Canadian court upholds no-fly list status for two Khalistani extremists

The Canadian appeals court has decided to keep Bhagat Singh Brar and Parvkar Singh Dulai, both supporters of Khalistani extremist ideology, on the country's no-fly list. Brar and Dulai were placed on the no-fly list under relevant sections of Canada's Secure Air Travel Act, which allows the Canadian government to restrict air travel for individuals deemed to pose a threat of committing terrorism offenses. The decision was taken a few years ago, but both decided to appeal.

This development comes amid concern over space being given toKhalistani elements in Canadian politics. Just days before this ruling, Canadian parliamentarians paid tribute to Hardeep Nijjar, a listed terrorist in India, on the first anniversary of his death. In fact, Nijjar was also on the same no-fly list. Canada claims the Indian government's involvement in his killing, though no proof has been publicly given so far.

Parvkar Singh Dulai, also known as Parry Dulai, is an executive member of the Dashmesh Darbar Gurdwara in Surrey and is the Director of the Canadian Sikh Coalition (CSC), established in 2008 to garner political support for Khalistan, envisioned as a separate country in India's northern state of Punjab. His name has appeared on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blacklist. He has travelled to Pakistan as well and keeps close associations with Pakistan-based Khalistani extremists.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Dulai has been seen with Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh, who is the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Dulai’s activities include meetings with Paranjit Singh Panjwar, Chief of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), and Lakhbir Singh Rode, leader of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Both are banned terror organisations in India. He is also associated with Khalistan centres which are aimed at mobilising the community in Canada to support the separatist ideology.

Bhagat Singh Brar, is the son of Lakhbir Singh Brar (alias Lakhbir Singh Rode), another prominent Khalistani extremist, is deeply involved in furthering Khalistan ideology in Canada. Lakhbir Singh Brar was the nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who in the 1980s led the Khalistan extremist ideology.

Brar serves as the General Secretary of the Ontario Gurdwara Committee (OGC) and is affiliated with the International Sikh youth federation-R (Canada Chapter). His activities include organising and participating in numerous anti-India protests and supporting various Khalistani causes.

Brar travelled to Pakistan in 2018, 2015 to meet with ISI officials and plan terror activities in India. His involvement in these activities includes providing financial support and coordinating with operatives to arrange arms and ammunition for planned attacks. In early April 2024, Khalistani radicals, including Brar, organised flag-raising events in Brampton and Milton, Ontario, to observe "Khalistani Flag Raising Day".