The Ministry of External (MEA) dismissed Canadian reports that stated former Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal visited India with the help of a rogue Indian official.
The MEA spokesperson clarified India had nothing to do with Atwal’s visit. Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “Let me categorically state that the Government of India, including the security agencies, had nothing to do with the presence of Jaspal Atwal at the event hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in Mumbai or the invitation issued to him for the Canadian High Commissioner’s reception in New Delhi. Any suggestion to the contrary is baseless and unacceptable.”
The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the invitation to Mr. Atwal would be investigated. But there has been no follow up to this report. This mistake has caused a huge embarrassment to the Canadian Government.
Atwal was a Sikh separatist who attempted to assassinate a Punjab Minister in Vancouver in 1986. Atwal and his three accomplices were sentenced to 20 years in prison. But the verdict was overturned in an appeal and the four men including Jaspal did not serve their sentences.
At present Atwal is associated with the Media Wave Communications, an Indian radio channel set up in Canada. It has been confirmed Jaspal Atwal did not travel with the Canadian PM’s official delegation. Jaspal traveled to India on his own on the 11th of February. But the bigger question is how did Jaspal get his visa approved after being convicted for assassination.
Also Read: How Did Former Terrorist Atwal Arrive In India?
