Canada “very closely” monitoring developments in Punjab, says overseas minister Melanie Joly

Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has stated that Toronto is “very closely” following the developments in Punjab and can proceed to deal with the considerations of the group.

Toronto,UPDATED: Mar 25, 2023 23:21 IST

Melanie Joly was answering a query from Indo-Canadian MP Iqwinder S Gaheer within the House of Commons on Thursday. (Photo: Reuters)

By Press Trust of India: Canada is “very closely” following the developments in Punjab and can proceed to deal with the considerations of the group, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has stated amid Punjab Police’s crackdown on radical preacher Amritpal Singh.

Joly was answering a query from Indo-Canadian MP Iqwinder S Gaheer within the House of Commons on Thursday.

“We are aware of the evolving situation in Punjab, and we are following it very closely. We look forward to a return to a more stable situation,” she stated.

“Canadians can always count on the Government of Canada to make sure that we will continue to address the concerns of many members of the community,” she added.

Gaheer stated he had heard concerning the ongoing mass suspension of Internet companies in Punjab and requested Joly to replace the House concerning the scenario in India.

Responding to questions on overseas leaders and parliamentarians commenting on the motion in opposition to Amritpal Singh, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi urged individuals residing overseas to not consider “inaccurate and motivated narratives” which are being circulated by some parts on social media.

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“Authorities in Punjab are undertaking operations to nab a fugitive. Information regarding that operation is being shared by authorities concerned on a regular basis,” the spokesman stated in New Delhi.

Authorities in Punjab final week suspended web and SMS companies within the state following the police crackdown in opposition to parts of ‘Waris Punjab De,’ headed by the unconventional preacher.

Police in Punjab are nonetheless looking for Amritpal Singh.

Earlier on Wednesday Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated within the House of Commons: “We are trying ahead to a swift return to a extra steady scenario.”

Canada has also seen a rise in anti-India activities recently by Khalistan supporters who have vandalised some Hindu temples.

A Ram Mandir in Mississauga was defaced by ‘Khalistani extremists’ with anti-India graffiti on February 13, drawing a strong reaction from the Indian Consulate in Toronto.

“We strongly condemn the defacing of Ram Mandir in Mississauga with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to research the incident and take immediate motion on perpetrators,” India’s Consulate in Toronto had tweeted.

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Published On:

Mar 25, 2023