Pointing gun at Anita Anand's photo: Canada ministers condemn protest outside Indian consulate, call it 'vile and unacceptable'

Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand's photo was merged into a photo of former Indian PM Indira Gandhi and two turbaned individuals -- part of the placard -- were pointing guns at her.

Sikhs for Justice protesters outside the Indian consulate in Toronto displayed such a placard, drawing sharp reaction from Canadian ministers."Targeting a public official with threats or violence undermines our democracy. At a recent protest, there was a deeply disturbing depiction of guns being pointed at a photo of Minister Anand. We condemn these acts of hate unequivocally. There is no place for this in Canada," Secretary of state for international development Randeep Sarai said.

Public safety minister Gary Anandasangaree did not mention Anita Anand's name as he wrote: "A recent protest in Toronto showed two men shooting at the image of a federal Minister—which is absolutely vile and unacceptable. Canada condemns all threats to public officials, full stop. Those responsible for inciting such hate and violence must be found and held accountable."

Minister of international trade Maninder Sidhu said violence has absolutely no place in Canada.

"I strongly condemn the actions and rhetoric that promoted violence during the demonstration in Toronto. It is unacceptable and entirely contrary to the values of respect, peace and unity that define our country. Canadians have the right to peacefully express their views, but that right can never be used to justify hate, intimidation or harm.

Our government will always stand firmly against hatred and violence in all its forms," he said. The protest targeting an Indian-origin minister in Canada comes as Prime Minister Mark Carnet said there's progress in relationship with Canada that turned frosty during the last few years. “Progress which we have been making with India…So I didn't meet directly with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi here, (but), the foreign minister, other ministers have been meeting with India," Carney said.