In meeting with Trudeau, CM Amarinder Singh raises Khalistan issue; Canadian PM assures to look into it

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that he raised the issue of militancy with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to the state.

The Canadian PM visit to Punjab had triggered a controversy over reported links between key members of his cabinet and Sikh separatists. However, speculation on whether he would meet Punjab chief minister was put to rest when it was announced that the two would hold a meeting.

The Congress leader earlier had refused to meet Trudeau, claiming the Canadian Prime Minister's cabinet members supported the formation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh state movement.

"I took up with Canadian PM, the militancy concerns we have. I raised the issue of  Khalistan as there is money coming in from various countries including Canada," said Captain Amarinder Singh.

"Really happy to receive categorical assurance from Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau that his country does not support any separatist movement. His words are a big relief to all of us here in India and we look forward to his government’s support in tackling fringe separatist elements," Amarinder Tweeted.

The Canadian PM is on a week-long visit to India. Trudeau is accompanied by wife and three children -- Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien.

Earlier in the day, wearing a traditional Punjabi outfit with a saffron-colored cloth covering his head, Trudeau offered prayers at the Golden Temple, where he was presented with a traditional robe of honour.

In a white kurta-pyjama, the visiting premier prayed at the sanctum sanctorum of the temple during an almost hour-long visit to the shrine.

The prime minister and his family also tried rolling out rotis at the Guru Ram Das Jee Langar hall, where devotees do voluntary kitchen work for feeding visitors.

Among those accompanying the Canadian PM was his defence minister Harjit Sajjan.