Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday raised significant concern over the worsening relationship between India and Canada, in light of the recent events. He alleged that the Canadian government patronizes a separatist and terrorist movement for political benefits.
Charging Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Singh said, “Are electoral compulsions more important than decades-old relationships, national commitments and age-old Parliamentary traditions? For Trudeau, it seems so.” His statement comes amid a recent crisis in Indo-Canadian relations, escalated by a Khalistani attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada.
Concerns Over Canada’s Role In Supporting Separatism.
Amarinder Singh expressed concerns over Canada’s approach to the fast-growing Sikh extremism in the country and how Trudeau has turned a blind eye to it. He recalled, “Trudeau sent his defense minister a Sikh, to Punjab, I refused to meet him, as he was an active member of the World Sikh Organization, at that time the parent body of the Khalistani movement, which was then presided over by his father.”
Singh also pointed out, “When Trudeau visited Amritsar, I handed him a list of over 20 leading individuals who were actively involved in Khalistani separatist movement, some were his cabinet members, with one sitting beside him.” He further alleged being promised Trudeau would look into these grievances. He highlighted, “Since our meeting, these nefarious activities have grown. The Kanishka bombing is now out of his mind and so are the other acts that continue to destabilize Punjab.”
My statement on the current Indo-Canadian situation. pic.twitter.com/MyTlXxmZnn
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 4, 2024
Also Read: PM Condemns Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada, Calls It A Cowardly Act To Intimidate Diplomats
Impact On Punjab’s Economy And Stability
He further talked about the overall economic impact of the movement on Punjab. The economy continues to stagnate as Industry always enters when it visualizes peace and stability, he said.
He emphasized, “Gangsters are prevalent, and weapons are freely used. Agriculture is becoming non-profitable despite the increase in the state’s overall production. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) increases marginally on an annual basis. India would need substantial financial resources to guarantee an MSP. Can it afford it?”
Capt. Amarinder Singh Expresses Strong Criticism Of Trudeau
Singh strongly criticised Trudeau, asserting that the political gains appear to outweigh long-standing international relationships.
“There is a strong perception that Trudeau is using Punjabis to sustain his government, without realizing the decline in his affinity with them in his own country and even in India,” he added.
Call For Better Relations
Singh further called out the restoration of the India-Canada relationship, stating, “We need better relations with Canada and one ambitious man shouldn’t be able to rock a stable friendship that has existed for decades. Punjab and India as a whole could then look towards a bright and stable future.”
Also Read: Who Is Harinder Sohi? Canadian Cop Suspended For Joining Protest Outside Hindu Sabha Temple
