Ludhiana, May 21
In what could turn into a diplomatic battle between India and Canada, the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi has dubbed the Border Security Force (BSF) as a “notoriously violent paramilitary unit” stationed in sensitive areas, attacking civilians and torturing suspected criminals.

The Canadian mission rejected the immigration of a retired BSF Havaldar, Fateh Singh Pandher, a resident of Sihar village 25 km from here, to Canada stating he was working for the “notorious” organisation.

In its rejection letter to the former BSF trooper, the Canadian High Commission claimed the BSF was “responsible for committing crime against humanity” and he was a part of it.

Fateh Singh (60), who retired from the BSF a decade ago, had applied for his immigration to be with his only daughter in Canada in April 2005. He was called in for an interview on April 21, 2008, at the High Commission.

His case was rejected vide a letter dated December 8, 2009, stating he could not be allowed immigration under Section 35(1) (a) of Immigration and refugee protection Act. It comprises committing an act outside Canada that constitutes an offence referred to as “crimes against humanity and war crimes”.

After receiving the letter, the former trooper, who is an agriculturist post- retirement, sent a communication to the Prime Minister’s office in New Delhi, asking him to take up the matter.

“I was shocked. I cannot take this. How can they use such offensive words against my organisation? I have given my prime for the force and worked for 25 years with it, protecting several borders of the country,” said Fateh, with anger writ large on his face and eyes welling up with tears.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna called him up today and expressed a desire to meet him.