Amarinder Singh Raises ‘Khalistan’ Issue with Canada PM Trudeau

The Punjab CM also submitted a list of 9 Canada-based operatives allegedly involved in target-killings.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in Amritsar

(Photo: PTI)

Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim

After much speculation, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh finally met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his accompanying ministers in Amritsar, Punjab.

Only last year, Amarinder Singh had refused to meet the Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan when he visited Punjab, accusing him of being a "Khalistani sympathiser".

Both leaders held a 40-minute long meeting at a hotel in Amritsar after Trudeau paid obeisance at the Golden Temple and visited the Partition Museum.

Chief Minister Singh raised the issue of 'Khalistan' with Justin Trudeau. He also submitted a list of nine Canada-based operatives allegedly involved in target-killings and other hate crimes in Punjab, including financing and supplying weapons for terrorist activities, an official said.

I was very impressed with my meeting with the Prime Minister...I raised the issue of Khalistan as it is the primary issue, with money coming in from various countries including Canada. He has assured us that they will look into this matter (of militancy concerns).

Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, Punjab

The Canadian premier assured the Punjab chief minister that his country did not support "any separatist movement in India or elsewhere," said Raveen Thukral, the chief minister's media advisor.

During the meeting, Amarinder Singh called for cooperation between India and Canada on the issues of terrorism, crime and drugs, while seeking greater sharing of relevant information, in the interest of national and international security.

With a saffron-coloured cloth covering his head, the Canadian PM offered prayers at the Golden Temple, he was also presented with a traditional robe of honour.

Clad in traditional Punjabi outfits, the prime minister and his family also tried rolling out rotis at the Golden Temple, where devotees do voluntary kitchen work for feeding visitors.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau along with his family members prepare langar.(Photo: PTI)

Trudeau is on a week-long visit to India. He is accompanied by wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and three children – Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien.

(With inputs from PTI)