Chandigarh: While the Punjab BJP has urged the external affairs minister S Jaishankar to set up a helpline for the Indian students and NRIs in the wake of strained ties between Ottawa and New Delhi, another opposition party Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has urged the Central government to redress Punjabis concerns at the earliest.
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has urged the Centre to immediately start a helpline to address the concerns of the NRIs and students in Canada, and also list out various steps being taken by the Centre for them.
Punjabis in Canada Worried
Stating that Punjabis formed the biggest chunk residing in Canada, Jakhar held that it would go a long way in assuaging the sense of anxiety and panic among them. Jakhar held that since most of the NRIs living in Canada frequented their families in India during this time, they were anxious about the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the two countries.
Jakhar also said that besides a dedicated Helpline number for the NRIs and students, a WhatsApp number should also be released for the students aspiring to go abroad to get in touch with authorities for guidance.
SAD's Plea for Swift Resolution
Meanwhile, the SAD chief Sukhbir Badal also asked the Centre to redress concerns of Punjabis amidst the India-Canada stand-off.
Stating that Punjabis were the worst sufferers of the diplomatic stand-off between India and Canada, Sukhbir urged the Central government to redress their concerns at the earliest.
Stranded Punjabis in Canada
The SAD president said the suspension of visa facilities by India had deeply impacted Punjabis, many of whom were stranded in Canada. "Many of our brethren need to return to their homeland immediately but are unable to do so," he said and added that "We are gravely concerned about the travel restrictions which are impacting Punjabis as well as apprehensions of youth that the ongoing crisis will affect their future. The issue should be redressed at the earliest."
