Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh Meets Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Raises Concern Over 'Funds to Khalistani Forces'
Following the meet, Capt Amarinder told reporters that the issue of Khalistan militancy was the "primary subject of our discussions" as it concerns the security of Punjab.
Amritsar, Feb 21: Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday held talks with Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. Among a range of issues discussed between the two sides, deliberations were also held on the "funding to Khalistani forces".
Following the meet, Capt Amarinder told reporters here that the issue of Khalistan militancy was the "primary subject of our discussions" as it concerns the security of Punjab.
"I took up with Canadian PM the militancy concerns we have and he has assured us that they will look into this matter," Amarinder was reported as saying.
The Punjab CM further claimed that he demanded PM Trudeau to ensure a crackdown on elements who are funding the Khalistani forces in a bid to revive the militancy.
"Funds for the Khalistanis are coming in from Canada. We have sought action in this regard. But not only Canada, the money is also pouring from US and other States," he said.
Apart from Trudeau, all his Cabinet colleagues - including Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan - met Amarinder.
Sajjan, during his previous visit to India last year, was denied a meeting by Amarinder, accusing him of being "pro-Khalistan".
Even as the Canadian delegation had sent feelers for a meeting with the Punjab CM during the ongoing tour of Trudeau, Amarinder had maintained suspense until Tuesday, when he confirmed his decision to meet the visiting Canadian PM, along with his Ministers.
While addressing an event in Mumbai on Tuesday, Trudeau, in an apparent bid to counter the charge of being soft against Khalistan separatists, said he respects the diversity of India and would continue to wish for "one united India".
The remarks of Trudeau came in the backdrop of Indian and overseas publications linking his alleged soft stance towards Sikh separatism to the lacklustre reception offered to him by the Indian government.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2018 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).