

Proponents of Khalistan seek to establish aSikh homelandin India's Punjab region. The movement's activities in Canada have caused tension between the Canadian and Indian governments, and also internally within the Liberalcaucus.

Capt. Amarinder Singh, the former chief minister of Punjab, has even accused senior ministers in theTrudeaugovernment of sympathizing with the movement accusations they've denied.

The advisory was issued a day after an Indian government officialcondemned the Bramptonvote in a news conference.

Arindam Bagchi, aspokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, called ita "farcical exercise" and saidit was held by "extremists and radical elements."

Bagchiadded that the matter has been brought up with the Canadian government through diplomatic channels.

"The government of Canada has reiterated that they respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, and that they will not recognize the so-called referendum," Bagchi said.

Statistics Canadasaid in a reportearlier this year that there were 119police-reported hate crimes in Canada targetingthe South Asian population in2020 an increase of 38 incidents over2019.

Police investigating vandalism incidents

Earlier this week, a Hindu temple in Toronto was defaced with the word"Khalistan" as well as "Death to India" in Urdu.

A spokesperson for Toronto Police told CBCNews on Friday that the investigation is ongoingandthey have not identified a suspect.

"The Hate Crime Unit has not seen a notable trend in hate crimes against people of Indian/South Asian descent,"the spokesperson said.

"We do understand that underreporting of hate crimes is a challenge and that the numbers reported may not accurately reflect what is occurring in our city."

In July, vandals defaced astatue of Indian civil rights activist Mahatma Gandhi in Richmond Hill again,with the word"Khalistan." York Regional Police said they're investigating the vandalism as a hate crime.

A spokesperson for York police told CBC News Friday that they have not identified any suspects yet.

Statement is intimidation, expert says

Chinnaiah Jangam, an associate professor of history at Carleton University who specializes in South Asia, said the threat to Indian nationals allegedin the advisory isexaggerated.

"Though there is a right-wing extremism asserting [itself in Canada], I don't think there is any threat to any minorities here," Jangamtold CBC News.

He said the target audience for the advisory may notbe Indian nationals in Canadabut rathersupporters of the ruling Hindu nationalistBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leader, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as BJP and Modi critics abroad.

"Most importantly, the issue of the statement has domestic implications in Indian politics,"Jangamsaid.

"It is for consumption of [Modi's]own vote base in India, and also to basically suppress any sort of dissent toward India in North America."

Jangamhas reported being the target ofharassment and threats over his criticism of the Modi government and the BJP.

Tensions between local Indian Hindus and Muslims in Leicester, U.K., boiled over into unrest last week. The BBC reports that authorities arrested 47 people in relation to the incident.

Jangamsaid Indian government officials may bereacting to the events in Leicester by lookingto suppress criticism of the Indian government's treatment of minorities.

"They are preparing some sort of ground," he said. "It's very concerning."