External Affairs Ministry Summons Canadian Envoy over Denial of Visas

The External Affairs Ministry (EAM) has summoned the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi to explain his country’s decision to refuse visas to Indian Army officers and former government officers, said media reports quoting unnamed sources.

India asked High Commissioner Joseph Caron to explain as to why his country denied visas to seven officers, including three serving brigadiers, reports said

Earlier, reports had said that the Union Home Ministry had asked the External Affairs Ministry (EAM) to raise the matter with the Canadian High Commission.

In a letter written to EAM, Home Ministry said that it wanted the Canadian High Commission to tender an apology, withdraw the comments and take appropriate action against the officers responsible for such behaviour, reports said.

Many authorities of the security and a former senior IB official were denied visa by Canada on the basis that their organizations have been engaging in violence.

The Union Home Ministry was peeved at the denial of visas for over last two years and has warned that India will ‘retaliate’ by refusing visas to Canadian officials who go to Afghanistan via this country, said reports.

Lt Gen (retd) A S Bahia, a decorated Indian military officer and now a member of the Armed Forces Tribunal in Chandigarh, was refused visa in May this year on the ground that he had served in a ‘sensitive location’ of Jammu and Kashmir.

In another revelation, two Brigadiers were denied visas in 2008 and another in 2009. A retired Lt General R N Bhatia was also refused visa in 2008 on the similar grounds.

S S Sidhu, a retired IB officer, was denied visa on March 26 this year, with the Canadian High Commission saying that he belonged to the ‘inadmissible’ category of persons.

These revelations came four days after a case of denial of visa to a retired BSF constable came to light. He had been refused visa on similar grounds.

(Based on internet reports)