Canada’s New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh raised concerns over the Indian police’s massive crackdown in the Punjab state and threat to life of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh – leading to the suspension of the internet. Calling for Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s intervention, Jagmeet Singh said the “draconian measures” are unsettling for many “given their historical use to execute extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during the 1984 Sikh Genocide”. Jagmeet Singh is an Indian-origin Canadian politician. “I am deeply concerned by reports that India has suspended civil liberties and imposed an internet blackout throughout the state of Punjab,” read his tweet. “These draconian measures are unsettling for many given their historical use to execute extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during the 1984 Sikh Genocide,” he added.

He said: “I am calling on Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government to immediately contact their Indian counterparts to express concern regarding the suspension of civil liberties and the safety of Canadians abroad.” As the Indian police launched a massive crackdown on Amritpal Singh’s Waris Punjab De on Saturday, internet services were suspended for a day which was extended till Monday with the hunt still on. Amritpal Singh fled changing vehicles and putting up a decoy crash into motorbikes, said police. However, Amritpal Singh’s associates feared that the Sikh leader has been arrested and may be killed in a fake encounter.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP