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Sikh MP calls for humane, accountable immigration system after Toronto facility visit

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MP Iqwinder Gaheer visiting CBSa’s Toronto Immigration Holding Centre – Photo: Iqwinder Facebook

By Asia Samachar | Canada |

Iqwinder Gaheer has underscored the need to balance enforcement with compassion following a visit to the Toronto Immigration Holding Centre operated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

In a social media update, the first-term Liberal MP said it was “important to see firsthand how our system operates,” adding that Canada’s border processes are “built on fairness, respect, and compassion—even as we carefully review each case.”

“Accountability and humanity must go hand in hand,” he said.

The Toronto centre is one of the country’s key facilities used to detain individuals under immigration laws. Detainees are typically held for administrative reasons—such as identity verification, flight risk, or pending removal—rather than for criminal offences.

Gaheer’s visit comes amid ongoing national conversations about immigration enforcement and the treatment of detainees. Advocacy groups in Canada have, in recent years, raised concerns about detention conditions and the length of time some individuals are held, while authorities maintain that detention is used judiciously and subject to regular review.

Under Canadian law, detainees are entitled to periodic reviews of their cases by the Immigration and Refugee Board, which assesses whether continued detention is justified.

Gaheer, a lawyer by training, represents Mississauga–Malton, a diverse suburban riding with a significant immigrant population. His remarks reflect a broader emphasis within government ranks on maintaining public confidence in the immigration system while upholding humanitarian standards.

While he did not elaborate on specific findings from the visit, his comments signal an effort to engage directly with frontline operations and reinforce principles of transparency and oversight in Canada’s border and immigration framework.

Join the conversation on this story on Asia Samachar’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

RELATED STORY:

Jagmeet Singh to step down after defeat at Canada polls (Asia Samachar, 29 April 2025)

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Diljit Kaur (1941 – 2026), Petaling Jaya

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Diljit Kaur

Wife of Late Dr Gurbaksh Singh
Daughter of Late Gajjan Singh & Late Balwant Kaur

22.2.1941 – 20.3.2026

Beloved Children: Reena, Sheila, Nita & Pall (Son-in-law)

Grandchildren: Riya, Nikhil, Reesha & Alisha

Special thanks to friends Jenny & Rajah, and caregivers Renu & Nisha

Fondly remembered by her brother, sisters, BIL, SIL’s, nieces, nephews and friends

LAST RITES
Sunday, 22nd March 2026 at Shamshan Bhoomi, Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium
2:00 p.m. Wake
3:30 p.m. Saskaar (Cremation)

AKHAND PATH
Commences 4 p.m, Wednesday, 25th March at Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya

PATH DA BHOG
Friday, 27th March 2026
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya

For more information, please contact
Dr. Sukhdev at 017 – 880 7743
Nikhil at 017 – 401 8977

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 21 March 2026 | Source: Family

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Amarjit Kaur Harjan Singh (1956-2026), Teluk Intan

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Amarjit Kaur d/o Harjan Singh

(Teluk Intan)

1956-2026

Sadly missed and dearly remembered by her beloved:

Husband: Hardial Singh s/o Dalip Singh Kokri

Children / Spouses:
Anjeeta Kaur Gill / Rajpal Singh
Roshan Kaur Gill / Rishi Bala
Inderpal Singh Gill / Siranjit Kaur Gill

Grandchildren:
Shevin Raj Kaur
Tishan Raj Singh
Kiesha Raj Kaur
Sasha Jay Bala
Samara Alaia Gill

LAST RITES:
Saturday, 21st March 2026
3-4.30 pm – Wake at Shanshaan Boomi, Jalan Loke Yew, KL
5 pm – Saskaar

PATH DA BHOG:
Sunday, 29th March 2026
From 10am to 12 noon
Wadda Gurdwara Sahib, Jalan Kampong Pandan, KL

Angie – 0123100994

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 21 March 2026 | Source: Family

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Beijing university adds Punjabi, expanding global language footprint

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Prof Zameerpal Kaur Sandhu Bajwa from Central University of Punjab to teach Punjabi language at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)

By Asia Samachar | China |

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), widely known as the cradle of diplomats for producing more than 400 ambassadors and over 2,000 counsellors, has added Punjabi to its curriculum.

Believed to be the first Chinese university to offer Punjabi, the move brings BFSU’s total to 102 languages, including Hindi, Tamil and Urdu. The university also teaches Malay, Indonesian, Filipino and Thai.

“I view this as a very significant step for Punjabi language and cultural promotion. The introduction of the Punjabi language programme at Beijing Foreign Studies University represents a thoughtful and structured academic initiative aimed at fostering long-term knowledge creation, scholarly engagement and institutional collaboration,” Prof Zameerpal Kaur Sandhu Bajwa, who has been appointed to lead the programme, told Asia Samachar in an email interview.

Dr Zameerpal is the founding head of the Punjabi department at the Central University of Punjab (CUPB) in Bathinda. A professor of comparative literature, she will be based in Beijing from March 1, 2026, to Jan 15, 2027.

