The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today thanked the Canadian Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau for offering an official and fulsome apology for the tragic Kamagata Maru episode and said that the Canadian PM's gesture showed "great political sagacity, statesmanship and a genuine concern for humane values."Mr. Badal also hoped that leaders and governments all over the world would take a leaf out of the Mr. Trudeau's book and try to follow the great example set by the Canadian Prime Minister in offering apologies for past sins and crimes to remove distortions in history. History can neither be re-written nor forgotten. But it can certainly be transcended, and this is the way to do it. Events of 1984 in Punjab are one such instance in history that demands a matching gesture of this kind. "
In a touching response to Justin Trudeau's step, Mr. Badal said, "Your gesture will erase in a large measure the painful memories of a most disturbing legacy. Not only is yours an extremely commendable step towards undoing a massive and historic blunder of the past but it is also a step which would add immeasurably to the already high stature which your country enjoys as a tolerant, secular, democratic and multi-cultural society in the comity of nations."
Thanking and appreciating the Canadian Prime Minister, the federal government and the people of Canada for displaying great vision and a large-heartedness, Mr Badal said, "I have always believed that this painful chapter in history will not only continue to hurt sentiments of Indians, Punjabis and especially the Sikh community but it also stands as an unfair and ill-deserved blot on the fair name of your great nation. I am sure that when you rose today in the Parliament to offer words of compassion, regret and apology, you fully represented the true character and spirit of Canada. For this, you deserve our sincerest thanks and admiration."