The Indian Government is mulling stricter visa norms for Canada’s Sikh radicals behind the recent gurdwara ban on Indian diplomats.
The management committees of 14 gurdwaras in Ontario and 16 in British Columbia and Alberta have barred the entry of Indian diplomats and officials.
According to sources, Indian officials in Canada have begun preparing a list of Sikh radicals directly or indirectly linked with the ban. India is learnt to have conveyed through its diplomatic channels that those supporting the ban as well as their relatives could face stricter visa norms. Even if granted visa, they could be denied entry upon arrival at Indian ports.
The MEA, sources said, was giving the final touches to modalities for stricter visa norms for those indulging in “anti-India propaganda from foreign soil”. When contacted, Consul General of India to Canada Dinesh Bhatia refused to comment.
