India Canada spat: Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, other Punjab leaders express concern over row

NEW DELHI: Several MPs from Punjab have shared their concerns with top leaders of the BJP-led central government over the deteriorating relations between India and Canada which has left the Sikh community - both here and in Canada - in a state of panic.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal met home minister Amit Shah to share the concerns of Sikhs in Punjab and Canada.

Badal said he hopes for a quick resolution to the dispute between the two countries, as Punjabis in large numbers live in Canada and the deteriorating relations have left them in panic.


Talking to reporters after the meeting, the SAD chief said he has been flooded with calls and messages from Punjabis in Canada and their families and relatives back home, seeking intervention to ensure safe and smooth travel to their homeland.

"Deeply concerned over indefinite suspension of visa services for Canadian nationals to India as it affects lakhs of Punjabis residing as overseas nationals of Indian origin or as students in that country. This is set to create great hurdles, uncertainty and anxiety for Punjabis especially to members of the most patriotic community of the Sikhs who have not only made unparalleled sacrifices for the freedom of the country but also for fighting off foreign aggression in borders," Badal posted on X.

On the other hand, Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has also written a letter to him. In the letter, Bittu urged PM Modi to personally intervene and ensure the well-being and security of Indian students studying in Canada.

Talking to reporters over the allegations by the Canadian prime minister, the Congress MP alleged that Justin Trudeau’s party is funded by "drug money of Khalistani cartel and that's why he is protecting them."