Avoid politics on Iraq issue: Badal

Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday urged all political parties to avoid politics over the sensitive issue of Punjabis trapped in Iraqi civil war.

Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday urged all political parties to avoid politics over the sensitive issue of Punjabis trapped in Iraqi civil war.

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Instead of indulging in politics, all parties should join hands and extend wholehearted support to the Centre in its efforts to rescue those trapped in the strife torn country, Badal told reporters during his Sangat Darshan programme in Lambi assembly segment.

The Centre was using all diplomatic channels to ensure the safe and immediate return of Punjabis, and the state government was constantly in touch with the Centre on the issue, he said.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has been regularly updating him about the situation in Iraq and the steps taken by the Centre, Badal said, adding that the Centre had assured him that it would ensure every Indian returns home safely irrespective of whether he possesses relevant immigration documents or not.