Skip to main content

Over 40 Canadian groups urge govt to deny entry to RSS chief Bhagwat

By A Representative  
More than 40 Canadian civil society, human rights, labour, and faith-based organizations are calling on Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, to deny entry to Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), ahead of his reported visit to Canada scheduled for Aug. 31–Sept. 1, according to a news release issued by the Canadian Forum for Human Rights and Democracy in India (CFHRDI).
The coalition argues that Bhagwat's visit would pose risks to public safety and national security. In its statement, the groups describe the RSS as a far-right organization and cite allegations that it has been linked to religious freedom violations, harassment, and transnational repression. They also reference research characterizing the RSS as one of the world's largest far-right networks.
According to the release, the coalition submitted a briefing paper to the federal government outlining what it says are legal grounds under Canadian law to deny Bhagwat entry. The document reportedly cites alleged connections between RSS-affiliated entities and incidents of intimidation, harassment of Canadian academics and activists, and hate speech targeting minority communities.
A coalition representative, quoted in the release, urged Minister Anandasangaree to "enforce Canadian law to protect our communities from far-right extremism, hate speech, and foreign intimidation," adding that allowing Bhagwat into Canada would threaten vulnerable minority groups and undermine Charter rights.
The organizations backing the appeal include the Canadian Forum for Human Rights & Democracy in India, the Canadian Council of Indian Muslims, Canadians for Indian Democracy, the South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network, the World Sikh Organization, Independent Jewish Voices Canada, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance, and several other advocacy and community organizations.
As of the information provided in the release, neither the Government of Canada nor representatives of Mohan Bhagwat or the RSS had publicly responded to the coalition's request. Their responses would be necessary to present all sides of the issue.
The statement was issued by the Canadian Forum for Human Rights and Democracy in India (CFHRDI).

Comments

Post a Comment

NOTE: Hateful, abusive comments won't be published. -- Editor

TRENDING

Bihar’s land at ₹1 per acre for Adani sparks outrage, NAPM calls it crony capitalism

By A Representative   The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has strongly condemned the Bihar government’s decision to lease 1,050 acres of land in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur district, to Adani Power for a 2,400 MW coal-based thermal power project. 
Post a Comment
»

An open letter to PM: Before you forgive, ask for forgiveness

By Martin Macwan*  Respected Prime Minister,  The first step toward true forgiveness is asking for it, and it is out of respect for the Constitution that the title "Honourable" is used for the office of the Prime Minister. Every abuse is "dirty" because almost all abuse is uttered with the conscious intention of publicly humiliating a woman, much like the disrobing of Draupadi in the royal court. This includes remarks like "Jersey Cow," used at public meetings on the Gujarati land of Gandhi and Sardar; comparing a female MP's laughter in India's Parliament to "Surpanakha's laugh"; and using a vulgar address like "Didi O Didi" for a Chief Minister who holds a respected position in a democracy—along with every other such remark. In the 79-year history of independent India, you are better placed than anyone to say which Prime Minister has used such language against women.
3 comments
»

Women's groups, feminists hail wrestlers' courage, vow to continue fight after Brij Bhushan acquittal

By A Representative   In a powerful show of solidarity, more than 250 prominent feminists and members of women's organisations across India have condemned the acquittal of former BJP MP and ex-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the high-profile sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers. The signatories have expressed unwavering support for the wrestlers who have waged a courageous legal battle for justice against formidable odds.
Post a Comment
»