New Delhi: In the midst of truck driver protests in Ottawa, the Indian High Commission has warned its residents residing in Canada and those wanting to visit the country to avoid places where demonstrations are taking place, citing local authorities’ directives. Have been requested to comply, which includes a curfew. A specific emergency helpline (+1) 6137443751 has also been established at the High Commission in Ottawa to aid and guide Indian people who are in distress as a result of the current disturbance in Canada.
“In light of the current situation, Indian nationals in Canada and those planning to visit Canada are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and remain vigilant,” the High Commission of India in Ottawa said in a statement. Follow local authorities’ orders, including a curfew, where demonstrations and big gatherings are taking place, such as in downtown Ottawa, and check local media for details on continuing demonstrations and the shifting situation.
“A state of emergency has been declared for the city of Ottawa due to the current situation.” The impact on traffic and services is expected to persist, and local governments in other large Canadian cities may be forced to implement curfews or other restrictions on short notice,” it stated.
“Indian citizens in Canada are also encouraged to register through their websites with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Indian Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in.” In the event of an emergency, contact Indian citizens in Canada, according to the advise.
The demonstration, which has been ongoing for two weeks, has divided opinion, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau being chastised for demonizing the movement’s organizers for opposing his government’s policies.
Trudeau has slammed the “Freedom Convoy” from the start, refusing to even contemplate engaging in conversation with protesters seeking an end to vaccination requirements and other Covid-19-related restrictions, such as lockdowns.
As a result, Quebec MP Jol Lightbound resigned as chair of the provincial caucus, citing a recent shift in the government’s policy, which he claims has gone from positive and unifying to divisive and stigmatizing.
Roadblocks, demonstrations, mass rallies, and general strikes are presently taking place in numerous other major cities, including the Canadian capital Ottawa and Toronto. According to the alert, this has resulted in a lack of vital goods such as transportation, public transportation, food, and water. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Ottawa to voice their strong objection to a vaccination requirement for truck drivers crossing the US-Canada border, which sparked the current round of anti-COVID-19 demonstrations.