Dokument #1268392
IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Autor)
The following information was provided by
the Chairperson of the International Human Rights Organization
(IHRO) during a 5 May 1995 conference call organized by the
Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) in Toronto. The IHRO is a
non-governmental organization based in Ludhiana, Punjab and its
chairperson was invited for an official visit to North America by
the Canadian Sikh community.
Individuals can join a political party
before they reach 18, but they cannot vote in Parliamentary
elections. In order to become a member of the Akali Dal party, an
applicant must fulfil the conditions of the Akali Dal constitution.
Membership cards are not given to members. Membership fees, which
are only of a few rupees, must be paid annually. The Akali Dal has
a youth wing; it is not a militant group and its policies are the
same as those of the Akali Dal.
Attached please find two press reports on
the killing of Sher Singh Dhommcheri, chief of the youth wing of
the Akali Dal's Longwal faction, which may be of interest.
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.
Chairperson of the International Human
Rights Organization (IHRO), Toronto. 5 May 1995. Interviewed during
a conference call organized by the Immigration and Refugee Board
(IRB).
Agence France Presse (AFP). 15 January
1992. Anil Penna. "Elections Set in Punjab, Sikh Youth Leader
Slain." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 15 January 1992. BC Cycle. Dev
Varam. "India Calls Punjab Polls in Bid to End Sikh Insurgency."
(NEXIS)