A professor of political science specializing in Indian affairs at McGill University in Montreal states that until about 50 years ago, Punjabi men wore turbans regardless of their religion (14 June 1994). While uncertain about the current situation, the professor maintains that in the 1980s the turban was part of the uniform of the Punjab Police force and all police personnel wore turbans regardless of their religion. However, the way non-Sikh personnel tied their turbans made them distinct from Sikh police personnel (ibid.). As a result, people could easily identify Sikh and non-Sikh police personnel (ibid.).

The professor adds that in the 1980s the uniforms of the Punjab Police and the Central Reserve Police were not very different, consisting of pants and shirts that were probably khaki in colour. Since Punjab has extreme cold and warm seasons, police uniforms change according to the season (ibid.). During the cold season police personnel wear warm clothes, which probably includes jackets. The professor does not know whether CRP personnel wear khaki caps. The DIRB is unable to corroborate information on the above information.

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.

Professor of political science specializing in Indian affairs at McGill University, Montreal. 14 June 1994. Telephone interview.