SIKH NEWS

FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO AÑO 2012

2011-12-10T13:05:00.001-03:00

FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO AÑO 2012

India meet USA in World Cup Kabaddi Punjab-2010 opener at Patiala

2010-04-01T12:27:00.002-03:00

India meet USA in

World Cup Kabaddi

Punjab-2010 opener at Patiala
By Balbir Singh

Last-minute withdrawal by Norway leaves nine nations in frayCHANDIGARH: With the last-minute withdrawal of Norway, nine team will now compete for the Prize Money Pearls World Cup Kabaddi Punjab-2010 being hosted by the Punjab Government at different venues of the state from April 3 to 12. A fabulous prize money of Rs 2.2 crore is a stake in the 11-day sports meet.
Announcing the draw, Organising Secretary Pargat Singh said that the teams have been divided into two pools. Hosts India have been placed in Pool A while their traditional rivals Pakistan are in Pool B.
United States of America, Australia, Italy and Iran are in Pool A along with India. Canada, United Kingdom and Spain are in Pool B along with Pakistan.
Pargat Singh said that the opening ceremony will be held at the Yadvindra Public School in Patiala on April 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. India have been drawn to meet United States of America in the inaugural match on the opening day. Deputy Chief Minister, who is also chairman of the organising committee and also holds the sports portfolio, will inaugurate the WCKP2010 amidst a riot of colours at the YPS Stadium in Patiala.
Pargat Singh said that on the opening day only one match will be played. Three mathces will be conducted daily during the league phase of the tournament. Two top teams from each pool will qualify for semi-finals which will be played at the Sports Stadium in Bathinda on April 10. Classification matches for the third and fourth places and final will be played at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana on April 12.
Meanwhile, the organising committee, under the chairmanship of Secretary Sports PS Aujla, reviewed the arrangements for the mega event as the teams would be arrive tomorrow. The Pakistan team will be received at the Wagha Border in Amritsar.
The Punjab Sports Department has deputed liasion officers and they are camping in Delhi to receive the foreign teams and escort them to Ludhiana while the Indian team is undergoing training in Ludhiana. The winning team will receive a cash award of Rs one crore besides a glittering rolling trophy. Runners-up will take Rs 51 lakh and third place winners Rs 21 lakh.
The fourth position will be worth Rs 10 lakh. Besides, individual awards (tractors) and other prizes will also be given among the winners. Each team will also get a sum of Rs 5 lakh as appearance money.
Groupings: Pool A: India, USA, Australia, Italy and Iran.Pool B: Pakistan, Canada, UK and Spain.
Fixtures:
April 3: India vs USA (9.40 p.m.) at YPS Patiala.April 4: Iran vs Italy (2.50 p.m.), Paksitan vs Canada (4 p.m.), United Kingdom vs Spain (5 p.m.) at War Heroes Stadium, Sangrur.April 5: Canada vs Spain (2.50 p.m.), USA vs Australia (4.05 p.m.), India vs Italy (5.05 p.m.) at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium, Jalandhar.April 6: USA vs Iran (2.50 p.m.), Pakistan vs Spain (4.05 p.m), India vs Australia (5.05 p.m) at Outdoor Stadium HoshiarpurAptil 7: Italy vs Australia (2.50 p.m.), Iran vs India (4.05 p.m), UK vs Canada (5.05 p.m.) at Government College Stadium Gurdaspur.April 8: Iran vs Australia (2.50 p.m), USA vs Italy (4.05 p,m) and Pakistan vs UK (5.05 p.m) at Guru Nanak Stadium Amritsar.April 9: Rest Day.April 10: Semi-finals: Winners of Pool A vs runners-up of Pool B (3.05 p.m), Winners of Pool B vs Runners-up of Pool A (4.35 p.m.) at Sports Stadium Bhatinda.April 11: Rest Day.April 12: Match for 3rd and 4th places (5.30 p.m.) and final (7.30 p.m.) at Guru Nanak Stadium Ludhiana.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s nephew killed by Punjab Police in 1980’s Sikh struggle

2010-03-25T12:24:00.001-03:00

Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s nephew

killed by Punjab Police in 1980’s Sikh struggle
March 25th, 2010 Jaspal Singh
Chandigarh, Punjab: A nation that saw the younger sister of the man who brought them free- dom in death run between courts and offices and back for 21 years and still has justice elude her. Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s younger sister, Parkash Kaur, 95, has been fighting for justice to her kin Kuljeet Singh Dhatt, who was eliminated in Hoshiarpur district 21 years ago, allegedly by five Punjab Police personnel.
“My brother would have been shattered to see me run around courts in my sunset years. I may not live to see justice done,“ Parkash Kaur told HT over phone from Toronto, where she now lives with her son, Rupinder Singh.
She said the guilty cops were booked and even arrested on the directions of the Supreme Court. But, they moved Punjab and Haryana High Court and took the plea that the state was under the Punjab Disturbed Area Act, 1983, and only the Centre could grant sanction for their prosecution.
Justice Satish Kumar Mittal reserved his verdict in the case after hearing the arguments on February 3, 2003.
Harbhajan Singh, elder brother of the deceased Kuljeet, who is presently contesting the case on behalf of Parkash Kaur, revealed that Hoshiarpur was not even covered under the dis- turbed area Act which was appli- cable to border districts of Punjab. Justice Rajesh Bindal of the High Court dismissed a similar plea on February 13, in a separate case.
Harbhajan had moved a plea before former High Court Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur in 2008, for transfer of the case to some other court as in seven years, the case had not come up for hearing even after final arguments. The cops kept seek- ing adjournment after adjourn- ment, 25 in all, on one pretext or the other.
On August 26, 2009, the case came up for hearing before Justice Rajan Gupta and before Justice A.G. Masih on September 4, 2009, but they recused themselves. The case was then listed for Justice K.C.Puri on October 7, who issued notices to the accused. However, when the matter came up on December 10, 2009, the case file was not put up in court.
On March 3, 2010, Harbhajan learnt that the case was listed in the court of Justice Mittal, who too withdrew and said that the same be transferred.
“Now the case file is in the court of Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal,“ he said.
The Punjab Police person- nel indicted by the panel appointed by the Supreme Court for Kuljeet’s murder included late SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu, who committed sui- cide in May 1997, DSP Jaspal Singh, serving life term in Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case, Sardool Singh, Sita Ram and S.S. Basra. Ram is serving out a life sentence in another case.t’s a case that would put a nation to shame. A nation that saw the younger sister of the man who brought them free- dom in death run between courts and offices and back for 21 years and still has justice elude her.
Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s younger sister, Parkash Kaur, 95, has been fighting for justice to her kin Kuljeet Singh Dhatt, who was eliminated in Hoshiarpur district 21 years ago, allegedly by five Punjab Police personnel.
“My brother would have been shattered to see me run around courts in my sunset years. I may not live to see justice done,“ Parkash Kaur told HT over phone from Toronto, where she now lives with her son, Rupinder Singh.
She said the guilty cops were booked and even arrested on the directions of the Supreme Court. But, they moved Punjab and Haryana High Court and took the plea that the state was under the Punjab Disturbed Area Act, 1983, and only the Centre could grant sanction for their prosecution.
Justice Satish Kumar Mittal reserved his verdict in the case after hearing the arguments on February 3, 2003.
Harbhajan Singh, elder brother of the deceased Kuljeet, who is presently contesting the case on behalf of Parkash Kaur, revealed that Hoshiarpur was not even covered under the dis- turbed area Act which was appli- cable to border districts of Punjab. Justice Rajesh Bindal of the High Court dismissed a similar plea on February 13, in a separate case.
Harbhajan had moved a plea before former High Court Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur in 2008, for transfer of the case to some other court as in seven years, the case had not come up for hearing even after final arguments. The cops kept seek- ing adjournment after adjourn- ment, 25 in all, on one pretext or the other.
On August 26, 2009, the case came up for hearing before Justice Rajan Gupta and before Justice A.G. Masih on September 4, 2009, but they recused themselves. The case was then listed for Justice K.C.Puri on October 7, who issued notices to the accused. However, when the matter came up on December 10, 2009, the case file was not put up in court.
On March 3, 2010, Harbhajan learnt that the case was listed in the court of Justice Mittal, who too withdrew and said that the same be transferred.
“Now the case file is in the court of Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal,“ he said.
The Punjab Police person- nel indicted by the panel appointed by the Supreme Court for Kuljeet’s murder included late SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu, who committed sui- cide in May 1997, DSP Jaspal Singh, serving life term in Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case, Sardool Singh, Sita Ram and S.S. Basra. Ram is serving out a life sentence in another case.

Facebook se instala en la India

2010-03-16T13:15:00.002-03:00

Facebook se instala en la India

La red social continúa su conquista de nuevos territorios en el mercado mundial y ahora le apuntó un país con 1.000 millones de habitantes.
El gigante de internet busca consolidar su presencia en la India. FOTO TOMADA DE RTVE.ES
MUMBAI, India.- Facebook continúa con su proceso de expansión comercial y ya anunció la apertura de sus instalaciones en la India, incorporándose a la lista de multinacionales que han convertido a la región de Bangalore en el Silicon Valley del mundo oriental.La red social abrirá su oficina en la ciudad de Hyderabad, donde ya se encuentran en funcionamiento espacios de otros gigantes de internet como Google y Microsoft. El alto nivel de capacitación de los indios, sumado al bajo costo de sus salarios, hacen de este un espacio soñado para los inversores occidentales.Los empleados locales trabajan en actividades que van desde escribir códigos de programas hasta servicios de atención al cliente. Además, Facebook cuenta con más de 8 millones de usuarios activos dentro de la India, entre los cuales se hallan grandes firmas que necesitan servicios específicos de publicidad y de comunicación corporativa. De este modo, la intención de la red social es consolidar su cobertura en la zona.
La oficina de Facebook en Hyderabad complementará las operaciones de Palo Alto (California), Dublín (Irlanda), y una instalación anunciada recientemente en Austin (Texas).

SGPC releases amended version of Nanakshahi calendar

2010-03-15T13:10:00.003-03:00

SGPC releases amended version

of Nanakshahi calendar

By Jagmohan Singh

AMRITSAR: Jatedhdar Akal Takht (highest Sikh temporal seat) Gyani Gurbachan Singh and President SGPC Avtar Singh Makkar here today jointly released the amended version of Nanak Shahi Calendar (separate Sikh calendar).
Speaking on this occasion jatehdar Akal Takht said that entire community all over the world should adopt and follow the amended version of Nanak Shahi calendar in letter and spirit.
Launching scathing attack on some Sikh organizations which vehemently denied following the amended version of calendar as they would follow the old one, jatehdar said that such people creating confusion among Sikh community and described them anti Sikh.
Jatehdar said that it was need of the hour to bring certain amendments in the calendar as various Sikh intellectuals brought in notice a range of short comings, since various religious days were clashing with one another. Hence, keeping in view all the aspects amendments were brought in practice, he added.
Dal Khalsa a radical Sikh Organisation spokesperson Kanwarpal Singh rued that the SGPC has killed the letter and spirit of the Nanakshahi Calendar by mixing it with Bikrami calendar, which had its roots in Hinduism.
“We had mentioned dates of Gurpurabs (Sikh religious days) according to original calendar adopted in April 2003 as we believe that the amended version has a imprint of RSS ideology”, Kanwarpal Singh said.
However, on January 3, this year, amidst chaos Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) Executive members had given final
approval to bring amendments in Nanak Shahi Calendar, following green signal from Akal Takht.
Leaders of various Sikh organisations said that while rejecting the SGPC decision said that the entire Sikh Diaspora would remain stick with the original Nanak Shahi Calendar which was adopted by the General House meeting of SGPC in March 29, 2003.
Earlier, Pal Singh Purewal, a Canada based Sikh intellectual who crafted the 'Nanakshahi, calendar had requested Akal Takht Jathedar to consult him before making any change in it but in vain. Purewal said that it was highly objectionable as any change in the calendar would reduce it to carbon copy of 'Bikrami Calendar'. He said that Nanakshahi calendar was based on religious, historical and scientific research of many years.

