Canadian commission cancels dinner invite to Khalistan terrorist

New Delhi, February 22

Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel has cancelled Thursday’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“The High Commission has rescinded Mr Atwal’s invitation.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 on matters relating to the PM’s security,” the Canadian High Commission here said.

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Atwal was convicted of trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

The cancellation comes at a time when Trudeau’s alleged pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many, including Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian Prime Minister during a meeting.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said, “We take this very seriously. The individual in question never should have received an invitation. As soon as we found out we rescinded the invitation immediately. The person and department will take full responsibility.”

Meanwhile, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: “His presence at the event should be addressed to the Canadians. They’ve said it was an oversight. On the visa part, I can’t say how that happened. There are different ways people enter India. There are OCI cards, e-visas etc. We have asked the Indian mission for details. We are trying to find out how Atwal came to India.” — PTI/TNS