‘Rise in rape cases has negative impact on tourism in India’
JALANDHAR: Sikh MP from Slough, the United Kingdom, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi said the rising incidents of rape in India is negatively affecting the country’s image in other countries.
“When the news breaks in foreign countries about the incidents of rape in India, it maligns the nation’s image and negatively affects the tourism sector in India,” Dhesi said while interacting with the media here on Thursday.dhesi was accompanied by the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member, Paramjit Singh Raipur.
The UK MP added that administration plays an important role in controlling the crimes over caste, community and religious issues.
“Only the administration can maintain a good image of India by taking strict action against criminals,” he said.
On ‘Referendum 2020’ — a prokhalistan movement initiated by a Us-based advocacy group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) — Dhesi said that the UK gives right to expression to every citizen and they have every right to express their opinion.
Dhesi added that he met Union civil aviation minister Jayant Sinha and minister of state Vijay Sampla in New Delhi and discussed the finalised proposal of direct flights between Amritsar and London Heathrow.
“Sinha was impressed with the proposal and has assured to pursue it at the earliest opportunity,” he said.
Dhesi suggested Sinha to ensure that one of the two flights of Air India from Heathrow to New Delhi flies via Amritsar thus solving the need of a flight to Punjab from Heathrow.
“Getting new flight slot in Heathrow is expensive and will cost over 20-25 million dollars, while we can utilise the existing slots,” Dhesi said.
Dhesi added that a direct flight from Heathrow to Punjab will help increase trade and tourism between the two countries.