Punjab health minister supports pay parity demand of Ayurvedic doctors

2010-03-14T12:01:00.000-03:00

Punjab health minister supports pay

parity demand of Ayurvedic doctors

CHANDIGARH: Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab has strongly urged the centre govt. to hold a separate entrance test for Ayurveda stream and also to ensure complete pay parity for Ayurvedic Doctors in comparison to the other doctors of the Modern system of the Medicine. She reiterated that the new era would be the period of Ayurveda.
The Minister was in New Delhi, yesterday to inaugurate the 16th Convocation and National Seminar on “Preventive Cardiology in Ayurveda” organized by Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV). Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, MP (Rajya Sabha), S.Jalaja, Secretary, Department of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Prof. P.N.V.Kurup, President of Governing Body and Dr.V.V.Prasad, Director, RAV also participated in the function.
Dr Rakesh Sharma, Director Ayurveda, Punjab here today informed that the full-packed audience comprising of Gurus, Sishya’s, Administrators and policy makers appreciated and applauded the concern and views of the Health Minister, Prof Chawla. He added that the function was well attended by many doctors from the field of Ayurveda and other medical sciences.
The highlight of the function was felicitating ‘Padma Vibhushan Rajvaidya Brihaspati Dev Triguna’ with the title “Living Legend of Ayurveda”, who is a doyen in the field of Ayurveda. During the occasion, RAV also felicitated 15 luminaries, who have achieved exceptional milestones in the field of Ayurveda
He added that Dr Dinanath Uppadhya, President Ayurved Mahasamelan Maharashtra also extended invitation to Prof Chawla for inaugurating the function scheduled to be held in Mumbai in the month of March.

Calendar Issue and Sikh Life in the Western World

2010-02-16T11:37:00.002-03:00

Calendar Issue and Sikh Life in the Western World

Harbans Lal
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
The proposed changes in Nanakshahi Calendar recently enacted by SGPC may jeopardize our important achievement in the Western World. Let me explain through a case report.
Although Sikhs have been members of the North American communities for over a century it is only recently that, we are becoming a part of the Western pubic life. One aspect of our public life is the presence of our children in the public schools. That very fact presented many challenges. One of them was recognition of Sikh presence through the public holidays in the public school calendar.
With the hope that something important was within our reach I accepted my nomination and later appointment on the Dallas Independent School District Religious Faiths Advisory committee in 2007. During this tenure, I was selected to serve as a member of the Dallas School Calendar Committee. In this role, I was asked to help develop a school calendar.
After much deliberation and presentations over a period of several months, I succeeded in getting several Sikh historical days in the school calendar. Because of the large size of the Dallas School district, its leadership makes state wide impact. Thus, our holidays were copied in the calendars of almost all school districts in Texas.
The Sikh holidays included Vaisakhi, Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Gurtagadi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, and Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev; a higher panel dropped the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, though included in the original list. It was done perhaps to limit the number of potential holidays.
Now I felt that the inclusion of our holidays in the school calendars in North America is a big achievement and it should not be jeopardized by offering dates that are not recurring as we may not continue to be represented when time comes to update calendars. The process takes long time and requires appropriate representations in important committees and task forces access to which is not guaranteed to us.
The dates I gave to the Calendar Task Force were from Nanakshai Calendar. I was warned that they would stay as they were at the time of the proposal and dates would not change. Even the Guru Nanak Birthday would stay as it was printed in the Calendar of the year of its first publication. I had to accept that condition lest we lose the recognition of that event.
I am detailing this account to illustrate the potential harm done to our identity in the Western world should we revert to the lunar calendar.
Harbans Lal, Arlington/USA
japji08@yahoo.com

SGPC ready to Print Guru Granth Sahib in foreign countries: Makkar

2010-02-15T11:51:00.002-03:00

SGPC ready to Print Guru Granth Sahib

in foreign countries: Makkar
Punjab Newsline Network
Monday, 15 February 2010

AMRITSAR: In what could come as a major relief for Sikhs across the world, especially non-resident Indians (NRIs), the SGPC has said it is not averse to printing of the Sikh holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib in other countries provided certain conditions were fulfilled.
The SGPC has said that it can allow the printing of the Granth Sahib in other countries. "We are open to the idea of allowing the printing of the holy scripture in other countries if the Sikh population in these countries can provide us the land and resources required for proper printing," said SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar.
"If the 'sangat' (people) can assure us this, we are ready to seek clearance from the 'Singh Sahibaan' (Sikh high priests)," Makkar added.
The 1,430-page Granth Sahib contains 'Gurbani' (Guru's teachings). It is seen by the Sikhs as the Guru incarnate. The holy scripture was originally installed at the Harmandar Sahib (popularly known as the Golden Temple) in 1604 by the fifth Guru Arjan Dev. The 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, had installed the Granth Sahib as the timeless Guru. The Guru Granth Sahib is a sort of living Guru in the midst of the Sikhs.
The SGPC controls all rights for the legal printing of the Granth Sahib which is now done only in Amritsar. The Sikh holy scripture, which is always in huge demand from Sikhs and Sikh institutions globally, is supplied and transported globally through the SGPC from Amritsar.
In recent years, chartered flights have been arranged by Sikhs from countries like the US and Canada to get copies of the Granth Sahib from Amritsar. On each such flight, the holy scripture is kept separately on each seat of the aircraft after following the religious maryada (decorum). SGPC-appointed sewadars (volunteers) accompany the scriptures on such flights.
The Granth Sahib, also called Adi Granth, contains compositions of the first five Gurus, the ninth Guru, 15 Bhagats (Jai Dev, Nam Dev, Trilochan, Parmanand, Sadna, Ramanand, Beni, Dhanna, Pipa, Sain, Kabir, Ravidas, Farid, Surday and Bhikhan) and 11 Bhattas (Mathra, Jalap, Harbans, Talya, Salya, Bhal, Kulh Sahar, Nal, Kirat, Gayand and Sadrang).
The Guru Granth Sahib contains 5,894 hymns in 15,575 stanzas. Of them 974 hymns are written by the first Guru Nanak Dev, 62 by the second Guru Angad Dev, 907 by the third Guru Amar Das, 679 by the fourth Guru Ram Dass (founder of Harmandar Sahib), 2,218 by the fifth Guru Arjan Dev, and 115 by the ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Among the remaining 922 hymns of Bhagats, the highest number of hymns (541) is by Kabir. Considered an authentic scripture, the compositions of the Sikh Gurus were preserved and subsequently collected by Guru Arjan Dev. When the original copy (which is now at Kartarpur in Pakistan) could not be obtained, Guru Gobind Singh dictated it to Bhai Mani Singh.
The scripture is used by the Sikhs at the time of birth, marriage and death. The Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as the body of the Guru and is kept on a raised platform under a canopy, covered in clean clothes. Devotees have to be barefoot with their heads covered before bowing before the Granth Sahib.

Haryana govt to install CCTV cameras on all Bus Stands

2010-02-14T12:49:00.000-03:00

Haryana govt to install CCTV

cameras on all Bus Stands

Punjab Newsline Network
Sunday, 14 February 2010

CHANDIGARH: To keep eye on anti social elements, Haryana Police has decided to put Close Circuit Cameras on all Bus Stands in the state.
While giving this information here Sunday, a spokesman of the Police Department said that Haryana Police was committed to maintain law and order situation in the state. He said that it had also been directed to immediately lodge FIR after getting information about the incident. He said that with a view to make police people friendly, a new Police Act was implemented in the state.
He said that with a view to bring transparency and to make corruption free administration, toll free numbers 1800-180-2022 and 1800-180-2200 had been started at State Vigilance Bureau, Headquarters and Police Headquarters respectively. Besides this, police women cells had been set up in the state.
He said that Haryana Government has taken a number of welfare decision to encourage police personnel’s in the state. He said the amount of ex-gratia being to the police personnel has been doubled from Rs. Five lakh to Rs.10 lakh. Seriously injured police personnel’s would now get Rs. Five lakh instead of Rs. Three lakh. Besides this, amount of ration money being given to police personnel’s had been doubled. With the concerted efforts of Haryana Police, criminals either flee from the state or joined the mainstream, he added.

Nanakshahi Calendar: Was it Made To Unite or Divide Sikhs

2010-01-14T08:17:00.001-03:00

Nanakshahi Calendar:

Was it Made To Unite

or Divide Sikhs

Some people have created a stormy situation among Sikhs because of Nanakshahi Calender. Calender is an important landmark of a community that highlights important religious days, festivals, historical happenings and traditional heritage .But a calender in which dates do not match historical occasions will turn history into mythology. That was what present Nanakshahi calender was doing.
This is particularly applicable to Sikhs who rightfully claim to have historical proofs of events in comparison to other religions.
The fact is that makers of this calender have distorted and misrepresented Gurbani, Sikh history and principles. Displaying ego and stubbornness they have created deep divisions among Sikhs.
We want to know while launching the calender in 2003 why Sikh scriptures and historical sources of 400 years were ignored.
Bhai Gurdas ji writes ” Gurbani tina Gursikhan bhaiye bhagat Gurupurab karande”. it proves that Sikh sangat had been celebrating days connected with their Guru sahibans since Guru period . In light of this who gave authority to these persons to change the dates of Gurupurabs of Guru sahibans. By altering the real dates with self created dates they distorted Sikh history.
Can these academics tell us about dates incorporated by them and from which historical scriptures these have been taken. We are sad to state that because of this faulty calender ardas of three to four Gurupurabs were being done from Harmandir sahib on the same day.Can these historians tell us if this really happened in Sikh history earlier.The fact is that four academics associated with this calender namely Dr Kirpal singh, Dr Balwant Singh, Dr Kharak Singh and Surjit Singh Gandhi wrote a book for SGPC ” History of the Sikhs and their religion”.In that book they themselves wrote dates that match with history and do not appear in their calender, That shows that they want to malign Sikh history by making a faulty calender.
The calender they made was neither based on Gurbani nor on principles of Sikhism. This was devoid of historical facts.
Those who are misleading Sikh sangat in name of Bikrami will they label our beloved Gurus also as wrong since their writings are written with reference to Bikrami samvat. Some examples are Given below:
Guru Nanak sahib writes in SGGS ji ” Awan athatre jaan satanve hor bhi uthsi marad ka chela” Will they diown this reference from SGGS as it is in bikrami samvat.
Barah Mahan is with reference to Bikrami samvat. Shall we discard that?
Shall we discard such writings from gurbani?
From sixth master to tenth master and after that Mata Sunder Kaur ji and Mata Sahib Kaur ji have sent Hukamnamas to their sangat in Bikrami Samvat. Shall we disown those now?
On doors of Sachkhand Harmandir sahib, Goindwal sahib the dates are in Bikrami samvat. Do they want us to remove those?
We have some surprising facts about this calender. In actuality Nanakshahi calender was based on Hindu calender that was known as Saka calender. Saka calender was old Hindu religious calender. This was modified by Govt of India in 1959 and adopted as Indian civil calender. Nanakshahi Calender is carbon copy of that calender.This has been confirmed by its makers in preface of Nanakshahi calender. Pal Singh Purewal has written this in his book “Jantri 500 years”. Sikh sangat should decide if Purewal is making a Hindu calender or some one else?
On the contrary , Bikrami Samvat calender was of Iranian origin and adapted by militant tribes of Punjab who made their mark in world history by putting a strong resistance against Alexander the great. They adopted it in 57 BC. This was known as Malva calender. History states that its name was changed to Bikrami calender in 858 AD. History also states that Raja Bikramidittaya was a mythological figure only. Bikrami calender is followed both Indian and Pakistan Punjabs.
In any religious calender world over there are no other festival and days but of that community. But this is not the case of Nanakshahi calender. Days associated with other communities are included in Purewal’s calender. 27 per cent dates in Nanakshahi calender have nothing to do with Sikh religious observations. Akal takhat jathedar sahib, SGPC president are thanked for correcting the mess created by these people.

Grief and anger mark funeral of murdered Punjabi graduate

2010-01-12T11:32:00.001-03:00

Grief and anger mark funeral

of murdered Punjabi graduate
January 11th, 2010 A Kaur
Jagraon, Punjab: Scenes of grief mixed with anger at the funeral of Nitin Garg at his home in Jagraon, in the northern Indian state of Punjab, yesterday as more than 600 people came to pay their respects. Women, including the bereaved mother, wept and wailed loudly. Male relatives and family friends tried to console them while also trying to maintain order as the mourners pushed to touch his coffin.
Later, the huge procession moved about a kilometre to the cremation grounds where Sikh priests performed the last rites.
Mr Garg’s stabbing murder in West Footscray nine days ago sparked an outcry in Punjab, further fuelling debate over the plight of Punjabi students in Australia.
Mourners had started arriving during Saturday night at the Garg family home after his body had been brought from Delhi airport.
Anger and incredulity were the dominant emotions at the funeral, much of it directed toward the Indian Government for making the painful task of collecting Mr Garg’s body even worse than it needed to be.
”There was so much ridiculous red tape that it took them seven hours to release his body. The airport officials were hostile and didn’t care. If our own Indian Government doesn’t care about boys like Nitin, how can we expect the Australians to care?” said the dead man’s uncle, Avtar Singh.