As an institution recognised for training ambassadors, diplomats, translators, interpreters and global studies professionals, BFSU’s academic ecosystem is well-positioned to support the development of nuanced linguistic and cultural competencies.

MORE STORIES ON PANJABI LANGUAGE, CLICK HERE

“In this context, the inclusion of Punjabi reflects a growing recognition of the language’s literary richness and cultural significance beyond its traditional geographic boundaries,” she said.

She noted that language programmes of this nature play a foundational role in academia by enabling deeper cultural understanding, facilitating comparative research and creating avenues for meaningful intellectual exchange. The study of Punjabi within such a framework is expected to encourage interdisciplinary inquiry spanning South Asian studies, literary translation, interpretation and cultural anthropology.

“Viewed in this light, the initiative can be understood as an early yet meaningful step in building intellectual and cultural infrastructure. Its significance lies not in immediate outcomes, but in its capacity to cultivate sustained academic engagement, broaden perspectives and contribute to the global study of languages and cultures,” she added.

Punjabi is among the world’s most widely spoken languages, with an estimated 125 million speakers, and its vibrancy is strongly reflected across global diaspora communities.

It is one of the most widely used immigrant languages in Canada, firmly in the top tier nationally, particularly in provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario. Census data shows it is commonly used at home, while its presence extends into media, education, business and public services.

From Punjabi-language broadcasting to its use in Canadian schools and community institutions, the language remains deeply embedded in everyday life. This sustained visibility highlights Punjabi’s resilience and its evolution into a dynamic transnational language well beyond its South Asian origins.

Join the conversation on this story on Asia Samachar’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

RELATED STORY:

Preserving a language against the odds: The story of Punjabi in Malaysia (Asia Samachar, 29 May 2025)

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Harjit Kaur (1955 – 2026), Seremban

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Harjit Kaur w/o Makhan Singh

With deep sorrow, we regret to inform you on the passing of Sardarni Harjit Kaur @ Linda, of Nilai.

Husband: Makhan Singh s/o late Maha Singh

Sons & Family: Harvinder Singh & Jolyn Cheah Swee Liew

Late Kelvinder Singh & Tracy Lim San San

Grandchild: Tej Mhylan Singh Makhan

SASKAR DETAILS
Friday, 20th March 2026

Wake will be held at the residence.

Sukhmani Sahib Path: 12.00 pm – 2 pm.
(Address: 258, Jalan Desa Kasia 3/2, Taman Desa Kasia Green, Bandar Baru Nilai, Negeri Sembilan)

3 pm: Saskaar at Hindu Crematorium, Jalan Templer, Seremban.

PATH DA BHOG
Sunday, 29th March 2026
From 10am – 12 noon
Gurdwara Sahib Mantin

Contact: Billie 017 692 5514

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 19 March 2026 | Source: Family

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Petaling Tin gurdwara bids farewell, lowers Nishan Sahib ahead of move

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Gurdwara granthi Manpreet Singh carrying SGGS out of the Darbar Sahib as he is surrounded by the Sikh Sanggat present at the Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin on on March 1, 2026 – Photos: The Star / Izzrafiq Alias

By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |

As volunteers carefully brought down the Sikh flag and its pole, a quiet solemnity settled over Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin (GSPT) in Taman Medan, Selangor.

Moments later, six saroops of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) were respectfully carried out and placed into two vehicles, beginning their journey to a temporary gurdwara in nearby Kelana Jaya. Escorted by a convoy of about 40 superbikes, the procession was both dignified and deeply symbolic—closing one chapter while ushering in another.

The emotional farewell drew large numbers of devotees, many of whom lingered over langgar, sharing memories of a gurdwara that had served as a spiritual anchor for more than five decades. The relocation became necessary after the land was gazetted as a burial ground by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais).

Click here for the video.

GSPT president Sarendar Singh told The Star that discussions with the state government over the past year resulted in an agreement to allocate a new 0.09ha site just 150m away along Jalan 3/56. In the interim, the congregation will gather at a temporary site about 1km away.

GSPT secretary Balvinderjit Kaur described the final gathering as both “emotional and historic,” noting that the gurdwara, established in 1972, was built by early settlers when Petaling Tin was still a mining area.

“We are moving out peacefully with dignity and faith,” she told the newspaper, expressing confidence in the transition.

The new site, however, is significantly smaller—about 10,000 sq ft compared to the original 26,000 sq ft. Plans are underway to construct a double-storey gurdwara, with fundraising efforts already in motion.

Former president Harjeet Singh noted that the old riverside location had been prone to flooding, adding that the new site presents an opportunity to build anew with resilience in mind.

For now, the community carries forward not just scripture, but decades of shared history.

Join the conversation on this story on Asia Samachar’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

RELATED STORY:

Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin bids farewell after 54 years – Report (Asia Samachar, 12 March 2026)

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Bhai Kartar Singh (1941 – 2026), Seremban

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Bhai Kartar Singh s/o Late Bhai Bachan Singh

27.3.1941– 19.3.2026

With profound sadness, we write to inform that Bhai Kartar Singh s/o Late Bhai Bachan Singh passed away peacefully on 19th March 2026.

PATH DA BHOG

Sunday, 29th March 2026
From 9.30am to 11.30am
Gurdwara Sahib Seremban

For those who wish to convey their condolences to the family, kindly contact the following number:-
Satvinder Singh 012 – 345 1122
Ranjit Singh 011 – 2135 2937

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram; Updated Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 19 March 2026; Updated: 21 March 2026 | Source: Family

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Mann Kaur Gurmukh Singh (1936 – 2026), Ipoh

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Mann Kaur d/o Gurmukh Singh

(Ipoh, Perak)

15.9.1936 – 17.3.2026

Husband: Late Sawaran Singh

Children / Spouses:

  1. Jasbeer Singh / Hardeep Kaur
  2. ⁠Late Manmohan Singh / Tulip
  3. ⁠Amarjit Kaur / Late Jagjit Singh
  4. ⁠Ranjit Singh / Asha Doshi
  5. ⁠Balbir Kaur
  6. ⁠Hari Singh / Sophia Kaur
  7. ⁠Kuldeep Singh / Charanjit Kaur
  8. ⁠Satpal Singh
  9. ⁠Gurdeep Singh

And a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

LAST RITES
Sunday, 22 March 2026

1:00pm: Cortège leaves No. 16, Laluan Pinji Seni 2, Taman Pinji Seni, 31650, Ipoh, Perak.
2:00pm: Cremation (saskaar) at Buntong Hindu Crematorium, Jalan Madras, 30100, Ipoh, Perak

PATH DA BHOG
Friday, 27 March 2026
From 10am to 12pm
Gurdwara Sahib Buntong

Contact:
Balbir @ 012 569 0981
Ran @ 016 595 6805

She will be fondly remembered as a kind and gentle person who had limitless love for her family, and was the embodiment of adventurous spirit, travelling the world till her last days.

She leaves behind many who share the sadness from her passing, but also the happiness that she was part of our lives to begin with. She will be dearly missed.

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 19 March 2026 | Source: Family

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Toba Tek Singh: A haunting story of identity and confusion during Partition

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Bishan Singh, portrayed by Pankaj Kapur, in Toba Tek Singh

By Asia Samachar | Movie Review |

The film Toba Tek Singh draws from the famous short story by Saadat Hasan Manto, one of the most powerful literary voices documenting the trauma of the Partition of India. Set inside a Lahore mental asylum shortly after independence, the story explores how political decisions reshape human lives in deeply unsettling ways.

In the aftermath of Partition of 1947, governments of newly formed India and Pakistan decide that inmates in mental institutions should be exchanged according to religion—Muslims to Pakistan and Hindus and Sikhs to India. Inside the Lahore asylum, however, the patients struggle to understand what these new borders mean. Many barely comprehend the idea of nations, yet they are suddenly expected to belong to one.

At the center of the story is Bishan Singh, portrayed by Pankaj Kapur. A Sikh inmate who constantly mutters nonsensical phrases, Bishan Singh is obsessed with one question: where is his hometown, Toba Tek Singh? Is it in India or Pakistan? No one—including the guards and officials—can give him a clear answer.

Around him, other inmates react with confusion, fear, and dark humor. Some claim to be famous political leaders, others invent absurd explanations for the shifting borders. These moments reveal the surreal reality of Partition, where ordinary people were forced to redefine their identities overnight.

As the transfer of inmates begins, Bishan Singh refuses to move until he learns the truth about his home. In a tragic and symbolic conclusion, he collapses in the narrow strip of land between the two nations—belonging to neither. Through this haunting story, director Ketan Mehta portrays the human cost of borders drawn on maps but felt in the lives of millions.

Click here to view the movie.

RELATED STORY:

Blood and Belief on the Soan: A Review of Nanak Singh’s Novel on the Partition (Asia Samachar, 15 Aug 2023)

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Datin Dr. Raminder Kaur (1946 – 2026), Ipoh

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Datin Dr. Raminder Kaur

(11/1/1946 – 18/3/2026)

With heavy hearts but immense pride, we announce the passing of the backbone of our family. At 80 years young, she passed away peacefully in her sleep on 18th March, 2026.

A fighter until the very end, she was known for her strength, her bold spirit and a voice that was never afraid to be heard. Whether she was working tirelessly or lighting up a room with her sharp wit and infectious sense of fun, she was a woman who lived life at full volume.

She leaves behind a family that stands strong because of the foundation she built.

She is survived by her devoted husband,
Dato’ Dr. Ranjoth Singh
who stood by her side through every battle and triumph.

Her strength and capable spirit live on in her children and their spouses:
Maneet Kaur & Luvan Markandan
Jagjeet Singh & Judy Siambun

She was the adored, “larger-than-life” grandmother to Aneel, Tia and Harleen who will forever carry her stories and her spark.

PAATH DA BHOG

5th April, 2026 from 10.00am – 12.00pm
Gurdwara Sahib Greentown (Ashby Road)

For any inquiries, please contact the following
Maneet (013 865 6338)
Jagjeet (012 803 8160)

Thank you

Heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support during this difficult time.
Your care and compassion mean the world to us.

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram; Updated Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 18 March 2026; Updated 2 April 2026 | Source: Family

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

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