India on Monday condemned the disruption of a Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, calling the incident “despicable” and said the matter has been strongly raised with Canadian authorities.
The annual festival, featuring the grand chariot of Lord Jagannath, was disrupted over the weekend by individuals who allegedly hurled eggs at the procession, according to media reports.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident was caused by “mischievous elements” and went against the spirit of the celebration.
Such despicable acts are regrettable and are against the spirit of the festival, which seeks to promote unity, inclusivity, and social harmony,” Jaiswal said.
We have strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators of the act accountable,” he added.