Grieving relatives at Jagraon on Sunday.
Two federal ministers who attended the funeral were faced with angry mourners who demanded to know what the Government was doing to protect Punjabis in Australia.
All eyes were moist and people expressed their disgust for Australia.
“We had stopped him a number of times during his two-month visit in November. He came back to get his house renovated before finalising the marriage of his elder brother, Hanish,” Mohinder Kaur, a neighbour, stated. “When he was leaving, I offered him curd for good luck and safe journey,” she added crying.
Those present at the cremation ground were murmuring that they would never send their children to Australia. “Punjabis go to other countries also, but they are never subjected to this kind of treatment. We don’t know what is wrong with Australia,” Suman Rani, a resident, said.
People whose children were settled in Australia were also scared now and were having sleepless nights. Some of them had even asked their children to return.
“This tragedy has left us shattered. A young death is always tragic and leaves a scar. But if somebody’s son dies overseas and the body is brought home, it leaves the family half dead,” Mohinder Kaur said.
Posted in Asia Tags: nitin garg, punjabi autralia, sikhs in australia
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One Response to “Grief and anger mark funeral of murdered Punjabi graduate”
Jagjit Singh Mukandpuri says:
January 11, 2010 at 9:30 am
The unfortunate death of Nitin Garg is realy very very shocked.It is a very big tragedy.His parents and he himself had lot of ambitions, when Nitin has gone to Australya for studies.Going abroad for better life is a global phenomena.But we punjabies are very much interested in going to foriegn lands. I have gone to UK three times, USA two times and once in CANADA in the last six years on my personal visits. I haveseen the life of immigrants on ground level. There is lots of d iffirence in the life told by AGENTS OF ALL TYPES and many of immigrants. They tell many lies about those countries, although there is RULE OF LAW, QUALITY OF LIFE, PURITY IN FOOD and cleanliness. The people are peace loving, But their requirments of immigrants,visitors and students from other countries are sincerness, good manners and good habits, which many of Punjabies lack. The second thing is there is no money surplus on roads or streets, to which countries we go and which we sweep in few months or years, 90 percent our people has only both ends meet. The third reason is that due to recession starting from 2007 and it will go at least for two to three years, there are no works, when the unemployment rate in developed is so high and no jobs to permant residents or citizens of those countries. Any one interested to go in those countries for studies, he must have all the expenditure in his pocket for full term of studies and he/she must get some basic knowledge about living in those countries. I advise parents who are in this rat race sending their immatuare daughters to distant lands for studies, please they think hundered times before taking the final decision. I am not demorlising any body, i am telling 100 percent truth, overall i am also a father of one daughter and one son.Thanks.

Guru ki Ninda Sunne Na Kaan

2010-01-09T12:31:00.001-03:00

Guru ki Ninda Sunne Na Kaan
January 9th, 2010 J Singh
Amritsar, Punjab: So called preacher Ragi Darshan Singh is guilty of using derogatory words for character assassination of Sahib Guru Gobind Singh ji who is giver of amrit and sacrificed his entire family so that Sikhs could live. He has used such words as Guru Sahib going to a prostitute—-, prostitute shouting thief, thief—- the Guru Ji fleeing leaving shoes behind—- etc. This is very insulting language for Guru Sahib and those who have love for guru sahib can’t even hear such words.
When sangat was enraged hearing such blasphemous words Akal Takhat Sahib asked ragi to appear for clarification. He very cleverly tried to mislead Sikhs since such story is written in Dasam Granth he is trying to awaken sangat not to let Dasam Granth be in parkash alongside Sri Guru Granth. Ragi Darshan Singh ji sangat is asking clarification from you with what face you are talking of removing parkash of Dasam granth. This parkash was being done when you were jathedar of Akal Takhat. What did you do about this during your tenure?
Gurbani says ” Bhare bhuine akirtghan, mandi hu mande— which implies that earth also do not support thankless creatures. But you have crossed the limit of shamelessness. Saint soldier guru Gobind Singh ji after sacrificing his mother, father and children thanked Akal Purakh while bare footed in wintery nights of December in thick forests with brick as his pillow. To say such words for such a guru is height of shamelessness.
You had earned goodwill and respect of sangat by eulogizing Guru Gobind Singh ji, now you have shown your colors by slandering him. Ragi ji, cat has come out of bag now.
Blue eyed boy of Delhi Gurudwara committee Jagtar Singh Jachak has also used similar word soft composition of Guru sahib ” Mittar pyare Nu hal muridan da kehna”. While commenting sarcastically about this shabad he said that now sangat will listen to this on so and so channel for four days. Like you he has also crossed all limits of shamelessness. Guru Ji after sacrificing everything for panth had written this shabad in winter days of December in forest of machhiwra. Persons like him are making fun of this shabad as a song. This is height of shamelessness. Sangat knows that this is being done at the instance of a congress agent and guru sahib is being insulted on purpose of hidden forces and some agencies.
Ragi ji, you had a golden chance to ask forgiveness by appearing at Akal Takhat as a humble Sikh. But you have chosen a path of confrontation by showing your ego. You are becoming now a victim of rage among Sikhs.
Till today all Sikhs have appeared at Akal Takhat as humble persons including Maharaja Ranjit Singh. You still have time to come to your senses.
Source: Avtar Singh Makkar, SGPC

Changes Sealed: Sikh Panth to have a new NanakShahi calendar

2010-01-06T06:28:00.001-03:00

Changes Sealed: Sikh Panth to have

a new NanakShahi calendar
The Sikh Clergy today yesterday approved amendments to the Nanakshahi calendar followed by the Sikh community. Occasions like prakash and jyoti jyot purabs of Sikh gurus will be observed in line with the traditional Bikrami calendar followed before 2003.
The Nanakshahi calendar with amendments will come into force from March 14 this year. Surprisingly, the announcement was made by Giani Gurbachan Singh in absence of high priests of the other four Takhts. To complete the quorum four priests of the Golden Temple were included by the jathedar.
Justifying the step, he said there was no need of the other high priests of Takhts for making this announcement from the Akal Takht office. The jathedar of Akal Takht claimed that the amendments had been made on the recommendations of a two-member team comprising SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar and chief of Gurmat Sidhant Parcharak Sant Samaj Harnam Singh Khalsa on the suggestion of an 11-member committee.
Meanwhile, the Dal Khalsa and the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC), in separate press statements, took exception to the manner in which the jathedar ratified the decision of the SGPC to “dilute” the Nanakshahi calendar without calling a meet of all five jathedars.
DSGMC head Paramjit Singh said SGPC executive had no legal right to affect changes as the matter should have gone to the general house of the SGPC. Rejecting the changes, he also accused CM Parkash Singh Badal for acting on the directions of “certain saffron forces”. To retaliate this decision DSGMC even released 300000 copies of the existing Nanakshahi Calendar.

Akal Takht gives final nod to amendments in Nanak Shahi Calendar

2010-01-04T11:44:00.002-03:00

Akal Takht gives final nod

to amendments in Nanak Shahi Calendar

JAGMOHAN SINGH
Monday, 04 January 2010

AMRITSAR: Jatehdar Akal Takht (highest Sikh Temporal seat) Gyani Gurbachan Singh here on Monday in a significant decision gave final nod to amendments made in the Nanak Shahi Calendar (a separate Sikh Calendar of Sikh Community).
On Sunday, amidst chaos Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) Executive members gave approval to bring amendments in Nanak Shahi Calendar at Teja Singh Samundri Hall (mini Sikh parliament).
Jatehdar said that now Sikh community would follow all the Sikh religious occasions including birth and death anniversaries of Sikh masters as per new amendments which were approved by Akal Takht. Now the Nanak Shahi Calendar with latest amendments would come in practice after two month in March, informed Jatehdar.
As per new amendments, some important days like the birth anniversary of tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh, Gurta Gaddi Divas and Jyoti Jot Samaun Divas of Guru Gobind Singh would be observed as per the old traditional Bikrami calendar.
However, Jatehdar said that final nod to calendar was given on the basis of approval sanctioned by the high powered executive members of SGPC which was empowered to bring such amendments at any time for the larger interest of the Sikh community.
SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said that as per new amendments, now in future all the religious occasion like birth and death anniversaries of Sikh Gurus (masters) would be as per the existing calendars which was being followed by the Sikh community before the formation of Nanak Shahi Calendar.
However, this original Nanak Shahi Calendar which was adopted by the General House meeting of SGPC in March 29, 2003 and brought in practice after a month in June.
Earlier, Pal Singh Purewal, a Canada based Sikh intellectual who crafted the 'Nanakshahi, calendar had requested Akal Takht Jathedar to consult him before making any change in it but in vain.
Purewal said that it was highly objectionable as any change in the calendar would reduce it to carbon copy of 'Bikrami Calendar'. He said that Nanakshahi calendar was based on religious, historical and scientific research of many years.

India urges Pak to take action against Gurudwara land sale : Preneet Kaur

2010-01-03T11:20:00.000-03:00

India urges Pak to take action

against Gurudwara land sale : Preneet Kaur

GAGANDEEP AHUJA
Sunday, 03 January 2010
PATIALA: Union minister of state for external affairs Preneet Kaur on Saturday said that Indian government has conveyed its concerns to Pakistan on the sale of pieces of land attached to Gurdwaras and urged Islamabad to look into the matter and take appropriate remedial action.
In an informal chat with presspersons she said that the matter related to incidents of sale of some of the land attached to Gurdwaras in Pakistan has caused concerns in India as well as in Sikhs.
She said that the Indian government has conveyed the concerns in this regard to the Pakistani government and requested them it to look into the matter.
Notably, the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (PETPB) has reportedly sold around 855 canals of land worth hundreds of crores of rupees on a nominal price. This includes nearly 811 canals in Lahore.
The sale violates the Nehru-Liaqat pact signed by the two Prime Ministers in 1950 in New Delhi.
PETPB has reportedly sold 855 kanals belonging to Gurdwara Deh and Samadh Bhai Mann Singh in Lahore to the Defence Housing Authority of Pakistan, 25 acres belonging to Gurdwara Bebe Nanaki Ji at Dera Chehal village and 307 Kanals at Hadbast Mauja Mota Singh Wala distict in Pakistan. The matter of these lands was raised in Parliament a few days ago and External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had promised to take up the issue with Pakistan.
Earlier she inaugurated the newly constructed building at Patiala railway station. H.K. Jaggi, DRM, Northern railways, Ambala said on this occasion the newly constructed building was maintenance free with aesthetic look having provision of six counters & basic passenger amenities such as ATM, Touch Screen Enquiry system etc. without any alteration in the Heritage Structure of Station Building.
Railway has also future plans of development at this station such as landscaping and development of green patches in circulating area, Provision of Couch Guidance System, electronic train indicator boards etc, he added.
Others who were present on the occasion were RS Khatra, SSp Patiala, MP Singh, additional Principal secretary, Karan Singh, Sr. Divisional Manager, Northern railways, Ambala Cantt., Gurmel Singh personal secretary MoS.
District Congress leaders Prem Krishan Puri, K. K. Sharma etc. were also present

Akal Takht to decide future course of action today

2010-01-02T12:42:00.002-03:00

Akal Takht to decide future

course of action today
J Singh
Amritsar, Punjab: The Sikh priests will meet at the Akal Takht tomorrow to discuss the controversial issue of the Nanakshahi calendar. The Sikh groups deliberated a course of action today in case the calendar is tampered with and opposed any proposed amendments being sought by the Sant Samaj, headed by Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Khalsa.
They threatened to take the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to the Gurdwara Commission for introducing arbitrary changes in the calendar.
US based Dr Pritpal Singh, DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna, SAD (Panch Pardhani), Dal Khalsa, Khalsa Action Committee have been opposing any change in the calendar that has been adopted in 2003.
However, SGPC head Avatar Singh Makkar has been holding meetings with various Sikh bodies and jathedars, seeking the changes as per wishes of Khalsa.

Singh Sahib Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, who will head the meeting of Sikh clergy tomorrow, said, “All the decisions will be taken by consensus.”
US-based Pal Singh Purewal, who prepared the Nanakshahi calendar wrote to the Akal Takht Jathedar against the tampering. In his letter, he said he was surprised that the Takht was ready to go ahead with the changes without even consulting him.

Pal Singh Purewal
“I have heard that major changes in sangrands (first day of the month) and masia (full moon) have been proposed. This will result in change in dates of gurpurabs and other events. It will completely change the calendar,” he wrote in the letter.
The eleven-member expert committee of the SGPC, headed by Professor Darshan Singh of the Punjabi University, also objected to the changes.
Harnam Singh Khalsa, however, said the changes were necessary as the dates of various gurpurabs were clashing in the Nanakshahi calendar.
Another issue to be discussed in the meeting tomorrow is the clarification submitted by ex-Ragi Darshan Singh before the Takht. He had been declared Tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) earlier this month.

