<p>India on Thursday reacted sharply to the "so-called Khalistan referendum" in Canada, saying it was "deeply objectionable" that such a "politically motivated" activity by extremist elements was allowed to take place in a friendly country.</p>.<p>External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said India had taken up the matter with Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels and would continue to press Canada in this regard.</p>.<p>"You are all aware of the violence in this regard," Bagchi said and described the "so-called Khalistan referendum" a "farcical exercise".</p>.<p>Bagchi said the government of Canada has reiterated they respect the sovereignty and integrity of India and that they will not recognise the so-called referendum that has taken place in that country.</p>.<p>Canadian authorities' scant efforts to stop the "so-called referendum" seeking Punjab as a separate country had angered India. </p>
<p>India on Thursday reacted sharply to the "so-called Khalistan referendum" in Canada, saying it was "deeply objectionable" that such a "politically motivated" activity by extremist elements was allowed to take place in a friendly country.</p>.<p>External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said India had taken up the matter with Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels and would continue to press Canada in this regard.</p>.<p>"You are all aware of the violence in this regard," Bagchi said and described the "so-called Khalistan referendum" a "farcical exercise".</p>.<p>Bagchi said the government of Canada has reiterated they respect the sovereignty and integrity of India and that they will not recognise the so-called referendum that has taken place in that country.</p>.<p>Canadian authorities' scant efforts to stop the "so-called referendum" seeking Punjab as a separate country had angered India. </p>