Chandigarh, August 22: British Member of Parliament Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi held extensive talks with Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh in Chandigarh on August 20, focusing on expanding direct international air connectivity, improving cargo infrastructure, and safeguarding diaspora property rights.
The meeting addressed critical infrastructure demands for Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh. Both leaders stressed the urgency of establishing additional direct routes connecting Punjab to London, Birmingham, and major European hubs. Dhesi asserted that enhanced air links and dedicated cargo networks are essential to boost regional industry, agriculture, tourism, and diaspora-backed investment.
Beyond air transit, the British legislator raised pressing security concerns regarding property disputes, cybercrime, and extortion threats targeted at overseas Punjabi businesspersons. He maintained that fast-track dispute mechanisms are necessary to prevent non-resident Punjabis from remaining entangled in protracted legal processes.
“Matters concerning the safety of Punjabis living abroad and the protection of their business interests should be brought to the attention of the Central Government and the concerned security agencies,” Dhesi stated, emphasizing coordinated action against extortion networks.
The leaders also deliberated on maintaining the smooth operation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to ensure uninterrupted movement for Sikh pilgrims visiting the historic shrine in Pakistan.
Minister Ravjot Singh affirmed that the Punjab Government remains committed to resolving overseas diaspora grievances and pledged to escalate systemic safety and infrastructure issues to central authorities.