Dal Khalsa questions motive behind changes in Nanakshahi calendar

2010-01-01T12:02:00.002-03:00

Dal Khalsa questions motive

behind changes in Nanakshahi calendar

Punjab Newsline Network
Friday, 01 January 2010

HOSHIARPUR: The Dal Khalsa questions the rationale and motive behind the proposed changes in the Nanakshahi calendar by the SGPC and Sant Samaj.
In a statement party president H S Dhami rued that the SGPC was going to kill the letter and spirit of the Nanakshahi Calendar in its executive meet scheduled for Sunday.
“I believe that the present house of the SGPC has completed its five year tenure and being in extension mode it cannot take policy decisions”.
Describing the SGPC head as spineless person, he condemned the SGPC and the SAD leadership for pushing the Sikhs into a Brahmanical fold by mixing the Nanakshahi calendar with Bikrami calendar”.
Issuing stern warning to Jathedar Avtar Singh, the leader of the radical group said his name (SGPC chief) would be recorded as a "culprit" of the community in the contemporary Sikh history.
Recalling the blunders of the SGPC, he said this was not the first time that the SGPC was taking a U-turn. The All India Gurdwara Bill, Heritage status for Darbar Sahib and so on met the same fate, he rued.

JATHEDAR PARTICIPATES IN AHMADIYYA MUSLIM'S JALSA

2009-12-28T19:26:00.002-03:00

Akal Takht Jathedar

participates in

Ahmadiyya Muslim's Jalsa

MAQBOOL AHMED
Monday, 28 December 2009

QUADIAN(India): The second day of the qadian jalsa was attended by more than 20 thousand devotees who came from about 26 countries from different parts of the world. The session was presided by Chaudhary Hamidullah Sahib. Giani Gurbachan Singh Jathedar of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs also attneded the function.
The speakers of the session were Maulana Mohammad Inaitullah and Maulana Zaheer Khadim . He spoke on the jamat’s view on jihad and molana inatullah speech was on the topic of “khatm-e-nabuwat”- Mohammad the seal of Prophets .the concluding speech of the day was of muhammad umar sahib on the renaissance brought into by hazrat mirza ghulam ahmad, the founder of the ahmadiyya jamat. The japanese delegate moh. Oyes kobayashi in his short speech highlighted the beauties of presented by the ahmaddiya community.
Partap Singh Bajwa member parliament welcomed all delegates to his constituency. He expressed the regret of fianance minister Pranab Mukharjee who could not attend the Jalsa due to his sudden important assignment entrusted by the prime minister of India to resolve the Andhra crisis. In the second session Giyani Tanveer Ahmad spoke on the topic of and universal peace, followed by introductry speeches of some prominent delegates of the jalsa.
Others who attended the function were Punjab Public Relations Minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Congress leader Fateh Jung Bajwa, Sant Baba Jaspal Singh, Mohhamed Afzal, President, Muslim Rashtriya Ektamanch, Swami Adarsh Premi Ji from Himachal, Swami Suraj Prakash, SGPC member Gursharan Pal. All of them spoke on humanity, Love for mankind and praised jamaat’s efforts for the cause of poor and for communal harmony without any distinction of cast, creed or relgion.
One Pakistani participant died in QadianMeanwhile, One Pakistani Jalsa salana Qadian participant died here in Qadian by a severe heart attack. Nasir Ahmad (74) S/O Mohammad Ahmad resident of Gujrat Pakistan met a severe heart attack early in the morning at 4 A.M. He was staying in Sarae-Tahir in Qadian. He was rushed to Noor Hospital in Qadian. But doctor declared him dead. He had come with his wife.

Phagwara resident commits suicide by jumping before train

2009-12-27T11:46:00.000-03:00

Phagwara resident commits suicide by jumping before train

SAMEER KAURA
Sunday, 27 December 2009

PHAGWARA: One Phagwara Resident Sadhu Ram reportedly committed suicide by jumping over before Amritsar bound 2497 UP Shane-Punjab Express near Phagwara Railway Station this afternoon.Prolonged illness was said to be the cause of suicide,police said.
The dead body of the deceased was handed over to his family member after conducting postmarterm examination in local civil hospital.

Return Sikh Granths seized during Operation Blue Star: BJP

2009-12-15T14:12:00.002-03:00

Return Sikh Granths

seized during Operation Blue Star: BJP
New Delhi: BJP today demanded that the Sikh Granths seized during Operation Blue Star be returned to the community and the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots be given justice without further delay.
"Return the Sikh Granths and religious manuscripts to us. Why are you insulting them? Return them if you want to give back honour to the Sikhs," senior party leader SS Ahluwalia said in the Rajya Sabha participating in the discussion on a calling attention notice. He said that in the operation in 1984, the army took away the manuscripts and Granths as if they were literature associated with the Khalistan issue.
"You have not given us even the seizure list of what was taken away then," he added. Ahluwalia said Sikhs are not craving for compensation but they want to live with dignity. He said just because a Sikh has become prime minister does not mean all Sikhs have been given the right to live with dignity.
He, however, had a word of praise for Manmohan Singh stating that he has become prime minister not because of being a Sikh but because of his merit.
The BJP member said while several Congress leaders went around apologising for the demolition of Babri mosque, no one from the party had a word of regret on 1984 riots. "Did you ever say sorry for 1984 Sikh riots... you failed to fulfil your constitutional obligations," he said.

Sikhs question; Did the Chief Minister of Punjab do enough

2009-12-09T09:03:00.001-03:00

Sikhs question; Did the Chief Minister of Punjab do enough
An innocent Sikh man has died in the recent disruption in Punjab
The Punjab government on Saturday evening ordered a magisterial probe into violent incidents in this industrial city that left one person dead and over 15 injured in a clash between police and Sikh protesters who tried to disrupt a religious conference of controversial sect leader Ashutosh .
One person was killed Saturday in police firing near Samrala crossing on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh highway. The victim was identified as Darshan Singh. At least two others were in serious condition, the Badal family has offered Rs 500,000 as compensation and an invitation for employment for the family.
Kanwarpal Singh Bittu of Dal Khalsa, told media that the police firing was unprovoked. "They suddenly opened fire as we were proceeding to the venue of the conference,"
But police blamed the protesters for indulging in violence.
"We tried to stop them but they attacked the police and tried to forcibly cross the barricades. They had come with full preparation and were carrying sticks and swords. To control the situation, police had to fire in the air to disperse the mob," a police officer said.
Sikhs claim that the Chief Minister of Punjab should have done more to clam the situation as he has the power to assess and command the police forces. This time Sikh say the responsibility is with Badal and not the government for the blood shed that has closed Ludihina in Punjab.
Ashutosh and other deras in Punjab are the part of plan of the Hindu fascists of converting Panjab to Hinduism and bringing it within the Hindutva fold of Hindi,Hindu,Hindustan. These deras are just a front for fascists for training new terrorists in all parts of Panjab.Ashutosh has been clear about his political stand, at his last function Hindutva was the main theme.
At his last meet DJJS said their is no such thing as Sikhism, that 'Hindu dhrama' has many branches and so called Sikhs just a part of the great 'Hindu samaj'.It was also mentioned that there are some people claiming that Sikhs are not Hindu and are a separate and independent Nation, they said "these are agents of Pakistan and the West".
“Dal Khalsa would like to clarify that Sikhs are not Hindu and are a separate and independent Nation. Hate for Muslims or any other faith is against the core principals of Sikhism.Hindutava is not a faith it is plain and simple fascism we as nation should stand against it and join all those in opposition of it” Kanwarpal Singh Bittu of Dal Khalsa said
The recent labor migrants that have come to Punjab are from the state of Bihar and often the people are called ‘Biharis of Bihas’ these people are hard working and have began to settle in the Punjab and supported Ashutosh
Many Sikhs have often voiced their concerns over this migration. As with all migrants it is only over time that these people settle learn the language and make their roots. The Bihair laborers too have started to buy land and take prominent positions in the community and politics
The fear for the Sikh now is Punjab being a Sikh state is on the hit list of Indian state, which is working with a plan to change the demography of the Punjab to the determent of the Sikhs. Bihari labourers are the most effecting tool of the Indian State system in this regard.
Where as the Government provide permanent residence to Biharis are in Punjab, the Sikhs of Punjab are being rooted up by forcible land accusations. Sikhs can not purchase lands in neighboring states as the laws framed by those States prevent ‘outsiders’ from purchase land there.
“The intentions of the Indian state are clear now. They want to uproot Sikhs from Punjab and in-root Biharis here.” said Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, a Sikh leader. “It is strange that Bihar Government is demanding security for those who created panic in the city without any reason” said a local resident. “The situation was such that locals felt insecure” he added while explaining the situation created by Biharis in the industrial city of the state.
Sikh Federation has urged British Sikhs to write to their local MP’s the suggested text for the letter is
Dear [MPs Name]
Police and paramilitary forces open fire and kill Sikh protesters on Saturday 5 December in Ludhiana, Punjab
I am writing to request you urgently raise the above matter on my behalf with the Foreign Secretary and the Indian authorities. Sikhs living the UK are outraged when we see such incidents of police brutality and discrimination. It is incidents like these of deliberate provocation and targeting that force Sikhs to think about their long term future in India.
On Saturday 5 December 2009 police and paramilitary forces opened fire to stop Sikh protesters, belonging to Sikh religious organisations, marching towards a controversial anti-Sikh two-day event organised in Ludhiana by Dera Divya Jyoti of Ashutosh.
It has been confirmed at least one Sikh has been killed and around15 seriously injured. The photograph of Darshan Singh, the 58-year old that was shot dead, is shown below:

The death toll is expected to increase. Despite an indefinite curfew in the city there has been uproar across Punjab at the heavy handed action of the police and paramilitary forces. Upon seeing footage and photographs, such as those below, reports are coming in of thousands of Sikhs preparing to travel to Ludhiana to participate in further protests.

Sikh religious organisations have called for a peaceful ‘bandh’ (closure) in Ludhiana and cases to be registered against Ashutosh and BJP MLA Harish Bedi, who is also reported to have fired shots at Sikh protesters. Meanwhile the Punjab government recognising the seriousness of the situation has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident.
Sikhs are particularly upset as what has been interpreted as double standards and deliberate provocation of Sikhs. On Thursday and Friday following a minor incident there was widespread arson and violence by migrant workers in three-quarters of Ludhiana. This was permitted without any action taken by the police. However, the protest march by Sikh religious organisations on Saturday was met with the use of tear gas, batons and then live ammunition.
I urge you to take this matter up as my elected representative and copy me in any correspondence with the Foreign Secretary or the Indian authorities and there responses.
Yours faithfully

Sikhs Protest Outside White House During PM’s State Visit

2009-11-27T07:07:00.003-03:00

Sikhs Protest Outside White House During PM’s State VisitNorth America

Amnesty International Also Raises 1984 IssueWASHINGTON - As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talked of human rights and the rule of law inside the White House on Tuesday morning, some Sikh protesters blasted Singh on those same issues from across the street.

Sikhs protest Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's policies. Photo: Sikh News Network.

