Just a day after Justin Trudeau ensured that his government doesn’t support any separatist movement in India, media reports confirmed that a convicted Khalistani militant was invited to formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister at an event hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in the national capital on Thursday.
According to reports, the terrorist, Jaspal Atwal, a member of banned outfit International Sikh Youth Federation was convicted of attempted murder in 1986.
He along with four men ambushed and shot at Cabinet Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu while he was visiting Vancouver Island in 1986.
The invite sent to Atwal read: “His Excellency Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India is pleased to invite Jaspal Atwal to a dinner reception celebrating Canada-India ties on the occasion of the visit of The Right Hounourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.”
Shockingly, pictures of Atwal along with the Canadian PM’s wife, Sophie Trudeau as well as Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi at a function in Mumbai on February 20 have also gone viral on social media.
Atwal, who lives in Canada came to India on February 11 in his personal capacity and not along with Trudeau’s official entourage, reports said.
Following massive outrage after the news leaked in the media, the invite has now been revoked, reports said.
Trudeau had on Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh of not supporting any separatist movement in India.
The categorical assurance came after Amarinder sought the Canadian PM’s cooperation in cracking down on separatist elements who constitute a miniscule percentage of Canada’s population.