Canada of late appears to be gaining a dubious reputation as a hospitable country for terrorists, gangsters, and radicals. Several such individuals, mostly with criminal backgrounds, have reportedly used fake identities and documents to gain entry into Canada and the US. This raises concerns not only for India but also for the safety of the North American continent at large.
The Rise in Gangster Immigration
Several wanted criminals from Punjab have been reported to use false papers to reach North American shores. Notable among them is Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol, accused of being part of the network that executed Sidhu Moosewala, fled India using a forged passport. His blatant disregard for law enforcement was evident when a video of him dancing at a California wedding went viral.
Furthermore, there is Goldy Brar, the mastermind behind the Moosewala case, who also obtained a Canadian visitor visa on fake documents, despite having 21 First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against him in India. Another character in this gallery of gangsters is Rinku Randhawa, who reportedly moved to Canada using forged papers. Arsh Dalla, involved in several violent crimes in India, similarly secured Canadian permanent residency via counterfeit documents.
Terrorist Links
It’s not just the gangsters; Khalistani radicals also seem to find solace in Canada and parts of the US, particularly California. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently released a list of ten Khalistanis who targeted the Indian consulate in San Francisco.
The murder of designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada has added another layer of tension to the diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Nijjar, too, had reportedly entered Canada using fake documents.
Lax Border Control or Exploitation of Free Speech?
The surge of these wanted criminals and radicals raise a vital question – is Canada’s immigration system flawed, or is there a larger political game in play? Critics argue that the Trudeau government, under the guise of free speech and human rights, is reluctant to clamp down on these individuals, possibly for political gains.
Yet, these allegations and concerns pose a threat not only to India’s national security but also to the safety of Canadian citizens. The leniency shown in granting visas and the subsequent conversion of visitor visas to work ones, especially for individuals with criminal records, is alarming.
Canada’s reputation as a peaceful nation is at stake. The influx of criminals and radicals could lead to a severe law and order issue if not tackled proactively. The safety and security of citizens cannot be compromised. Canada, in collaboration with its global partners, especially India, must reevaluate and strengthen its immigration policies to ensure that its hospitality is not abused by those with malicious intentions.
