India stops visa services for Canadians

In an indication of further deterioration in the Indo-Canadian relations, India has suspended visa services for the Canadians.

The decision to suspend visa services comes close on the heels of the tit-for-tat expulsions of one diplomat each by the two countries after Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau alleged that there were credible evidence to suggest that Indian agents were behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Earlier on Tuesday, Canada had issued an advisory to its citizens asking them not to travel to certain parts of India. On Wednesday, India had also issued a similar advisory. After this, Canada rejected India's advisory at late night. Canada's Public Safety Minister Dominic Lebneck spoke to the media in Ottawa that the country is completely safe for everyone.

The advisory was issued by the India's external affairs ministry in which it was said that in view of the ongoing anti-India activities in Canada, citizens residing or travelling to Canada are advised to exercise great caution.

According to the advisory, in view of the deteriorating security situation in Canada, Indian students who are studying there are advised to be the most vigilant. The Indian community and students can lodge complaints on the websites of the High Commission and consulates in any problem.

On the other hand, on Wednesday, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu had threatened Hindus living in Canada to leave the country.

Canadian Hindus have written a letter to the Justin Trudeau government on this. The letter expressed concern over Pannu's statements and appealed to declare him a hate crime.

The letter was written by The Hindu Forum Canada, a Canadian Hindu organisation, to Minister of Public Safety Dominic Leblen. "Pannu has clearly stated his views and that of his Khalistani colleagues. They want to target people who don't agree with their ideology. The Canadian government should take this seriously".