The India Day parade in Canada's Toronto was marred by violent pro-Khalistan protests.
Panorama India, an umbrella group for Indo-Canadian cultural organisations, held the parade on August 18th, the first Sunday after India's Independence day. The event at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square was held amidst heightened security measures against Khalistani threats.
Flyers circulated before the parade called for a face-off between “Khalistan Sikhs” and “Canadian Hindus”.
As promised, Khalistanis crashed the event with a rally of their own. A viral video showed protesters holding Khalistani flags raising anti-India slogans, like "go back to India" near Toronto City Hall. They were also seen tearing Indian flags with knives.
The India day parade is held in Toronto every year. This year's event was supposed to feature the largest Indian flag outside the nation, and showcase 20 floats representing different Indian states.
But, much has changed in the past one year. Pro-Khalistan elements have been emboldened amid souring India-Canada ties.
The two countries have been engaged in a diplomatic standoff, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of orchestrating the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rejected the allegations.