Information on the above-mentioned subject could not be found among the sources currently available to the DIRB.

According to an Ottawa representative of the Federation of Sikh Societies in Canada, the Akali Dal Party is composed of several factions and each of them has its own representatives at the national and local levels (3 Oct. 1994). Further information could not be obtained. However, for general information on the factions within the Akali Dal Party and names of their national leaders, please refer to the attached articles.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find attached the list of sources consulted in researching this information request.

Federation of Sikh Societies in Canada, Ottawa. 3 October 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

The Far East and Australasia 1993. 1994. 24th Edition. London: Europa Publications Ltd., p. 304.

The Hindu [New Delhi]. 19 January 1991. "Akali Dal Factions to Unite under Mann." (DIRB India Country Files)

India Today [New Delhi]. 15 May 1994. "Brokering Akali Dal Unity: Badal Becomes a Thorn in the Takht Jathedar's Side," p. 16.

Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. July 1990. Vol. 36, No. 7-8. "India: Assassinations in Punjab," p. 37611.

Political Handbook of the World: 1992. 1992. Edited by Arthur S. Banks. Binghampton, NY: CSA Publications, p. 346.

Reuters. 22 February 1991. BC cycle. "More than 20 Die in indian Separatist Violence ... Agencies." (DIRB India Country Files)

On-line searches and oral sources.