Former Punjab Chief Minister and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has expressed deep concern about the temporary suspension of visa services between India and Canada amid a diplomatic dispute related to the Khalistan separatist issue. Badal said that this suspension of visa services would pose significant challenges and anxiety for Punjabi communities, especially Sikhs, who have a history of contributing to India’s freedom struggle and defence.
“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.
Badal also highlighted the potential impact on Punjabi youth studying in Canada, who now face hurdles in returning home. He mentioned receiving numerous calls and messages from Punjabis in Canada and their families, seeking the Akali Dal’s intervention to ensure their safe and smooth travel.
“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 added in his post on X, formerly Twitter.
Additionally, Bikram Singh Majithia, another Akali leader and former minister, described the situation between India and Canada as unfortunate. He stressed that the suspension of visas for Canadian nationals could strain relations and create problems for Indian citizens, particularly Punjabis who have settled in Canada. Majithia urged both governments to seek an amicable resolution through dialogue as the only viable solution to this issue.