Justin Trudeau’s India trip took an awkward turn when it emerged that that a known Khalistani terrorist, who had been convicted in a case of attempted murder, when he had tried to kill a Punjab minister in Canada, was invited by the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi.
Justin Trudeau’s India trip took an awkward turn when it emerged that that a known Khalistani terrorist, who had been convicted in a case of attempted murder, when he had tried to kill a Punjab minister in Canada, was invited by the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi.
Jaspal Atwal had been invited to an official state event by the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi, an invitation which was later rescinded. Questions were also raised asking how Atwal managed to get a visa.
Reacting to the furore, Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy said: “Humaari bewakoofi thi humne background check nahi kiya. Aur Canadians jo kehte hain ki hum Khalistaniyon ko support nahi karte, unhone unko kaise allow kiya?” (Our mistake we didn’t check his background. And as for the Canadians that say they don’t support Khalistanis, how did they allow it?)
Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel has cancelled tonight's dinner invitation to Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist.
Patel was hosting the dinner for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation.
"The High Commission has rescinded Mr. Atwal’s invitation.? We do not comment of matters relating to the PM's security?," the Canadian High Commission here said.
Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.
The cancellation comes at a time when Trudeau's pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.
On his part, Trudeau assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday arrived at Jama Masjid here, along with wife and children. Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was also present.
When ANI questioned Trudeau about an invitation sent to Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal for a dinner reception, the Canadian Prime Minister preffered not replying to it.
Jaspal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, was invited for a formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner, scheduled to take place later in the day, CBC News reported earlier.
However, the invite has been rescinded now, the Canadian Consulate told ANI.
On Wednesday, Trudeau met with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh in Amritsar, where, the latter shared the concerns about militancy issue related to the separatist movement of Khalistan.
Singh said, "I raised the issue of Khalistan, it's the primary issue, as there is money coming in from various countries including Canada."
"I took up the militancy concerns with Trudeau, the militancy concerns we have and he has assured us that they will look into this matter," he added.
With inputs from ANI
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