‘Snubbed’ IG set to fly to Canada at high commission’s expense
LUDHIANA: Retired CRPF IG Tejinder Dhillon was warmly received at the Canadian embassy by the deputy high commissioner of the Canadian government, Jess Dutton, on Wednesday afternoon in New Delhi.
The move comes a week after Dhillon was denied entry to Canada on the grounds that he served a government that engages in “terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide.”
After a meeting that lasted for over 40 minutes, Dhillon was booked to fly to Canada on Wednesday night itself at the commission’s expense. His return flight isbooked for May 29.
Seemingly satisfied with the meeting that he attended after the commission invited him, Dhillon said the officials assured him they will restore his honour and dignity and were apologetic about the incident. “I was very warmly received and greeted by deputy high commissioner Jess Dutton of government of Canada and Oscar Jacob, counsellor immigration. During the meeting over a cup of tea with them, they assured me of taking up the issue. They then restored my visa and booked my ticket to Canada for Wednesday night,” said Dhillon.
The retired IG said he told embassy officials that he understood that someone from the lower staff had taken the decision and the entire government should not be blamed.
“They reiterated that the Canadian government wants to wilfully develop good relations with India and said they will rectify the system,” he said.
“It is a good gesture. They have assured that this will not happen in future. I told them that what happened with me should not happen with anyone else and that was the main purpose of my meeting with them,” he said. “I am very happy that finally I will be able to attend my niece’s wedding on May 26,” he said.