Sikh kids hand out flyer about Sikhs who disappeared during the Punjab counterinsurgency from 1984 to 1995. Photo: Sikh News Network. “India and America are separated by distance, but bound together by the values of democracy, pluralism, rule of law, and respect for fundamental human freedoms,” Singh said at the welcoming ceremony. “Over the years, we have built upon these values and created a partnership that is based upon both principle and pragmatism.”
India’s failure to prosecute the perpetrators of the 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms is testimony to the hypocrisy of the world’s largest democracy, said Amarjit Singh, executive director of the Washington-based Khalistan Affairs Center. And the decade long counterinsurgency that followed in Punjab, which resulted in the killings of tens of thousands of Sikhs, is further evidence that Sikhs should have the right to self determination, he said.
Amarjit Singh and 34 Sikh American organizations placed an advertisement Tuesday in the Washington Times, the area’s second largest newspaper, urging Obama not to accept the civilian nuclear power agreement and asking him to "forcefully" intercede with Manmohan Singh to bring the perpetrators of the 1984 pogroms to justice. He led a group of about 40 local Sikhs who protested with Khalistan placards and megaphones at Lafayette Park. The protest coincided with the end of a joint press conference later that morning.
Ahead of the first state visit of Obama’s presidency, Amnesty International sent a letter to the president on Nov. 18 urging him to press Manmohan Singh to “bring to justice those involved in the mass killings of Sikhs.”
The human rights group also asked him “to make public statements emphasizing that human rights are central to US-India relations” and “to address human rights concerns during your joint press conference.”
Obama did not address human rights in any of his speeches, but he did mention it in answering a reporter’s question.
“We are societies that believe in human rights and core freedoms that are enshrined in our founding documents,” Obama said when reporter, Smita Prakash, asked him why he though the two countries are “natural allies.”
As members of the press left the building, protesters could be heard shouting “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.” But Manmohan Singh left with Obama in a motorcade from the opposite side of the White House for a 12:45 p. m. luncheon at the state department. He probably did not hear any of it, a press-office staffer said. The protest lasted until about 3 p. m.
“Just after one year, the Indian prime minister is protesting why Pakistan is not prosecuting the people who are responsible for the Bombay (terrorist attacks),” Amarjit Singh said. “Yes, they should be punished. But what about those, from 25 years ago, those killers of thousands, those who are ministers in Manmohan Singh’s cabinet?”
He was referring to Kamal Nath, union minister for road, transport and highways. Nath’s name appeared in the first FIR (First Information Report), a written document prepared by police when they receive information of a crime. He is accused of leading the mobs that attacked Gurdwara Rakabganj and killed many Sikhs during and afterwards.
He was also referring to Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar, who were members of parliament until April when journalist, Jarnail Singh, flung his shoe at Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram in protest of the Central Bureau of Investigation’s final report in March clearing Tytler of allegedly leading mobs of thousands during the pogroms. Several eyewitnesses were deposed, but he was ultimately exonerated because of lack of concrete evidence.
The Congress Party withdrew Tytler’s candidacy for parliament after intense media attention, and also sacked Kumar’s candidacy to avoid further scrutiny of his role in also leading mobs.
Amarjit Singh said he was not expecting anything more from Manmohan Singh because he is a Sikh. Anybody sitting on the seat of Parliament should do justice. But he was irked that the Sikh prime minister wants to sweep the 1984 issue under the rug.
“Thousands of Sikhs were killed in all those years, and our Sikh prime minister is telling us forget about it, we have enough compensation, it’s not in the interest of the Sikhs to continue with this,” he said, referring to the prime minister’s statement in May that the issue was of “no profit to either the country or the Sikh community.” It’s is the same statement Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made in 1985 - that a judicial inquiry “would not be in the interest of Sikhs.”
“In front of the white House, the message is that we half-million Sikh Americans, we want the justice should (be dealt) to the people of November 1984 Sikh genocide… Sikhs have not got the justice and nobody has been punished.”
Note: Top photo: Amarjit Singh, executive director of the Khalistan Affairs Center, by Sikh News Network.By Anju KaurSikh News Network staff journalistanjukaur@sikhnn.com © Copyrigt 2001-2009 Sikh News Network, LLC.

Kashmiris Stage Protests as Manmohan Singh Visits WH

2009-11-26T07:39:00.001-03:00

Kashmiris Stage Protests

as Manmohan Singh Visits WH
Kashmiris Stage Protests as Manmohan Singh Visits WH, While President Barack Obama held talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Kashmiris and Sikhs gathered in front of the White House to protest New Delhi’s repression in the Indian-occupied Kashmir and Punjab.Hundreds of Kashmiri men, women and children living in Washington metro area staged a peace rally to press their demands for a resolution of the decades-old Kashmir dispute. The participants carried anti-India placards reminding the world of the urgency to help resolve the Kashmir conflict.They urged President Obama to persuade New Delhi towards resolution of the lingering Jammu and Kashmir dispute and fulfil his 2008 election campaign pledge. Kashmiri leader Ishaq Sharif said that UN and US President should play their role to solve Kashmir dispute. Dr Amar Jeet Singh of Khalistan Affairs maintained that India was using military power to suppress Sikhs’ protests.

Police break up melee at Sikh temple, arrest 2

2009-11-25T11:16:00.001-03:00

Police break up melee at Sikh temple, arrest 2

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

BY EVONNE COUTROSThe RecordSTAFF WRITERGLEN ROCK —

Two people were arrested for assaulting police after a melee broke out in the parking lot of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha, a temple on Prospect Street, authorities said Monday.Police were called to the scene at about 10:30 p.m. Friday as the altercations began after a congregational meeting."Police were called that there was a meeting that was getting out of hand," said Police Chief Frederick P. Stahman. "Our officers responded to maintain the peace."Police arrived to find about 125 people in the parking lot, some of them arguing over internal differences at the meeting."When certain people came out onto the lot they were jumped by unknown outsiders who were not members of the temple &hellip" Stahman said. "Our officers were outnumbered and called for assistance from surrounding towns. The entire melee spilled out into the parking lot."Read More:: Sikh Philosophy Network - Celebrating Unity in Diversity! http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=28102 (Police Break Up Melee at Sikh Temple, Arrest 2)Read More:: Sikh Philosophy Network - Celebrating Unity in Diversity! http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=28102 (Police Break Up Melee at Sikh Temple, Arrest 2)About 25 to 30 county police and officers from four or five surrounding towns responded to aid the Glen Rock officers, Stahman said.By that time, the brawl was in full swing."There were a lot of people kicking and throwing punches in the parking lot," Stahman said. "People were down on the ground. It was like a wrestling match in the lot, breaking it up. Police pulled people off each other that were doing the assaulting. People were shouting. It was about an hour until everything was calm."Police arrested Iqbal Singh, 34, of Glen Rock, and a juvenile, 16, for police assault, Stahman said. The police officers were not seriously injured, he said.Temple officials hired off-duty police to ensure peace at the Sunday morning meeting, which was attended by Stahman and Glen Rock police Capt. Jonathan Miller."I spoke and assured the people that the police were there for maintaining the peace and that if there were any re-occurrence we would not hesitate to make arrests," Stahman said.

25 years on, few takers for Khalistan in Canada

2009-11-07T08:48:00.000-03:00

25 years on, few takers for Khalistan in Canada

There are few supporters for Khalistan in Canada today - 25 years after the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi by her own Sikh bodyguards.

Outside India, Canada was the worst affected by the Khalistan movement, for a separate Sikh state, at its peak in the 1980s.

Sikh radicals openly indulged in violence to further their goal of Khalistan.

Though nobody was found guilty by a trial court here, Sikh radicals plotted the bombing of the Air India Kanishka flight that killed all 329 passengers aboard in June 1985.

The radicals also plotted to kill then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and ruthlessly suppressed moderate voices in the community.

Over the years, former hardliners have realised the futility of their efforts. The new generation has little interest in far away India.

The current Canadian government of the Conservative Party has also banned radical organisations like Babbar Khalsa.

To stay relevant, a handful of Khalistan supporters try to raise anti-India slogans at every possible opportunity - be it India's independence day or some function attended by Indian diplomats or some Sikh parade in the Punjabi-dominated city of Surrey on the outskirts of Vancouver.

Among those who opposed the hardliners was top Indo-Canadian leader Ujjal Dosanjh, who had to pay a heavy price for it. He went on to become the first coloured premier (equal to a chief minister inIndia) of British Columbia province and Canada's health minister.

Dosanjh, who was badly beaten by the separatists in the 1980s for his opposition to Khalistan, calls them "the Taliban of Sikhs".

These people would do every thing to attract attention to stay relevant, Dosanjh told IANS some time ago.

He also took a dig at Canadian politicians for harbouring these elements for the sake of votes.

"There is no doubt that leaders of a political party have always tried to curry favour with these elements for votes. These leaders are responsible for encouraging Khalistanis," Toronto-basedSikh leader Nachhttar Singh Chohan told IANS.

Chohan, related to Jagjit Singh Chohan who first floated the idea of Khalistan, said the Sikhs felt betrayed by Indian leaders and left with choice but to fight for their rights.

Without committing himself to a separate state for Sikhs, the Toronto-based transporter said: "Leaders in India and Punjab have been dishonest with Sikhs. They should have shown respect for what we did for India. They should have respected the rights of the minorities.

"How can India heal the wounds of the Sikhs when those responsible for the 1984 riots are still roaming free?"

His views are shared by most moderate Sikhs in Canada.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards to avenge the army action in the Golden Temple to flush out Sikh separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and his armed supporters 25 years ago.

TEXT OF BHAI SUKHA AND BHAI JINDA'S LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

2009-11-06T19:59:00.003-03:00

TEXT OF BHAI SUKHA AND BHAI JINDA'S

LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

COURTESY: KHALISTAN-AFFAIRS.ORG
General Vadiya was the Chief of the Indian Army who ordered the attack on the holiest of the holy shrines at Amritsar and elsewhere in Punjab during 1984 operations. On Aug. 10th, 1985, Harjinder Singh "Jinda" and Sukhdev Singh "Sukha", gunned down General Vadiaya after his retirement from the Indian army. On Oct. 9, 1992, Sukhdev Singh "Sukha" and Harjinder Singh "Jinda" were hanged until death in Puna Jail.

Here is the text of Sukha and Jinda's letter to the President. They were executed for the killing of General Vaidya who led the assault on the Golden Temple during Operation Bluestar.
"Ek Oangkaar"
"Rastrapati Ji",
Kindly accept Sat Sri Akal (Salute to the Revered Timeless) by the two Singhs (Sikhs) on their way to martyrdom.
Theoretically, it is appropriate to clarify that our Rastrya (nation) is the Khalsa Panth absorbed into the Guru Granth Sahib. We took the first vital steps towards the destination of Khalistan by touching our foreheads with the footdust of this nation. The elimination of Mr. Vaidya, the General of your forces engaged in destroying the Khalsa Panth and its power, was a holy act on our difficult path of martyrdom. It has once again brought the historical truth to light the urge of the Khalsa Panth to breathe in freedom, its self respect and honor cannot be finished.
We wish to clarify that we are not addressing these words to you as an individual but as the head of a State that is communal and Brahmanical. Whosoever occupies, occupied, or will occupy this throne of falsehood, will be to us a symbol of oppression and cruelty. We have not forgotten that when the "wedding party of sin" (the Indian Armed Forces) was invading our Temple of God, a heathen in the garb of a Sikh, was sitting in your place (Zail Singh). The Panth will "Settle its accounts" with him, when Sikh history imparts its justice.
By invading the Golden Temple, your army tried to rob a nation of saint-soldiers, living in its divine simplicity, of its joy. It gave us a feeling once as if you succeeded in driving us to a point of utter frustration. But by performing our historic task we have reminded you that our heroes like Sukha Singh, Mehtab Singh, Udham Singh are shadowing your tyrants like Wazida, Lakhpat, Rebeiro, Dawyer.
We accept with great joy the penalty of death pronounced by your court of law alienated from the divine blessings and fallen to the Brahmanical reflexes, for whatever we undertook in accordance with the vision of the Khalsa. By touching the sharp edge of death we are moving towards fullness. Without martyrdom the magnificent fair of life cannot come into full swing.
The fact is that the Brahmanical form of Hinduism thinks of the Akal Takhat and its thoughtcomplex related to the movement and play of eternal in vulgar pragmatic terms. This sort of limited thinking of Brahmanical Hinduism puts the great institution of the Khalsa Panth on a very low pedestal and elaborates it in a very harsh practical sense. From this narrow angle the Akal Takhat is reduced to an ordinary building or at the most to a place of worship. The Khalsa Panth does not accept this situation. The Khalsa does not worship power, rather it enters history by empowering itself. The truth from the Akal Takhat has taught us that by being armed, the Khalsa has to snatch the power of the powerful and by absorption into the Eternal Word, the Khalsa has to assimilate the saintliness of the saint. This theory has destroyed the centralized authority of power and saintliness (Miri-Piri) and was very threatening to the Brahmanical stream of thought. Because the new Sikh doctrine not only awakened the people, it also inspired them to organize themselves for an armed struggle under the leadership of the Akal Takhat by shattering falsehood of Brahmanical thought. The Masters of Centralism at once came into action. They began to repeat the well-designed danger to the "unity and integrity of the country" to retain power and encouraged the rise of "Personal Gurus" in the arena of religion.
The thought of Brahmanical reflexes had in fact started attacking the consciousness of the Sikh Gurus ever since its emergence, but on 15th August after assuming imperial authority, the Brahmanical thought took still nastier forms. In the last few decades, your parliament, courts, educational institutions and media have tried to humble the consciousness of the Khalsa through the subtler force of majoritarianism and material monopoly.
We are not hesitant to say that conspiracies have been hatched and very subtle arrangements have been made at the psychological level to destroy the great institutions, traditions, originality and unique sovereignty of the Khalsa Panth. The destruction of the Akal Takhat by sending in lakhs of soldiers was part of this larger conspiracy. In this situation, it hardly needs saying, how justified it was to eliminate the military general Vaidya who was not only a part of this conspiracy but also responsible for its planning and implementation. By completing this holy and historic task, we have unburdened our conscious and proved that the real force of the Khalsa Panth is and will remain free from the Brahmanical reflexes in all ages. By cautioning the Khalsa Panth of these strategies we have won the love of Guru Gobind Singh.
When nations wake up, even history begins to shiver. During such momentous movement a Banda Bahadur bids farewell to his peace-dwelling and destroys a state of oppression like Sirhind, a Che Guevera turns down a ministership of Cuba, loads a gun on his breast and entrenches against the enemies in the forest of Bolivia, a Nelson Mandela rejects the ideology of apartheid and prefers to spend his life in a dark prison cell.
...And we have the privilege of being in the loving care and companionship of that unique general of the Panth Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, blessed by the valiant and transcendental visionary Guru Gobind Singh. We are tiny particles of dust of the numberless heroic jewels of the Sikh nation who walked on the sharp edge of the Dagger, the Khanda, given to us by Guru Gobind Singh. Only the chosen few get the honor of laying down their lives for the nation. We are proud of this honor.
In no way is it just to accuse us of an unheroic act in attacking an unarmed man. We wish to remind you that by misusing your vast resources you have tried your utmost to humiliate us as a nation. In every field you have tried to make us helpless. You are empowered with your massive armed force and equipped with the most advanced military arsenal of our times. You have made us inadequate to fight you in the open battlefield. In the present situation there is no other alternative with us except to use the kind of method that we employed on General Vaidya to punish the tyrants for their evil deeds. When you are already waging an undeclared war on our nation, guerilla attacks are not our pleasure but an historical compulsion. Please do not forget this fact of history that during the 18th century when robbers like Abdalis and Nadarshah were driving your daughters to Kabul like enroped flocks of animals, our brave Sikh brethren from their jungle and desert hideouts fiercely attacked the robbers. Even the frightened enemies had to praise our courage. We are fired with a generous humanism. Our grip extends to the entire life with its beat and vibration.
In the last one decade there have been very few "actual" encounters between our soldiers and your forces. But wherever those have occurred, the evidence in them of our valor and radiant heroism, we are sure, is preserved in your confidential files. A fragment of that fact once in a while slips through your newspapers as well. Our Khalsa vigor is an aspect of our spiritual heritage. In such moments of fight, spirituality radiates through the flasher of our swords.
Oh. President representing Brahmanism Hear the words of Kazi Noor Mohammad, an eye witness during the seventh invasion (1764 AD) of Ahmad Shah Abdali: "It looks as if guns were invented by these Sikhs and not by Likman. Although many possess guns yet none understands them more than the Sikhs. My observation will be confirmed by the 30 thousand brave soldiers who fought against them."
When we attacked General Vaidya, apart from his own arms, he had with him a well equipped body guard. Our attack was part of the same battlefield strategy that was once used by our hero-martyrs Madan Lal Dhingra, Bhagat Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, and even today it is used by revolutionaries the world over, and considered right.
Through you we also wish to transmit this message that we harbor no enmity towards the great people and land of India. We are not touched even a bit by hatred for the people of India. Not only to embrace our people, we are restless to embrace the whole of the earth and the sky. We intoxicatedly remember the entire cosmos and worship the life that vibrates in it.
The Khalsa is inseparably and lovingly related to the people of India: the millions of Dalits, the workers who earn their living through honest labor, the Muslims and other minorities, and all those homeless and destitute who have remained oppressed and exploited by Brahmanism for centuries. They are all our kith and kin. Our Master Rider of the blue horse (Guru Gobind Singh) recognized them much earlier. All those termed by the proud Brahmin the lowly, scavengers, shoemakers, mean-professioned, became the beloved sons of our Tenth Father. They rose to Generalships in the army of the Khalsa. Thrones and honors kissed them. Without fantasizing, we are declaring in the midst of history that our gurus loved the meta-poetry (bani) of those divine souls drenched with a passion for the Dalit brotherhood. The gurus bestowed the highest honors on them and included their (bani) along with their own in the Guru Granth Sahib. The spirit of the Dalits and their pain are aspects of our own anguish. We are touched by the warmth of their door. There is hardly any Agro Industry in the Punjab. Heavy industry is totally non-existent. We want to keep our capital safe for our development, but you are exploiting us as if we are your colony.
You have not spared an effort to hurt our culture. By damaging our heritage you want to keep us in a miserable psychological state so that we may feel embarrassed over our language, culture and proud history. Your strategy is to destroy us from "within" and reduce us to your slaves so that you may keep on sucking our blood without any protests.
You want us to adopt your rootless culture of razzle dazzle as our way of life. You want to uproot our culture and take away our source of life. You think our history is not worthy of any significance.
But now we keep track of your ever step. Still a vital blood flows in our veins. We will structure our way of life according to our originality and history. Every one knows that without getting political power it is not possible for any nation to guard its culture. It is not possible for us to keep our cultural and national identity intact without establishing a Sovereign Khalistan. We are offering our heads for achieving our goal; Our True Guru has granted a sovereign State to us, we have won his blessing by offering our heads.
Now we beg to address our Khalsa Panth. The way of the Khalsa is very trying. It is sharper than the edge of a Dagger, the Khanda, and subtler than a strand of hair. The Khalsa panth at all cost has to preserve the original and pure form of its great struggle. The struggle is a diving journey inspired by a transcendental consciousness. During these moments of struggle, the Khalsa is to remain continuously absorbed into the Guru Granth Sahib, no matter how many cruelties are inflicted and provocation is given, the Khalsa has to keep its cool and discipline in the horrible and barbaric situations. The Khalsa has to preserve its traditions established by the valiant Sikhs through martyrdom.
In comparison with the violence of the enemy, the violence of the Khalsa abounds in divine qualities and spiritual blessings. The Khalsa has to give such a divine form and beauty to its struggle that it may even burden the conscience of the enemy with the realization of its own sin. Such a moral miracle will be possible only if the concentration on the guru of the Khalsa and rhythm of the Guru Granth Sahib remain fully connected and intact. The Guru Granth Sahib is the main source of our life-stream and spiritual power. It is also the chief spring of our inspiration to advance towards the destination of Khalistan.
If concentration on the guru and the internal rhythm of the Guru Granth Sahib are the main lifestream of the Khalsa, then it is also necessary to say a few words to the militants who are intensely in love with the stream. In this terrible crisis of history, the concentration on the guru and the rhythm of the Guru Granth Sahib are the only armed brigades. The are the army of the Timeless Man, and they are the guardians of the pure consciousness of the Khalsa. We too had the honor of having been the humble parts of these forces.
It is true that we are confronting a vast material State that has at its command all the worldly resources, horrifying scientific inventions, a capacity to attack and disable the intellect and praxis. The state can also weaken us through penetration and strategies of its intelligence. It can also develop shocking plans and more than everything else it can assemble huge armies. But so what? The Khalsa can send shivers into the spine of the enemy and shake its State with its spiritual might. It is not the bodies alone that fight. It was only a miracle of the Khalsa spiritual strength that even with its tiny number the Khalsa subdued the 10 lakh army of the Mughals at the Castle of Chamkaur.
During the last decade we have overwhelmed this State of Brahmanical prejudices with martyrdom. We have been hailed in all corners. Now the matter is not restricted to the possible creation of Khalistan alone. Several oppressed nations of India have come out in the open to fight for their freedom. The Dalit brothers, specially are liberating themselves from the destructive influence of Brahmanism. The so-called hue and cry made for "unity and integrity" does not touch them any more. They have well understood the cunning of Brahmanical rulers veiled behind this hue and cry. Although these are magnificent accomplishments of our movement still we are not free from big mistakes and inadequacies.
Sometimes, during our struggle we do commit something that is neither morally unique nor pious. Although we are marching towards our goal of achieving Khalistan with determination yet still we have not fully learnt how to go through this difficult terrain. The understanding and experience of our struggle are still diluted and surfacial. We have still to develop a large vision that crosses decades and centuries.
We still keep doing something that gives our enemy an opportunity to question our proud and glorious history. Several times our arms have wrecked the joys, blossom and aspirations of those who had never directly hurt our movement.
It appears sometimes as if we were trying to strike terror among the people although our commitment to the ninth Guru is nether to terrify nor to get terrified.
Oh valiant brethren! Why are not our actions and deeds firing many colors and proliferating unusual effects of life? Why to give the people an excuse that a wide gap has appeared between our mind, word and action. When we sin we become drunk with victory of fault and when we lose we do not investigate its reasons. As a result a chain of losses begins. In such a situation we do not urge to re-integrate ourselves with the transcendental consciousness of the Khalsa, nor do we seek the blessing of the guru's abode.
We are becoming martyrs, going to jails, bearing every attack of the enemy, but still in our basic thought, the gratitude to the Lord, patience and commitment have not fully penetrated. Sometimes, the glory of the material status, its power and shine captivate us, as a result we fall prey to material values and miracles. During such moments we do not passionately pray before the Guru Granth Sahib to keep our unique character by heroism and spirituality higher and untouched by narrow ends.
Several times we suffer from indecision. To free ourselves from this state instead of getting close to the guru we rather choose distance. We are forgetting that during disagreement among us, the resolution of the entire Khalsa adopted at the Akal Takhat can cement and guide us. Oh Brave brethren drenched with the divine love of the sixth guru, Hargobind Sahib! Why don't you flock towards the Akal Takhat for guidance? Our guru spreading his arms awaits us.
At times, our baseless suspicions divide us into groups. We then patronize our group, and to protect it we unnecessarily accuse the other groups of crossing all limits. Our sword proudly falls on their necks. The militants of the Khalsa Panth have to meet this serious challenge of the moment with determination and love, with a prayer for the enhancement of wisdom and humility of the mind. Will you follow this path our brethren after we are gone?
Oh militant comrades of the procession of those walking with their heads on the palms for sacrifice! You carry on your shoulders the historic responsibility of recognizing the mail lifestream and original form of the Khalsa and also the responsibility of identifying the deadly current of ignorance and temptation. This current, to obtain power, has fallen to act on Brahmanical practices. Please understand the narrow motives concealed behind this current that on surface appears to be proSikh. Wage a war against it. Its divisive tendencies are to be strongly resisted. The people associated with this current have lost their faith in the higher struggle. They have been tempted by the Brahmanical reflexes and its allied power hierarchies. They have begun to like evanescent colors. Their actions do not reflect the message of Guru Nanak's transcendental journey: Nor do they flash any divine experience. Their state mirrors a schism between the mind and word. Declare that these people are false and they have disowned our panth. If they want to be owned by the Khalsa and they feel that there is still in them a secret of truth enunciated by Guru Nanak let them advance straight towards Khalistan otherwise they will be thrown into the dustpan of history.
Respected President Ji! After these few words with our nation we again address you. When we bid farewell to the world it will be a strange meeting of numerous contradictions. If we look at the world insightfully, the while world is in turmoil, a powerful turmoil. With an alien eye it may look to be a destructive development. It feels as if human peace and action were going through acute disturbance, but the people with intuition can see all this from a difference angle altogether.
The humankind's aspiration for freedom cannot be controlled in any system. Any effort to destroy this aspiration gets selfdefeated in history. We are witnessing the same happening in our times also.
The same passion for freedom burning like a flame in the depths of humankind gave birth to the great French Revolution. And then in the beginning of this century, we are watching the tumbling of the Tsarist regime that had become a symbol of terror and tyranny.
But whatever systems have been built up on the ruins of Tsarism, have not succeeded in fully preserving and understanding the rush and aspiration of human freedom. All these massive artifices are showing cracks. What an irony of our times that the same people who had raised our ancestors' flag of freedom became the murderers of freedom.
We are saying this with deep sorrow that the same lands where lakhs of people laid down their lives fighting the Nazis, toda are providing shelter to the murderers of the Sikhs. Wee mean the country of the great Tolstoy and Lenin, the Soviet Union and its East European allies, where the killers of hundreds of Sikh youth like Buta and Rebiero are taking shelter under the pretext of holding diplomatic responsibilities. But at the same time fresh winds of freedom blowing in these countries give us a hope that these countries will not remain safe shelters for these murderers of mankind. To us that time is not distant when the people of these countries will hand over these criminals to us so that the can be given their due in the court of the Khalsa.
The dark storm of oppression that is blowing over the Khalsa and the fire of tyranny that is burning it, must have touched at least a little, the soul of Lincoln, Emerson, Rouseau, Voltaire and Shakespeare because the people fighting for their freedom and sovereignty have the same blood flowing in their veins. But permit us to say that among the people of these great men's lands the urge to push their tradition is dying. Their spiritual values are drying up, they are unable to see the new sun shining in the land of Khalistan whose rays will also radiate the universe. We are hoping that they will accept the reality of Khalistan. We appeal to the United Nations to recognize the face of Khalistan so that the Khalsa nation can make historic contribution to the international peace and security according to the UN Charter, and may also help in building up their relations of tolerance and goodwill among India and its neighbors.
Honorable President Ji! We are going to look into the eyes of death because we believe that the flag of life's glory flies even in the face of death. Not only us, but our entire nation has taken birth from the art of keeping its head on its palm. The guns of evil will never frighten us.
In this era of betrayals we are going to meet our beloved in full faith and wholesomely. Our martyrdom will radiate only integration. We are feeling that martyrdom is a transcendence of all fears, greeds and obscene physical desires. The consciousness of the Khalsa is the most pure and luminous during the moments of martyrdom.
We have chosen the path of martyrdom so that the ever fresh face of the Khalsa and its unique glory can come into its own once again, and enlighten the whole world. In their eternal joy and grace the Gurus blessed us with a spark of their love. With that spark we are on full blossom. Our love for freedom has taken us to the state of cosmic equilibrium sahaja.
We have met our True Guru. The fairies of the eternal symphony have arrived to congratulate us with all their families at this momentous hour of meeting.
Martyrdom has a unique relish of its own. How wonderful is it beyond the material and ineffable emotions!
Please tell our nation not to be sorrowful. The sweet remembrance of, Guru Gobind Singh flows like a river in us. Please tell them that the stream of love of the Tenth Guru has already gushed forth in us. We are going towards the altar in higher peace and divine poise. We are riding a unique boat that the currents are unable to sink.
The maker has put together all the wood perfectly, O Nanak my Lord will not let even lakhs of sea currents sink the boat.
The Khalsa has upheld the belief that whenever death comes, accept it with joy. For this reason please tell all those warriors of the world bringing with the fire of freedom not to let go-mellow the challenge thrown by us. Let their bursting bullets become a lament on our death.
The rope of gallows is dear to us like the embrace our Lover but if we are condemned to be the prisoners of war, we will wish bullets to kiss the truth lurking in our breasts so that the sacred ground of Khalistan becomes more fertile with our warm blood.
Long Live Khalistan!!!!
We are restless to drink the pint of martyrdom of Khalistan.
- Harjinder Singh- Sukhdev Singh

Enclosure:
Atrocities perpertrated on the Sikhs:
Dear Rastrapati ji,
We are giving below the methods of torture, humiliation and atrocities used by your state against the Sikhs. These have been mentioned by the humanitarian organizations and individuals who hold prestige in their respective fields. These organizations and individuals are not seen directly or emotionally connected with our movement. They have been forced to write about the extreme violations of human rights of our people. We wish you to know and witness the continuous repression and atrocities perpetrated against the Sikhs by your army, paramilitary forces and the police. We are not presenting all this to you to win your sympathy, nor do we wish you repent by taking pity on us. In fact by situating you in this picture we want to have the verdict of the people of the world over the extent you have violated the UNO's Declaration on Human Rights, the Geneva Convention, and many other international treaties. We are mentioning below the violations and atrocities:
- To interrogate the Sikhs, a round log of wood is placed on their legs, and after putting heavy weight on the log it is rotated on the legs.
- Chillie powder is sprinkled in the eyes and sex organs of the Sikhs.
- Sikhs are hung upside down from the ceilings till they became unconscious.
- The body joints are battered.
- Electric shocks are administered to the genitals making most of the youth impotent
- Sikh women, during interrogation, are hurt in their sex organs. Filthy abuse is showered on them.
- Violence is inflicted on the parents in presence of their sons and daughters and vice-versa.
- Brothers are forced to beat sisters and vice versa. violence is inflicted on adult girls after stripping them naked and their sex organs are damaged. They are sexually assaulted, pregnancies are terminated of the expectant females
- Crotchets are pulled apart.
- The victims of inhuman violence are made to sit naked in winter, and under the sun in summer, kept sleepless for days in solitary cells.
- Sikhs are subjected to severe beatings and filthy abuse in the presence of their village folks.
- Dead bodies of Sikhs killed in fake encounters are not handed over to their parents to conceal marks of excessive violence.
- The state manipulates tailored post mortem reports from the doctors, and burns the dead bodies of the Sikhs after falsely declaring them unclaimed.
- All sorts of excesses are made on the parents of underground Sikh youths.
- Indiscriminant atrocities are committed on the parents of the underground youth of the area where some militant action takes place.
- Atrocities are committed without caring for one's age, health life or death. If some one luckily survives such brutal excesses, it is well and good But if one dies while under "interrogation", then such a dead body is taken out, pierced with some bullets, and a news item is sent that a dreaded terrorist has been shot dead in an encounter.
- Houses of underground Sikh youths are demolished, their belongings are looted, crops destroyed, their tube well motors are taken away, and they are prevented from sowing crops.
- Even animals of the families of underground Sikh youth are subjected to police anger. After summoning the families to the police station, villagers are told not to take care of the animals of the families of the underground youth. Generally the animals starve to death.
- False cases are registered against innocent sikh youths, later they are let off taking fat bribes.
- Reporters giving true reports are arrested, an undeclared censorship is imposed on them to stop them from exposing police atrocities.
- Peaceful protests by the Human rights organizations are prohibited.
- Press is used to launch vicious and false propaganda against the Sikhs.
- Hardened criminals are inducted into Sikh movement to help in arresting the Sikh revolutionaries and sabotage the movement. Such criminals are inducted to tarnish the fair name of the Sikh revolutionaries are now called the "Black Cats" in the Punjab. Under SSP Izhar Alam, such criminal gangs were named the "Alam Sena." Besides, such police sponsored bands of criminals also operated under the name of Panthic Tiger Force and "Red Brigade." The director general of the police himself admitted about the "Black Cats" bands. In his interview to the India Today on Sept. 15, 188, KPS Gill had announced without an iota of shame that the security forces in Punjab cannot do anything without the help of secret bands (Black Cats).
- Thousands of innocent pilgrims, children, females, aged people, who got encircled in the Golden Temple during Operation Bluestar were made to die through starvation and thirst. The whole of Punjab was converted into a vast jail by clamping curfew on the entire area. The army bulletin branded all Amritdhari Sikhs as terrorists.
- Indian army desecrated the Gurdwaras and committed such atrocities on the Sikhs that even the soul of Ahmed Shah Abdali might have felt ashamed of.
- The targets of army guns were none else but religious persons, devotees, pilgrims, ladies, old people, children or some militants whom the indian government deemed as terrorists.
- No neutral observer was allowed to take stock of the situation.
- The injured during the attack on the Golden Temple were subjected to extreme partiality. Whereas every assistance and facility was made available to the injured army personnel, there was no such provision for the wounded belonging to the other side.
- The number of prisoners taken was rather small. There is ample scope for doubt that the Indian army had thought it better to eliminate the thousands of people seized in the Golden Temple instead of taking them prisoners or having to provide them with medical assistance.
- No need was felt to perform religious rites for the dead pilgrims and devotees.
- Before consigning the dead bodies to flames, no effort was made to identify them. No relatives were informed.
- No dead bodies were handed over to the next of kin. In such a situation only the dead or those wishing to be dead could be present at the last rites.
- All dead bodies were placed in heaps and then consigned to flames. IT was never insured that among the dead there could also be some Muslim devotees. To cremate is against the tenets of Islam.
- No need was felt to give a list of the dead to the Red Cross or any other International Agency.
- Despite such atrocities, no commission was appointed to go into this dark episode. Even the Britishers, the foreign rulers, had cared to appoint the Hunter commission to inquire into the Jallianwalla Massacre which was of a much less magnitude on the other hand. The Indian government, on the other hand, took all steps to hide the excesses of the army.

Sikh diaspora keeps memories alive

2009-11-06T19:59:00.001-03:00

Sikh diaspora keeps memories alive

Against all odds, the Sikhs in India appear to have moved on with the scars of 1984, but the same is evidently not true for the Sikh diaspora; many of whom moved to Western countries in the 1980s.
“They carried their grief along with them, and have allowed it to sediment,” says sociologist Patricia Uberoi — an Australian married to a Sikh academic who allowed their children to take up Australian nationality after the 1984 carnage.
And, Prof. Uberoi is not alone in making this observation. Her film-maker daughter Safina — who stayed on in the Capital after the carnage while her siblings moved overseas — finds her brother and sister still harbouring that pain while she, herself, has been able to come to terms with that frightening chapter of her life.
“I watched my parents recommit to life here; saw them through that phase,” recalls Ms. Uberoi.
“My father, who had abandoned his Sikh identity as a teenager, began wearing a turban after Operation Blue Star…absolutely, bad timing. We had to flee our home and when we returned, nothing was the same again. My father was a bitter man, disillusioned with his own patriotism and my mother wondered what she was doing in a country which was prepared to kill her dear ones. My parents chose to stay on and I remained with them. I saw India’s extraordinary power of reconciliation.” And, her mother says she saw the worst and the best in human nature that weekend.
But the Indian capacity for reconciliation is something alien to the Sikh diaspora who continue to remember India as anti-Sikh; evident from the heckling that Congress politicians face from the community during overseas visits. Part of the problem lies in the failure of the Indian government to build bridges with the Sikh diaspora. And, there is continuing harassment with the government adding new names to an old blacklist of overseas Sikhs as recently as 2008.
This only firms up long-held biases which, in turn, manifest in the form of ‘Long Live Khalistan’ slogans still donning the walls of gurdwaras in Canada.
Besides, in terms of identity, these Sikh immigrants of the 1980s – most of whom went in as refugees — prefer to call themselves Canadian Sikhs and not Indo-Canadians.
Though they do not openly advocate Khalistan, they give vent to their unforgiving attitude towards the Indian state at the slightest provocation. Compared to the immigrants of the 1980s, the newcomers are not bitter. But since their entry into Canada has been sponsored by the earlier generation, the moderate voice gets stifled in the quicksand of bitterness.

Shahbaz vows to open Pakistan’s door for Sikh Yatris

2009-11-06T19:53:00.002-03:00

Shahbaz vows

to open Pakistan’s

door for Sikh Yatris
Islamabad Nov 6: Federal Minister fro Minorities Affairs, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti stated that doors of Pakistan would be opened for Sikh Yatrees. He was talking to the Sikh delegations in his office today who visited his office to pay thanks for his good care during their Pakistan Yatra in connection with birthday celebration of Baba Guru Nanak. It is worth mentioning that different Sikh delegations are continuously coming to his office for the purpose. This is first time that such a big number of Sikhs visited Minorities Minister’s office.Prominent Sikh delegates are Sardar Manmohan Singh, Khalsa, Chairman, World Muslim Sikh Federation, UK, Sardar Gurmeet Singh Aulakh, President, Council of Khalistan, USA, Dr. Paritpal Singh, Coordinator, American Sikh Gurdwara Perbanddhak Committee, USA, Sardar Joga Sigh, British Sikh Council, UK, Sardar Jagir Singh, Jathedar, Shiromani Gurdwara Perbandhak Committee, India, Sardar Shamsher Singh, Jathedar, Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Sham Singh, Member, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Perbandhak Committee.Sardar Sahib Singh, Member, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Perbandhak Committee, Sardar Bishan Singh, Ex-President, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Perbandhak Committee.Federal Minister, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti informed that Gurdwaras would be provided modern facilities and a comprehensive Religious Tourism would be introduced shortly. Sikh Marriage Act would also be presented in the Parliament for legislation after consultation.Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti added Sikhs students would be provided government jobs under 5% quota for minorities recently reserved and strictly being observed now a days.Delegates paid thanks to Federal Minister and his Ministry’s high ups for their cooperation. They were present during all this business including Secretary Amanullah Toro and Ch. Munir, Joint Secretary.Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti said “we all Pakistanis honour the national flag which indicates Majority and Minority through its green and white colors respectively, we live for it and can die for its honour."Federal Minister stressed on the necessity of equality and interfaith harmony and elimination of sectarianism and terrorism in the country.

Editor brutally beaten at gunpoint

2009-11-01T07:32:00.002-03:00

Editor brutally beaten at gunpoint

Punjabi Post chief mystified after kidnap attempt in which masked men said nothing but 'kill him'

Raveena Aulakh Staff Reporter

Punjabi editor Jagdish Grewal was attacked by three men outside his office on Friday.

DAVID COOPER/TORONTO STAR

He was viciously punched, kicked and held at gunpoint, but three days after the violent incident, Jagdish Grewal still doesn't know why.

"They didn't say anything, just punched me hard ... and tried to drag me to their car," Grewal, editor of Punjabi Post, said Monday.

He says the attack and attempted abduction could be linked to his strong anti-extremist views or because his newspaper has led a crusade against the widespread consumption of dode, poppy powder, openly available at some meat shops in Peel Region.

But Grewal, a father of three, said it doesn't have anything to do with the money he owes. "I have some loans, yes, but I owe money to friends and family and I know the attack had nothing to do with it." He said he owed less than $100,000.

