While seeking admission into Canada, an Indian citizen, Kamaljit Ram, told Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers about his having supported militants in Panjab between 1982 and 1992. Ram also told officers that he supported the ideas promoted by followers of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale for a separate Khalistan state and other social issues. The CBSA denied him entry for his support to those who waged war against India. The case went to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). In a recent hearing, IRB tribunal member Heidi Worsfold said the federal government did not have reasonable grounds to declare ‘Indian citizen Kamaljit Ram inadmissible to enter Canada.’ She took the humane view that Ram’s support to Khalistani militants by providing them a 'safe house' and other 'logistical support' was 'mostly out of necessity.' The judgment displays a deep understanding of societies in conflict and a nuanced view of how citizens are often forced to provide help to radicals against their will. Such actions by citizens caught between a mountain and a deep sea must not themselves be considered acts of militancy or waging war against the state. However, given Canada’s recent accusation on India being involved in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and India calling Canada a safe haven for Khalistan-related activities, Indian media released this story as a toolkit template with various media houses publishing the exact same wording: ‘the ruling comes amid a diplomatic standoff between India and Canada.’
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