AAP MLAs Detained in Canada, Sent Back to India After Questioning

Amritsar, July 23: Two MLAs of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were briefly detained at Ottawa airport in Canada and sent back to India after questioning on Sunday. Immigration officials at the airport reportedly questioned AAP MLAs - Amarjeet Singh Sandoa and Kultar Singh Sandhwan- regarding the purpose of their visit. The Punjab legislators landed in the country on a private tour.

“What we have learnt is that both were to stay with the sister of Kultar Singh Sandhwan in Ottawa and she was waiting to receive them. However, after hours of questioning, she was informed that both were being sent back," AAP spokesperson in Toronto, Sudeep Singla, told Indian Express. He added the Candian authorities didn't specify the reason.

Kamal Garg, AAP social media manager, based in Vancouver, claimed that Sandhwan convinced Canadian authorities on the purpose of his visit, but Sandoa could not because he is not fluent in English. According to Dr Balbir Singh, co-president of AAP's Punjab unit, the duo had taken permission from the party before leaving for Canada.

Punjab Leader of Opposition, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, said a meeting of all MLAs had been called to discuss the incident along with other issues. The Congress government in Punjab has been alleging that AAP leadership in Punjab is soft towards separatist Sikh outfits overseas, especially in Canada.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2018 09:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).