Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Monday said that India’s decision to temporarily suspend visas for Canadian citizens amid the ongoing row, and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann’s silence on the issue, is proving to be too costly for the Punjabis.The Akali leader added that the decision was badly affecting the lives of thousands of Punjabis, and Punjab was headed towards a big economic crisis due to this. Majithia said the decision to stop visas for Canadian citizens has come at a time whenwedding seasonis about to start. Many Punjabis overseas have got Canadian citizenship, but they prefer to get married back home in Punjab. He added there are also the medico-tourists who visit the state for medical treatment, which is cheaper in India. Besides, many of them might also have to visit Punjab for family emergencies and personal losses.Hitting out at the AAP government, Majithia said it was shocking that CM Mann was silent on the issue even more than a fortnight after the Centre’s decision. He said the Centre’s decision after a single incident was highly discriminatory against Punjabis, and that Mann’s silence on the issue again proved that he is hand-in-glove with the BJP top brass.Citing data revealed by the Union tourism ministry suggested that more than 24% of Canadian tourists visit India during wedding season, Majithia said this travel-ban would also affect thousands of Punjabis involved in businesses such as catering, marriage palaces, hotels, ticket bookings and tourism.The SAD leader urged both the nations to resolve the issue through talks, so the common man doesn’t have to suffer.We also published the following articles recently
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Canadian PM Justin Trudeau raises Nijjar issue during talks with UAE presidentCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has brought up the matter of alleged Indian involvement in the assassination of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This move is seen as an attempt to pressure India into participating in the investigation, despite Canada not having shared any evidence with India regarding the alleged role of Indian agents. Trudeau also discussed the importance of upholding and respecting the rule of law with both the UAE President and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
