CM: Canadian Sikh leader trying to disrupt peace

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 23

Canada’s NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has created a political storm of sorts in Punjab. His statement that self-determination is a basic right in places like Punjab has evoked sharp reactions from across the political spectrum.

While former state BJP president Kamal Sharma has strongly condemned the statement, saying that it was meant to disrupt peace in Punjab, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said he (Jagmeet Singh) was totally disconnected from the ground realities in India, where Sikhs hold a place of pride with their excellent achievements in every field.

Accusing Jagmeet of trying to destabilise Punjab by creating strife with his “ill-conceived and confrontational remarks”, Amarinder said the Canadian authorities should take serious note of such disruptive elements who were using their soil to spread discord in India. He said his government would not allow any such attempt to succeed at any cost.

Amarinder said Sikhs were known for their extraordinary accomplishments and for bringing accolades not only to India but to countries they were settled in.

The CM said Jagmeet’s comments amounted to anti-India conspiracy and hoped the Canadian government would take cognisance of the same. He urged Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to ensure that his country’s soil is “not used for such treacherous assaults on India’s integrity.