He suggested issuing a WhatsApp contact number to Indian students planning to go abroad so that they can contact authorities in case they need information or guidance (representative image)
Underlining the concerns of citizens living in Canada, Sunil Jakhar urged EAM S Jaishankar to make a comprehensive statement outlining the steps taken by the Center for the protection of its citizens in Canada.
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar on Saturday urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to set up a helpline for Indian students and NRIs in Canada, amid a diplomatic row between the two countries.
In his letter to the Union Minister, Jakhar, while highlighting the concerns of citizens living in Canada, urged him to release a detailed statement listing the measures taken by the Center for Security of the citizens of the country in Canada have been taken to the final solution of this problem. problem. “I am sure that this will go a long way in eliminating the sense of deep fear, panic and indecision that exists among our people living in Canada and especially among students who are waiting to go abroad to study . An assurance from your office would certainly put an end to the doubts and uncertainty of our students, who are rightly concerned about their study plans,” Jakhar wrote in the letter.
He suggested issuing a WhatsApp contact number to Indian students planning to go abroad so that they can contact authorities in case they need any information or guidance. “I would also request you to set up a dedicated helpline number where our NRIs and students can contact and seek assistance from the Indian Consulates. A WhatsApp number may be released for Indian students planning to go abroad so that they can contact authorities in case of emergency and guidance,” Jakhar wrote in his letter.
“In the wake of baseless allegations against the Indian government by the Canadian Prime Minister; The diplomatic relationship between the two countries is understandably in a downward spiral. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made these absurd and malicious allegations only to satisfy his domestic political compulsions,” the Punjab BJP chief said.
“The government of India has taken the right stand by strongly opposing Prime Minister Trudeau’s outburst and has asked for proof, but it doesn’t seem to be coming,” he added.
“While I hope that Prime Minister Trudeau realizes his folly as soon as possible and the matter is resolved amicably, it is our citizens, a large proportion of them Punjabis, who are likely to be affected by the current impasse, including the suspension of the government. visa by the Indian government to conduct security check upon entry into India,” the letter said.
He said most NRIs settled in Canada are visiting their relatives in India during this period in early winter, adding that they are “genuinely concerned about the unfolding situation.” India on Thursday announced it is temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens due to “security threats” facing its high commission and consulates in Canada, amid an escalating diplomatic row over Ottawa’s allegations regarding the killing of a Khalistani separatist on Canadian territory.
The row arose following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India has dismissed the accusation as “absurd”.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)