Pro-Khalistan slogans raised in the presence of Canadian PM Trudeau

Toronto: Slogans of "Khalistan Zindabad" were heard at the Khalsa Day Celebrations in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the opposition leader Pierre Poilievre in Toronto on Sunday, NDTV reported.

A video released by Canada-based CPAC TV showed crowds chanting pro-Khalistan slogans as Prime Minister Trudeau came over to make the speech.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were also present.

Chants were also heard echoing when the leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre walked over to the stage to address the event.

Thousands of people turned up to take part in one of the most important annual gatherings in Toronto.

Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, commemorates the founding of the Sikh community in 1699 and the Sikh New Year, according to the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC).

The event will also see an annual parade down Lake Shore Boulevard, which is believed to be the third-largest in the nation, drawing thousands of spectators, according to CBC News.

Trudeau assured the Sikh Community in the country the government will always protect their rights and freedoms at all costs.

He added: "One of Canada's greatest strengths is its diversity. We are strong not in spite of our differences, but because of our differences; but even as we look at these differences, we have to remember, and get reminded on days such as this, and every day, that Sikh values are Canadian values..."

Trudeau promised that the government will enhance security “at community centres and places of worship, including Gurdwaras."

The slogans at the event and Trudeau's remarks come as the diplomatic relations between India and Canada are going through a difficult phase.

Trudeau previously accused India of having involvement in the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.