A protest outside the Indian Consulate in Toronto has sparked outrage across Canada’s political establishment after demonstrators displayed a threatening placard depicting guns aimed at Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
The image, reportedly produced by the separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), merged Anand’s face with that of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, showing two armed men pointing guns at her — a chilling visual that federal ministers have widely condemned as hateful and dangerous.
Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, called the imagery “deeply disturbing” and said it represents an attack on Canadian democracy itself. “Targeting a public official with threats or violence undermines our democracy,” Sarai posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We condemn these acts of hate unequivocally. There is no place for this in Canada.”
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also denounced the incident, describing the protest as “absolutely vile and unacceptable.” While not naming Anand directly, he condemned the image of men firing at a federal minister as a blatant act of incitement. “Canada condemns all threats to public officials, full stop,” he said. “Those responsible for promoting hate and violence must be held accountable.”
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu echoed these sentiments, saying the rhetoric and imagery at the demonstration were contrary to Canadian values. “Canadians have the right to peaceful protest, but that right must never be used to justify intimidation or harm,” he said. “Such actions are unacceptable and go against the principles of peace, respect, and unity that define our country.”
The protest, which targeted a Canadian cabinet minister of Indian origin, comes amid ongoing efforts to mend relations between Canada and India, which have been strained since 2023 following allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently noted that progress is being made toward restoring trust between the two nations. “Our ministers have been engaging with India and making progress in the right direction,” Carney said.
Ottawa’s unified condemnation underscores the government’s stance that freedom of expression cannot extend to hate or incitement to violence — and that threats toward elected officials will be met with firm legal and political consequences.