CBSA delayed Laibar Singh's deportation from the Vancouver International Airport on Monday, citing safety concerns, after thousands of protesters swarmed his taxi at the international terminal and blocked the path to the doors.

Mr. Singh took sanctuary in an Abbotsford temple in June to avoid his initial deportation order, but was arrested by officials on Aug. 20 when he left the temple to seek medical care.

He was released into the care of the temple that month after his supporters posted a $50,000 bond, and promised to present him for deportation if his refugee claim was rejected, but he was warned by an Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada official not to seek sanctuary again.

Maninder Gill, the managing director of Radio India, confirmed yesterday afternoon Mr. Singh was in sanctuary at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara, but said the Sikh community had no responsibility to the government to keep him out of the temple because the previous agreement was with the Abbotsford temple.

"It's a whole new situation," Mr. Gill said. "If the government is so arrogant, they can come and take him. But he is not alone. He is an adopted son of [our] community."

But refugee advocate Harsha Walia said sanctuary is not what Mr. Singh is seeking.

"He is staying there, yes," said Ms. Walia of the rights group No One is Illegal. "But he has no legal reason to take sanctuary."

She said the community chose to house Mr. Singh in a temple and not a house because it allows members of the public and medical professionals to access him easily.

Mr. Gill said six or seven temples offered to take Mr. Singh and the Sikh community chose for him because his health is so poor.

Both Mr. Gill and Ms. Walia said they had heard nothing from CBSA about the status of Mr. Singh's deportation delay.

"They've just said they will be in touch," Ms. Walia said. "I think I'm slightly relieved his life has been protected for another few days. But I'm deeply troubled the government is so committed to deporting a paralyzed man."

CBSA released no information about when Mr. Singh will be deported again and reiterated that their decision to delay his transport was based on safety and security concerns.

The Ministry of Public Safety said its minister, Stockwell Day, cannot discuss Mr. Singh's case or say when the removal order will be enforced, and said the CBSA always consults with medical professionals to determine if a person is fit to travel.

Mr. Singh, 48, arrived in Canada with a forged passport, which he declared to custom officials, in 2003. He worked as a labourer until he suffered a massive aneurysm two years ago that left him a paraplegic. He made a refugee claim on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, but was rejected because the government said he did not have sufficient ties to Canada.

Mr. Day granted Mr. Singh a 60-day extension in August, and another 20-day extension on Oct. 20, to let him wait for a decision on his claim. His deportation order was issued last week.

His supporters have criticized the federal Conservative government for ignoring a petition signed by 40,000 people to keep Mr. Singh in Canada.

- By ALLISON CROSS