Canadian PM Justin Trudeau visits Delhi's Jama Masjid, stays mum on Khalistani terrorist's presence at his Mumbai event

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stares at a full-blown crisis in the middle of his week-long India visit after a convicted Khalistani terrorist was invited to his Mumbai event, visited Delhi's Jama Masjid today. 

Trudeau, accompanied by his wife Sophie and their three children, visited the 17th-century mosque in Delhi as questions were raised over the presence of a Khalistani terrorist found guilty of trying to assassinate a Punjab cabinet minister at his Mumbai reception. 

When confronted by a journalist, Trudeau smiled and refused to answer the question. 

Watch the video here:

#WATCH Delhi: ANI journalist questions Canadian PM #JustinTrudeau about invitation to Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal for a formal dinner reception, gets no reply. pic.twitter.com/IRHGehpksm

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Jaspal Atwal, who was convicted of attempted murder in 1987 was pictured with Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophie in Mumbai on Tuesday He was also invited for formal dinner with Canadian PM, the invite for which has reportedly been rescinded. 

#Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister #JustinTrudeau along with his family arrives at Jama Masjid . pic.twitter.com/CxVdsT61Xp

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Atwal was convicted of an attempt to murder Indian minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu along with three others. He is a former member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, a militant group fighting for Khalistan that was banned in Canada and deemed a terrorist organisation in the US, UK and India as well. 

#Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister #JustinTrudeau at Jama Masjid with his wife & children; Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan also present. pic.twitter.com/2jDVxXRAkN

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

He was also photographed with Infrastructure minister Amarjeet Sohi and Brampton South Liberal MP Sonia Sidhu. Read the full story here.

The issue has erupted in a huge controversy with many accusing Trudeau of "wining and dining" with extremists.

Here is the official invitation sent to Jaspal Atwal, inviting him to join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in India. Trudeau is denying his sympathies for Sikh extremists, while also wining and dining them. pic.twitter.com/NEhNIQ0PWA

— Candice Malcolm (@CandiceMalcolm) February 22, 2018

Jaspal Atwal was found guilty of attempted murder in 1986 after shooting a Punjab state minister who was visiting Vancouver Island. Atwal lives in Canada, but travelled to India and attended a government function last night.

Here he is with Sophie Trudeau. pic.twitter.com/4vyJcTlJr1

— Candice Malcolm (@CandiceMalcolm) February 22, 2018

This scum was in India posing with the Canadian PM's wife. The Canadian PM must realise that his actions, not attire constitute diplomacy. https://t.co/cay4qAJjcu

— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) February 22, 2018

Trudeau's seven-day visit has been marred by 'Khalistan' issue. The matter also featured prominently in the talks between Trudeau and Punjab CM Amarinder Singh in Amritsar on Wednesday. 

Chief Minister Singh submitted a list of nine Canada-based operatives alleged to be involved in target-killings and other hate crimes in Punjab, including financing and supplying of weapons for terrorist activities, an official said. Singh urged Trudeau to initiate stern action against such elements.

The Canadian premier assured Amarinder Singh that his country did not support "any separatist movement in India or elsewhere," said Raveen Thukral, the chief minister's media advisor.

The "categorical assurance" from Trudeau came after Amarinder Singh sought the Canadian premier's cooperation in cracking down on fringe elements, constituting a miniscule percentage of Canadian population, he added.

(With PTI inputs)