SAD, AAP too flay Jagmeet: ‘He should stay out of Indian affairs’

CHANDIGARH: The two main opposition parties in Punjab on Monday rejected Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) chief Jagmeet Singh’s statement that he considers self-determination to be “a basic right” in the state.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) spokesman Daljit Singh Cheema said Canadian leaders shouldn’t meddle in India’s affairs. “They should mind their own affairs. We respect sovereignty of our country. Punjab and our party are an unbreakable part of India.”

In his introductory tour of Canada, Jagmeet, a 38-year-old lawyer and the newly elected leader of the NDP, last week said that he considers self-determination to be a “basic right” in places such as Punjab, Catalonia or Quebec. Jagmeet is apparently echoing a strategy adopted by hardline groups such as Sikhs For Justice spearheading the “Khalistan 2020 Referendum”.

CM Capt Amarinder Singh also decried Jagmeet’s remarks.

Cheema said the SAD never supported the demand for self-determination or Khalistan.

Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Bhagwant Mann termed Jagmeet’s talk a part of his domestic politics in Canada. “We congratulate Jagmeet on his achievements in another country, but that does not mean he can say anything he likes or talk about self-determination in Punjab,” said Mann. “India is a democratic country. Punjab is very much its part. We swear by the Constitution. Punjab is the ‘annadata’ (provider of grain) to the country. It has seen ups and downs but I am confident that it will regain its glory,” he said.

SAD never supported selfdetermination or Khalistan.. When we don’t interfere in Canada’s issues, why should they? DALJIT CHEEMA, SAD spokesman We congratulate Jagmeet on his achievements in another country, but that does not mean he can say anything. BHAGWANT MANN, state AAP chief