Immigration Tribunal Defies Controversy: Sikh Man Allowed into Canada Despite Ties to Militants
Immigration tribunal allows Sikh man entry into Canada despite ties to Khalistani militants, ruling based on fear and necessity rather than malicious intent. Implications for future controversial cases.
In a landmark decision, an immigration tribunal in Canada has ruled in favor of allowing a Sikh man, Kamaljit Ram, into the country, despite his involvement in housing and feeding Khalistani militants in India. The tribunal based its ruling on the fact that Ram's actions were motivated by necessity and fear of retribution rather than any malicious intent. The controversy surrounding Ram's admission into Canada began when the federal government barred him from entering the country, citing his alleged support for armed Sikh militants.
However, tribunal member Heidi Worsfold found that the government's assessment of Ram's involvement was unjustified and failed to consider his repeated claims that he provided shelter and support out of fear for his own safety. Ram had admitted to sheltering and feeding armed Sikh militants at his farm in India between 1982 and 1992. The Canada Border Services Agency argued that such actions make him ineligible for admission into Canada due to his involvement in subversion through force. However, the tribunal's ruling highlighted the volatile nature of the Sikh community during that period, with both the militants and the police creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust among the local residents.
It also noted that Ram supported the ideas of a separate Sikh state promoted by followers of late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. This decision comes at a delicate time for Canada-India relations, with tensions rising following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of possible Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rejected these allegations as baseless. Nijjar, who was designated as a terrorist by India in 2020, was shot dead in British Columbia by two masked gunmen. The tribunal's ruling recognizes the complex circumstances surrounding Ram's actions and emphasizes the importance of considering individual motivations and circumstances when assessing admissibility to Canada. This decision has broader implications for future cases involving individuals linked to controversial or politically charged movements.
