Amarinder cancels rallies in Canada

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 21

On the request of Canada's Foreign Ministry, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Capt Amarinder Singh has cancelled his plans to hold political rallies in Toronto and Vancouver. However, he will interact with the Punjabi diaspora during his six-day visit to Canada that begins on April 23.

Amarinder was informed by India's Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar on the phone that Canadian rules, under the Global Affairs Policy, prevented foreign governments and individuals from conducting election campaigns in Canada.

"Since the host country does not allow such events, I thought it was better to cancel them," he said, adding that "I look forward to meeting my fellow Punjabis in their homes and in small groups in compliance with Canada's laws," Captain said.

Sources said the Canadian Government had taken up the matter after human rights group Sikhs For Justice objected to Amarinder's initial plan to hold rallies.