Indians Must Arrive 4 Hours Early at Airports as Trudeau Tightens Security
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): As tensions between India and Canada have mounted, the Canadian government under Prime Minister Trudeau has increased travel regulations on visitors from India. More robust security and screening will be imposed on all passengers from India that will arrive at the Canadian airports. So said Canada's Minister of Transport, Anita Anand. Reports indicate Air Canada has been informed of the new security procedures that will be applicable on passengers originating from India. A spokesperson from the airline confirmed that the measures are being implemented.In response to the government's directive, Toronto Airport announced via social media that security screenings for incoming passengers from India have been intensified. The airport cautioned travelers that these heightened security checks may result in longer wait times at security checkpoints. Consequently, all passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport four hours prior to their scheduled flights.
Further complications anticipated
This notification by Canada's Transport Minister comes in the wake of a recent accusation by the RPMC, which alleged various Indian government agents of engaging in criminal activities within Canada, such as murder and extortion, and have intimidated people.The introduction of these new rules will present the passenger traveling to Canada or traveling from Canada to India with more challenges in the near future.
The danger posed by Pannu
According to sources, the Canadian government move to strengthen security for flights stemmed from an increased threat posed by Khalistani terrorist groups. This context probably is what fueled the hardship passengers encounter. Interestingly, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu issued a bomb threat against Air India between November 1 and 19, and the threats are chronic. However, Canadian Minister Anita Anand clarified the above said measures are in no way related to the above mentioned threats.
