Parliamentarian says Punjabis in Canada are in ‘state of panic’
New Delhi: Amid the ongoing dispute between India and Canada, Sukhbir Singh Badal, the President of the Akali Dal and Member of Parliament, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating relationship between the two countries.
Badal highlighted the serious consequences of the strained ties and called for immediate action to rectify the situation.
“This is having a huge effect on India-Canada relations,” said Sukhbir Singh Badal. “Sikhs are being associated with terrorism, a wrong impression is being created, and this needs to stop. The governments of India and Canada should find a solution soon. The relationship between the two countries, India and Canada, needs to be settled at the top level. People of the nation should not suffer because of this. I am writing a letter to the Prime Minister because this needs to be settled early. If it goes out of hand, it will affect a lot of Indians, especially Sikhs and people of Punjab.”
Tensions between India and Canada have been escalating in recent months, primarily due to differences over issues related to Sikh extremism and alleged support for separatist movements.
Badal’s call for urgent action reflects the gravity of the situation and the potential ramifications for both nations. His plea for a top-level resolution underscores the need for diplomatic channels to address the issues at hand and prevent any further deterioration in India-Canada relations.
Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed the House of Commons that his government had “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in June.
In response to Trudeau’s accusations, both India and Canada have expelled a senior diplomat from each other’s countries. India denied the allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Nijjar, aged 45, was the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). He was assassinated outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. Nijjar had Rs10 lakh cash reward on his head.
Recent developments have led to India issuing a travel advisory for its citizens in Canada, following Canada’s own advisory update for India. India’s advisory raised concerns about the increasing anti-India activities and “politically condoned hate crimes” in Canada, urging Indian nationals in Canada and those planning to travel there to exercise caution.
The Canadian government, however, rejected India’s travel advisory, asserting that Canada is one of the safest countries in the world.
In the midst of this diplomatic standoff, the Punjab Police has initiated a statewide crackdown on associates of gangster Goldy Brar, who is accused of the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala.
