UK MP Dhesi calls for Punjab aviation boom, stronger NRI justice framework on Guru Teg Bahadur ji martyrdom anniversary
Bahadurjeet Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ Chandigarh August 23, 2025
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Member of Parliament for Slough in the UK, laid out a comprehensive vision for Punjab’s economic and diplomatic future, timed with the solemn occasion of the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.
Addressing the media persons at press club here on Saturday accompanied by Paramjit Singh Raipur, Executive Member SGPC, Tan Dhesi called upon the Indian government to leverage this historic moment by starting international flights to the UK and the rest of Europe, North America, Asia and Australia from international airports in Amritsar and Chandigarh. He emphasised that such a move would not only serve the spiritual needs of the global Sikhs wishing to pay their respects, but would also act as a massive economic catalyst for the entire northern region. He stated that these facilities would be extensively used by farmers, businesses and entrepreneurs from Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, even half the population of Haryana and Rajasthan.
To complement this, Dhesi also pushed for the urgent restart of international cargo port, highlighting the immense potential to boost exports from the region’s robust agri-business sector. To turn this vision into reality, he proposed that the Punjab government should host a special summit, maybe named the ‘Punjab Fly Initiative’, inviting major international airlines to Amritsar to convince them to commence flights from the holy city to key global hubs, especially helping to connect the heart of the Punjab to its vast diaspora.
Shifting focus to the pressing concerns of the Non-Resident Indian community, Dhesi underscored the critical need for Punjab to establish a strong and effective redressal mechanism. He pointed to persistent issues faced by NRIs, including land disputes, property seizures, inheritance conflicts and even extortion calls. To ensure timely justice for the diaspora, he demanded that the state government should establish more dedicated NRI police stations and special fast-track courts. Furthermore, he advocated for empowering the NRI Commission with genuine executive authority and an adequate permanent staff, moving it beyond an advisory role to become a powerful body capable of resolving grievances decisively.
On matters of international diplomacy and justice, Dhesi called on the Government of India to open the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib corridor without any further delay, noting that the recent halt in hostilities and restoration of a peaceful atmosphere between India and Pakistan presents a perfect opportunity to facilitate pilgrim access. Furthermore, he urged state governments to comply with the recent Supreme Court ruling and immediately release all prisoners who have already served their full sentences. In a specific case, he demanded a swift resolution to the long-standing legal case against British citizen Jagtar Singh Johal.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, known for his active advocacy on issues concerning Punjab and the Indian diaspora, stated that these measures are crucial for the region’s prosperity and for strengthening the bonds between India and its millions of citizens living abroad.
