MEA: Atwal came to India on a valid visa

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said Pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal came to India on a valid visa citing that government has a conscious policy of outreach to Indian diaspora including misguided elements.

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MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Jaspal Atwal travelled to India on a valid visa. This was his third visit. Government of India has a conscious policy of outreach to Indian diaspora including misguided elements, who in past may have harbored anti-India sentiments, which they have since renounced."

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"There are well established procedures for grant of visa to foreign travelers which have been followed in this case as well," he added.

For the unversed, Atwal was invited to dine with Prime Minister Trudeau, during his visit to India in February, at a formal event hosted by Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel.

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The invite was later rescinded.

Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986. (ANI)

• #Ministry of External Affairs