In Meeting With Justin Trudeau, Amarinder Singh Raises "Khalistan Issue"

Amritsar:  After much speculation, a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh took place at Amritsar today. Mr Singh also interacted with all six ministers accompanying Mr Trudeau, in a significant departure from his stance linked to the Khalistan controversy.

"I raised issue of Khalistan as its the primary issue, as there is money coming in from various countries including Canada," Captain Amarinder Singh said after meeting the Canadian PM.

The meeting took place at the Taj hotel after Mr Trudeau, his family and ministers visited the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine, and the Partition museum.

Amarinder Singh, also known as the Captain, had last year said he was "not interested" in meeting Canadian ministers, making no bones about his criticism of what is perceived as Canada's soft approach to Sikh extremist groups campaigning for a Khalistan state.

He had made the comments to Shekhar Gupta in April during the visit of Canada's Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan Singh.

Asked whether he would meet Harjit Sajjan Singh in Punjab, the Captain had replied: "No. I am not going to go. I'll put some minister in-charge... I'll tell you on a matter of principal,  I don't agree on this. There are five ministers there who are Khalistanis and I am not interested in meeting any Khalistanis."
 Canadian cabinet ministers including Harjit Singh have categorically denied the accusation, calling it ridiculous and offensive.  Sikhs account for less than 1.5 per cent of Canada's population.

In Mumbai, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasised his support for a united India. "We of course reject violence and hate speech or hateful speech, but at the same time I can reassure everyone that my position, that Canada's position has not changed. We support one united India," he said, replying to a question.

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The 46-year-old prime minister arrived in India on Saturday evening on a week-long visit, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and three children.
 He will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. That PM Modi did not receive him at the airport or even accompany him in his home state Gujarat, was seen by many, including the Canadian media, as a snub. Government sources, however, denied any cold shoulder to Mr Trudeau.

So did the Canadian premier, who, asked whether he thought he had been snubbed by PM Modi, told reporters on Monday: "I have met with the prime minister in various places around the world and looking forward to sitting down with him on Friday."