Canadian High Commission terms BSF as 'notoriously violent'

NEW DELHI: In a development that could trigger a diplomatic row between India and Canada, the Canadian high commission in New Delhi termed the Border Security Force as a “notoriously violent paramilitary unit engaged in systematic attacks on civilians and responsible for torturing suspected criminals.” The external affairs ministry has taken up the matter with Canadian authorities.

The outrageous Canadian stand came to light after a retired BSF jawan’s immigration to Canada was rejected by its high commission in New Delhi on the grounds that he once worked for BSF.

Describing the retired BSF security head constable as a member of a “persecuting group”, the Canadian high commission claimed that the BSF was responsible for committing crime against humanity.

The matter was brought to the notice of the government by retired BSF jawan S Pandher who complained to the BSF about the Canadian high commission’s response to his immigration request.

The claims have prompted the external affairs ministry to take up the matter with the Canadian authorities. The MEA official spokesperson said in a statement that the matter has come to its attention and has been taken up appropriately with the Canadian side.

Mr Pandher, who retired 10 years ago, told a news agency that he had also been asked irrelevant questions about BSF.

“By writing such things to me to reject my visa, the Canadian high commission has not attacked me but this is an attack on my country and my force,’’ he was quoted as saying.

He added: “They accused me of being a member of the BSF in a way that sounded as if I had committed some sin. Even in the interview in April 2009, I was asked irrelevant questions about BSF.”

Pandher, who is from Ludhiana, had applied for a visa in 2005 and had been called for an interview by the Canadian high commission in 2009.

In December 2009, the retired BSF jawan was sent a communication detailing the reasons for the rejection of his immigration request. Mr Pandher’s daughter is settled in Canada.

According to reports, he was also accused of not showing any evidence in the visa application of “disassociating” himself from BSF.