Amidst escalating tensions between India and Canada, Punjab finds itself in a state of unrest, primarily regarding the security of its younger inhabitants finding out and dealing in Canada. 2022 witnessed Canada admitting a report 551,405 worldwide college students from 184 nations. Remarkably, over 200,000 visas had been granted to Indian college students, with a big quantity originating from Punjab.
Joyti Behal, an Amritsar-based journalist, vocalizes this rising apprehension. His daughter, at the moment finding out in Canada, is on the coronary heart of his concern. “Canada was seen as a beacon of security, however latest occasions have sown seeds of doubt in lots of minds like mine, Given the present circumstances, many doubts have arisen in my thoughts. I’m feeling a discomfort” states Behal.
Certainly, the attract of Canada has been magnetic for Punjab’s youth. This affinity has not solely enriched Canada’s instructional realm but additionally catalyzed the expansion of immigration businesses in Punjab and Canada alike.
Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, an eminent determine within the instructional sector, notes, “Whereas Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau constantly emphasizes the security and safety of all Canadian residents, his statements conspicuously lack particular point out of the well-being and safety of Indian college students and professionals in Canada.”
Nonetheless, sentiments have shifted put up Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations, unsupported by proof, towards the Indian authorities over the killing of Khalistani chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India promptly denied these claims, labeling them as ‘unfounded.’ The fallout from these allegations has been swift: recalling diplomats, issuing journey advisories, and India even suspending visa providers for Canadians.
Sunil Jakhar, President of the Bhartiya Janata Occasion in Punjab, has penned a letter to India’s Ministry of Exterior Affairs, addressing the pressure between the nations. In his letter, he emphasised not holding individuals in extended apprehension and questioned the halting of visas. “I believe the safety of the nation is of utmost precedence, and all Punjabis will conform to this, however why grind the grain with the husk? There are only a few such people, and there is a have to rethink this whole coverage”, mentioned he.
The opposite concern is that Punjab may as soon as once more flip in the direction of these darkish days. The influence of those occasions just isn’t solely on India-Canada relations, however can also be seen in lots of different locations. The Khalistan motion’s propagators in Canada and different nations have discovered one other alternative.
Surinder Singh, a hotelier from Amritsar, nostalgically remembers Trudeau’s heat welcome in Amritsar, expressing dismay over the Prime Minister’s latest actions. Singh speculates on the political motivations behind these gestures. “I keep in mind when Justin Trudeau got here to Amritsar, and the residents of Amritsar welcomed him warmly. He questioned, What does Trudeau wish to show by leveling baseless allegations towards India and giving a platform to extremist views? It appears to me he’s doing all this to attain his political goals. We do not need Punjab to return to these darkish days once more.
Traditionally, Punjab has stood resilient towards adversities, from confronting invaders like Nadir Shah to its pivotal position in India-Pakistan conflicts. The state’s legacy within the 1950s speaks of youth migrating internationally, marking their presence by means of dedication and diligence. Whereas their migration introduced youthful vigor to Canada, it inadvertently amplified the platform for pro-Khalistani sentiments. Through the latest G-20 summit, whereas India raised considerations over Khalistani actions in Canada, Trudeau selected to highlight India’s purported position in Nijjar’s assassination.
Consultants opine that this rift is inadvertently boosting the pro-Khalistan motion’s international visibility. Though Trudeau and his cupboard have constantly underscored their dedication to the security of all Canadians, conspicuously lacking is an addressal for the security of non-Canadian residents, particularly college students and staff.
Analysts specializing in Indo-Canadian relations emphasize the necessity for the Indian authorities to assuage the considerations of Punjab’s populace relating to the security of its youth in Canada. Addressing these considerations could be step one in mending the strained tapestry of Indo-Canadian relations.