Will continue to address concerns of Punjabi community in Canada: Minister

by IANS |

Toronto, March 25 (IANS) Responding to the concerns of a Sikh MP over internet suspension in Punjab, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said her country is closely following the developments in the state, and will continue to address the concerns of the community.

Authorities in Punjab have started to ease internet suspension in Punjab imposed as part of a manhunt for Waris Punjab De chief and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, who continues to evade arrest.

"My colleagues and I have heard from constituents regarding the ongoing mass suspension of internet services in Punjab, India. Canadians have families and friends who are visiting Punjab, who do not have access to the internet," MP from Malton-Mississauga, Iqwinder Gaheer, rose in the House to ask Joly.

In response, Joly said: "We are aware of the evolving situation in Punjab and we are following it very closely... We look forward to a return to a more stable situation and you can always count on the government of Canada to make sure that we will continue to address the concerns of many members of the community."

Gaheer raised the issue in Parliament after a cross-section of Canadian Sikh MPs expressed their concerns on internet and SMS shutdown, which reportedly affected businesses, colleges and digital payments for everyone in the state.

"As Canadian members of Parliament, we're trying to ensure that there is some safety for Canadians who are visiting there," Conservative deputy leader Tim Uppal told The Globe and Mail.

"I am receiving calls from my residents and am deeply concerned," Sonia Sidhu, the Liberal MP for Brampton South, which boasts of a large Sikh population, said on Twitter.

"I hope the situation is resolved soon (and) Canadians travelling to the region are able to connect with their families and friends in Canada," Sidhu wrote.

According to 2021 Canadian census, Punjabis number approximately 950,000 and account for roughly 2.6 per cent of the country's population.

The Punjab government had extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts till Friday noon.

It had lifted curbs in Moga, Sangrur, Ajnala sub-division in Amritsar and a few areas in Mohali.

Mobile internet services in the rest of Punjab resumed on Tuesday.

Latest News
Such inhumane acts should never occur, says Akal Takht chief on Pahalgam terror attack Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 03:41 PM
Shah Rukh Khan says 'words fail to express' his grief over inhumane act of violence in Pahalgam Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 03:34 PM
IPL 2025: Playing against senior players is great preparation for international games, says Varma Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 03:28 PM
Centre fast-tracks 17 mega infra projects worth Rs 14,096 crore across 4 states Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 03:28 PM
Killers who ask about religion can't be Muslims: Abu Azmi on 'targeted attacks' in Pahalgam Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 03:22 PM
They went for inner peace but became victims of brutal violence: Bajrang Punia mourns loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam attack Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 03:21 PM
'Sporting' while our people die, not this time: Shreevats Goswami urges BCCI to cut cricketing ties with Pak Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 03:15 PM
Locust outbreak confirmed in northeastern Namibia Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 03:06 PM
SEBI panel may review impact of futures and options curbs in May 7 meet Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 02:55 PM
In India, US has a friend: VP JD Vance Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 02:52 PM
J&K terror attack sparks global condemnation Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 02:43 PM
Bangladesh: Bail granted to 61 'pro-Awami League' lawyers Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 02:35 PM
New CGHS digital platform to ensure faster, transparent access to healthcare services Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 02:21 PM
Gen Z workforce in Indian BFSI sector nearly doubles in 2 years: Report Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 02:14 PM
Take decisive action, this is about our nation: Karnataka Home Minister on Pahalgam attack Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 02:04 PM