CHANDIGARH: Congress unit in Punjab has asked Canadian defence minister Harjit Singh Sajjan to clarify his stand on Khalistan. The statement came a day after Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said he would not meet him as he is a “Khalistani sympathiser”. State Congress leaders and MLAs released a statement saying, “It is important and in the interest of the good and friendly relationship between India and Canada that Sajjan clarifies his stand on this sensitive issue.”
Alleging that the High Commission, instead of clarifying on the issue, has been trying to cover it up and put up a vague defence. “It is surprising that the High Commission has preferred to remain quiet on the specific issue that is of serious concern and consequences for the peace-loving Punjabis.” The leaders also advised Akalis and Aam Aadmi party leaders to try and be more loyal than defending Sajjan when he himself had not denied his association with Khalistani sympathisers and supporters.
Senior Congress leaders and MLAs, including Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Sukh Sarkaria and Navtej Cheema said, “Moreover, none of them has denied these charges, while leaders like Sukhbir Badal, Sukhpal Khaira and HS Phoolka have gone overboard in defending them for reasons best known to them.” The leaders asserted that the CM had only reiterated a fact, which Sajjan had not even bothered to deny. “There is no question of insulting a Punjabi or a Sikh in stating a fact about political leanings and inclinations of a particular leader just because he happens to be a Punjabi or a Sikh,” they said.
