Stopping visa service for Canadians will affect millions of Punjabis: Sukhbir Badal
Delhi. India suspended visa services in Canada citing “operational reasons”, Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal said on Thursday, adding, “This is going to create huge disruption, uncertainty and anxiety for Punjabis.” Saying he is deeply concerned by the indefinite suspension of visa services for Canadian citizens in India, Badal said, “This will impact millions of Punjabis living as foreign nationals of Indian origin or students in that country. Is.”
“This is going to create huge disruptions, uncertainty and anxiety for Punjabis, especially for members of the most patriotic community of Sikhs, who have made unparalleled sacrifices not only for the country’s independence but also to fight foreign aggression on the borders. “The disruptions in visa access will particularly impact our youth, who come to Canada in their thousands every year as students and who are now living there. I have been flooded with calls and messages from Punjabis and their families and relatives in Canada. They seek the intervention of Akali Dal to ensure safe and smooth journey to their motherland.”
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Shiromani Akali Dal urged the governments of both the countries to find an early solution to the matter. However, BLS, the private agency appointed for initial screening of visa applications from Canadians, posted a note on its website, saying, “For operational reasons, effective September 21, 2023, Indian visa services are suspended until further notice.” Please continue to check the BLS website for further updates.” Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have soured over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
