Capt: Trudeau welcome, but stand on hardliners unchanged

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 8

Ahead of the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s India visit starting February 17, denial by Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and his fellow minister Amarjit Sohi of taking a pro-Khalistani stance has been welcomed by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh.

Amarinder had earlier said: “I am ready to extend a warm welcome to Trudeau, but my stand towards Sikh hardliners remains unchanged.” When Sajjan came to India in April last year, Amarinder had refused to meet him.

Congratulating the Canadian PM for creating the necessary environment against secessionist forces believed to be operating from his country, Amarinder said it had paved the way for better relations with Canada, which shared strong roots with India in view of the large Sikh population settled there.

The CM has sought one-on-one interaction with the Canadian Premier. As per protocol, the request has been forwarded to the Centre. As part of his itinerary, Trudeau will be visiting Amritsar to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple. Reiterating that he had always found Trudeau to be a fine human being, the CM said he looked forward to meeting him. His visit, said Amarinder, would give Canada and Punjab the opportunity to strengthen business and trade ties for mutual benefit.