Concerned over the likelihood of pro-Khalistan and pro-Pakistan Kashmiri outfits disrupting Independence Day celebrations in Canada, India, for the first time ever, has urged the authorities to ensure security and prevent disruptions.
The celebrations are organized by the Indo-Canadian community and it will hold the events for the first time in public since 2019 after the Covid restrictions were relaxed. Making this request, the Indian High Commission also urged the Canadian authorities to provide adequate security to its diplomatic offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, reports said.
It is the first time India has enlarged its security interest for Independence Day in a request to Canada foreign ministry. This plea came after India got reports that pro-Khalistan and pro-Pakistan Kashmiri outfits were planning to disrupt such events.
Last year, the non-profit Panorama India organised an event for August 15 in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga and it was marred by protests. The showpiece event this year will be the India Day parade in Toronto, organised by Panorama India, which will include floats from various states and community groups. It will culminate at a public celebration in downtown Toronto.
In 2019, this event had attracted over 50,000 people of Indian origin. In British Columbia, Indo-Canadian groups are planning a large car rally from the town of Surrey in the Metro Vancouver region.
Meanwhile, a fly-past by a 220 ft-long majestic Indian tricolour, made of Khadi, over the iconic Hudson river and the display of a giant billboard at the Times Square are among the highlights of the grand celebrations planned to mark 75 years of India's Independence in New York this week.
The Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE ( FIA) said as part of its grand celebrations to mark 75 years of independence, the diaspora organisation will display a giant ‘India Day Parade' billboard at Times Square on August 15.
Further, a special 220 feet-long Indian tricolour, made of Khadi, will be flown over the Hudson River in New York, the FIA said adding that this will be a one-of-its-kind special fly-past of the “largest Indian tricolour” over the iconic river and will be witnessed by thousands.
The FIA President Kenny Desai announced that the Grand Marshal at FIA's 40th India Day Parade on August 21 will be Arjun, the Telugu superstar whose movies have been a hit across India. He also expressed happiness and excitement over the largest Khadi Tirangaa to be flown on August 15 over the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey.