Akali ministers face opposition abroad - Row over their visit on tourist visa
Tuesday, 21/07/2015
http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/The_Tribune/
Patiala : In a fresh trouble for SAD ministers visiting the US and Canada, some rights groups in these countries are contemplating to move court alleging that most of them went abroad on tourist visas and indulged in political activities.
The SAD said their leaders had not violated any law and they could meet their supporters anywhere.
A day after Minister for NRI Affairs Tota Singh and his delegation came under attack in New York following which the police took two youths into custody, Canada-based rights groups have started contacting their US counterparts to challenge the authenticity of the visas of the Akali delegation.
A few days ago, a SAD delegation faced opposition in Canada and their leaders had to leave the venue in Toronto after they were not allowed to address a gathering.
“Sikander Singh Maluka, Surjit Singh Rakhra, Tota Singh and others accompanying them had tourist visa and they have no business to hold political meetings,” said Canada-based Prititapal Singh. “We will file a case and ensure that from next time, no Akali minister indulge in political activities without seeking the required permission,” he said.
Several individuals and groups have shared similar views on social media sites. Some even posted videos of the visiting Punjab ministers criticising the police and local authorities for poor arrangements following which these leaders were not allowed to speak at certain venues.
A legal expert said: "Tourist visa cannot be misused to attend and hold political meetings. If challenged, the laws in both countries are very strict to check such misuse."
