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)