‘Deeply concerned’: Akali Dal urges India, Canada to resolve diplomatic standoff amicably

Expressing concern over reports of India temporarily stopping visa services in Canada amid an escalating diplomatic row over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the ruling BJP’s former ally Shiromani Akali Dal on Thursday urged the governments of both countries to find a solution to the matter “at the earliest possible”.

“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,” Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

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“The visa facility hurdles will particularly hit our youth who go to Canada in thousands as students every year and who are now residing there. I have been flooded with calls and messages from Punjabis in Canada and their families and relatives back home, seeking @Akali_Dal_’s intervention to ensure safe & smooth travel to their homeland,” he further said.

In a post on X, Akali leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia also termed the conflict between India and Canada as “most unfortunate”. “Stopping visas for Canadian nationals will not only further strain ties but will also create problems for lakhs of Indians, including a large number of Punjabis that have settled in Canada and are now Canadian citizens. I urge the governments of both nations to resolve issues amicably through dialogue. This is the only way out,” Majithia said.