Canada High Commission cancels invitation sent to Khalistan separatist

New Delhi, Feb 23: Amid a raging controversy, the High Commission of Canada on Thursday said that it has rescinded an invitation extended to Khalistan separatist Jaspal Atwal for a reception in honour of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"The High Commission has rescinded Mr. Atwal's invitation," the mission said in a statement.

"We do not comment on matters relating to the PM's security," it added.

A huge controversy erupted when news emerged that an invitation has been extended to Khalistan separatist Atwal, who was also convicted of attempted assassination in Canada in 1987, for the reception to be held at the residence of Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel here on Thursday.

"His Excellency Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India, is pleased to invite Jaspal Atwal to a dinner-reception celebrating Canada-India ties on the occasion of the visit of The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada," the invitation reads.