Grewal was leaving his office on Sun Pac Blvd. in Brampton at about 11:40 p.m. when three men, in black clothes and sporting face masks, ran towards him. The journalist, who says one of the men had a baton and another a gun, scrambled to get inside his van. He locked himself in and briefly honked to alert employees in the newsroom. But the men smashed a window and dragged him outside.

"They were punching, kicking and dragging me to a van parked about five spots away," said Grewal, who still had a swollen lip and a backache on Monday. The three men, one of whom had a long beard, tried to lift Grewal by his legs and arms.

"But when they saw an employee at the door, one of them screamed in Punjabi: `Kill him. Kill him,'" said Grewal. But seconds later, they fled. When an employee found him, Grewal was bleeding from the mouth, had bruises all over and his turban lay unravelled next to him.

On Monday, he was still shaken as members of Toronto's Punjabi community visited him at his north Etobicoke home.

Grewal, who does not support the Khalistan movement – a separatist movement to create a Sikh state within India's northern province of Punjab – said he received some "strange but not threatening phone calls" when he interviewed a visiting Sikh journalist on his radio show.

Jarnail Singh threw his shoe at India's home minister to protest that government's non-action against those responsible for anti-Sikh riots. On the radio show three weeks ago, Grewal said hurling a shoe wasn't the right thing to do. Singh also agreed.

Balraj Deol, of Khabarnama, another Punjabi newspaper in Peel Region, said Punjabi journalists are worried about their safety now. "To me, it's clearly an effort to muzzle the liberal (Punjabi) press."

Threats on Sikh editor shine spotlight on decades-long tensions

2009-11-01T07:32:00.001-03:00

Threats on Sikh editor

shine spotlight on

decades-long tensions

by Kathryn Blaze Carlson
National Post

It has been 25 years since the Air India bombing and the anti-Sikh riots in India, and while the quest for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan has all but fizzled there, the separatist movement maintains a small but at times loud presence here in Canada.

To be sure, the divide between pro-Khalistanis and those who believe in a united India has diminished since the 1990s, a decade marked by violent flashes including the high-profile murder of British Columbia newspaper publisher Tara Singh Hayer, a moderate Sikh who condemned violence in the Khalistan movement.

Recent events across the country, however, have highlighted the underlying -- albeit far less heated -- tensions that continue to pit separatists against non-separatists, shining a spotlight on what many thought had become largely a dead issue.

Although the motive behind Friday night's attack on the Sikh editor of the Punjabi Post in Brampton, Ont., remains unknown, the 42-year-old victim believes he was held at gunpoint because of his anti-extremist political views. He said pockets of separatist factions continue to "speak the language of violence."

Police busts module of Khalistan Zindabad Force

2009-10-24T14:38:00.002-03:00

Police busts module of

Khalistan Zindabad Force
Amritsar: Special Operation Cell of Punjab police arrest a member of Khalistan Zindabad Force, officials said on Wednesday. Police said that Barkat Singh a close and trusted aide of Ranjit Singh, chief of KZF based in Pakistan against whom many cases pertaining to terrorist activities were registered.
Singh is currently wanted by Jammu police in a high profile murder case and at present was living on a fake identity. Investigations also revealed that Ranjit Singh was trying to push in huge consignment of arms, ammunitions and explosives from Pakistan, which was to be received by Barkat through a associate in Jammu, police said. An FIR has been registered under various sections of the Arms Act, Explosive Act and IPC. Bureau Report

Film with Sanjay Dutt not on Khalistan or 26/11: Lakhia

2009-10-24T14:29:00.000-03:00

Film with Sanjay Dutt

not on Khalistan or 26/11: Lakhia
By Radhika Bhirani, IANSOctober 22nd, 2009

NEW DELHI - Filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia, known for making the hit crime thriller “Shootout At Lokhandwala”, has trashed rumours that his film with Sanjay Dutt is based on policemen who battled Sikh extremism.
“I don’t know where all this has come from. There is no film that I am doing on the Khalistan movement. Yes, I am doing a film with Sanjay Dutt, but it is more on the lines of ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’ - something based on a recent event in Mumbai and something about cops,” Lakhia told IANS over phone from Mumbai.
So is it about the brutal 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that took place last year?
“No way! Not at all. It has nothing to do with 26/11. It is based on a two- paragraph story I read in the newspaper about an event in the city involving some cops,” he said.
The movie will be directed by Lakhia in association with Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Private Limited.
Lakhia is at present busy with post- production of his first home production “Hide & Seek”, a romantic thriller that has an ensemble cast, including actors like Purab Kohli, Arjan Bajwa, Sameer Kochar and Ajaaz Khan.
The film is being directed by his assistant Shawn Arranha.
” ‘Hide & Seek’ is an exciting story about how six young friends play a game of hide and seek and one incident makes them drift apart for 15 years. Now to unravel the mystery of the incident, they have to play the game all over again. It has hints of childhood crushes and romance - basically it’s going to be a romantic thriller,” said Lakhia.
Asked if taking a leap from direction to production had been an itchy experience considering he had to stay away from the creative nitty-gritty of the project, Lakhia said: “Production is a different ballgame altogether.
“As a director you are used to demanding things without bothering about the budget. But as a producer I had to try and save whatever money I could.”
He has invested Rs.50 million in the film, but says the total budget would turn out to be approximately Rs.65 million after adding the publicity and marketing expenses.
On the creative front, Lakhia has been quite a liberal producer.
“I have directed more than four films in the past. And Shawn is just 23 years old, but very capable. My constant presence on the sets could be very intimidating for him creatively, so I just used to go and say ‘Hi! Hello’ on the sets and move away. However, I’ll be actively involved in the post-production work,” he said.

WORLD SIKH ORGANIZATION WELCOMES 2010 OLYMPICS

2009-10-16T13:54:00.002-03:00

World Sikh Organization

Welcomes 2010 Olympics

Accommodation Policy
Punjab Newsline Network
Friday, 16 October 2009
OTTAWA: The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) welcomes theannouncement of guidelines by the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (V2010 ISU)accommodating the kirpan at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympics Games.
The kirpan is an important Sikh article of faith, worn at all times by ‘initiated’ or amritdhariSikhs. It reminds the wearer of their obligation to stand up for justice and to support theunderprivileged in society.
WSO Canada President, Gurpreet Singh Bal said today, “The V2010 ISU’s forward thinkingpolicy accommodating the kirpan, is in keeping with the spirit of mutual understanding and celebrating diversity which are values shared both by Canadians and the Olympic movement in general.”
Senior Policy Advisor for WSO, Gian Singh Sandhu stated,“The V2010 ISU’s policy will allowpracticing Sikhs to fully participate and enjoy the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games along with fellow spectators from Canada and around the world.”WSO encourages Sikh spectators attending Vancouver Winter Olympic events to becomefamiliar with the V2010 ISU policy and strictly adhere to the guidelines. For furtherclarifications please contact either WSO or V2010 ISU with any questions you may have with regards to this policy.

SEPARATE HARYANA GURDWARA COMMITEE ROW

2009-10-15T10:04:00.002-03:00

Separate Haryana Gurdwara Committee Row,Akal takht declares Jhinda guilty
JAGMOHAN SINGH
Wednesday, 14 October 2009

AMRITSAR: Akal Takht (highest Sikh temporal seat) here Wednesday during the marathon meeting declared Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC) leader Jagdish Singh Jhinda and his five associates guilty (Tankhayia) for religious misconduct besides hurting the sentiments of Sikh devotees by and large.
During meeting of Sikh Clergy including Jatehdar Akal Takht Gyani Gurbachan Singh, Jatehdar Takht Damdama Sahib Gyani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jatehdar Takht Kesgarh Sahib Gyani Tarlochan Singh, Jatehdar Takht Patna Sahib Gyani Iqbal Singh and Deputy Jatehdar of Takht Hazoor Sahib Jotinder Singh were present at Akal Takht to hear Jhinda and his associates, when Jhinda and his associates were declared guilty for violating the Sikh tenets and customs.
Earlier Jatehdar Akal Takht Gyani Gurbachan Singh was expected to pronounce decision on Jhinda and his five associates on October 14 but deferred on today.
However, Akal Takht made it cleared that decision of quantum and type of religious punishment was kept in abeyance, would be declared in the next meeting would be held after November 15 and exact date of meeting would be announced later on, said Jatehdar Akal Takht.
Whereas, Jhinda after the edict of Akal Takht said,” I welcome the decision of holy Akal Takht since this is supreme body for Sikh community as well as for him. Every decision of Akal Takht is like the decision of Almighty. Whatever the punishment pronounced by Akal Takht would be acceptable to him and his associates”.
During conversation with Sikh clergy Jhinda remained Stick on his demand for the separate Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to manage the affairs of all Haryana based Sikh Gurdwaras which were presently being managed by the Amritsar based SGPC.
Jhinda and his associates-Avtaar Singh Chakku, Hazoor Singh Nambardar, Kanwaljit Singh, Joga Singh were allegedly accountable for threatening the Sikh priest on pistol point and then ordered him to vacate the Gurdwara last month on September 13.
It may be mentioned here that on September 13 Jhinda alongwith his associates allegedly took over the famous Chhewin Patshahi Gurdwara at Kurukshetra which was soon after got freed by the SGPC president Makkar when he reached on the spot along with his task force.
But Jhinda in his defense had said that it was all rumors, infact he along with his associates went to the Gurdwara to perform sewa (selfless service) which was distorted by the section of media, otherwise there was no truth in the entire episode.
Jhinda also told the Sikh clergy that on that during the sewa, he had offered Rs. 10, 000 in the Gurdwara Golakh (treasury) and at no where point didn’t rise for any kind of violation of Sikh code of conducts.

Governor Schwarzenegger Crushes Kirpan Education Bill with Surprise Veto

2009-10-14T09:02:00.002-03:00

Governor Schwarzenegger Crushes

Kirpan Education Bill with Surprise Veto
Take Action!We urge each you to tell Governor Schwarzenegger about your disappointment and disgust with his refusal to support the Kirpan Education Bill.

You can email him by clicking here or call him directly at 916-445-2841.
The Fight is Not Over!
"I am committed to carrying this legislation again until this or any other governor signs it. I urge the Sikh community to stand with me as we continue this fight."
- Assembly Member Furutani

Sacramento, CA (October 11, 2009) - In a surprise blow to the Sikh community, Governor Schwarzenegger last night vetoed a bill that would educate law enforcement officers about Sikh articles of faith. The Governor's decision came as a shock to dozens of organizations, communities and lawmakers who supported the bill. The veto was particularly surprising given the unanimous, bipartisan votes in favor of the bill through both houses of the legislature (77-0 and 36-0 in the Assembly and Senate, respectively).Take Action: Either email (click here) or call (916-445-2841) Governor Schwarzenegger. Let him know how you feel about him dismissing legislation to ensure law enforcement education on the Sikh articles of faith. Make sure you tell him, "Your lack of support for California's religious minorities is deeply disappointing. As an immigrant yourself, I would have hoped that you would see fit to support other minorities in our diverse community.""This loss for the Sikh community is a reminder of our serious lack of political clout. After months of hard work and 100% support from our lawmakers, the Sikh voice was still not strong enough to overcome the whim of one man. We have been here for over 100 years, but as a community, we need to learn to exercise our political muscle and our voting power," said Prabhjot Singh, the Sikh Coalition Board Chairman.The BillAB 504 was introduced in February 2009 by Assembly member Warren Furutani (D-Long Beach) to use education to help stem the arrests of Sikhs for carrying their kirpans in California. Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in the arrests of Sikhs nationwide for carrying kirpans. Police mistakenly believe them to be in violation of concealed weapons laws. Such arrests violate Sikhs' rights, waste taxpayer money, and have a traumatic effect on the person arrested.AB 504 was our first attempt to change this dynamic. Though the bill did not touch on the legality of the kirpan, it asked that police officers be trained about who Sikhs are and learn about the significance of the kirpan, in the hopes that religious understanding would decrease arrests. While some police and sheriff's departments have recognized the need for this type of training and have been conducting it on an ad hoc basis, this law would have standardized and mandated the process state-wide. The bill would have been the first law of its kind in the United States.What Happened?The Governor vetoed the bill as "unnecessary." His message read, "It is the policy and practice of the Commission to periodically review and update existing course curricula. If the Commission determines that training on the kirpan is warranted, it can create a program without this measure."The veto came despite the bill's broad endorsement by groups ranging from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and party consultants from both sides of the aisle, as well as several religious and civil rights groups. Every single California legislator was in favor of the proposed law. However, numerous efforts by Sikh community members to outreach to the Governor's office prior to the bill's consideration were greeted with no response from the Governor. We suspect that the final veto was the result of law enforcement's strong desire to avoid promoting the acceptance of Sikhs with kirpans.The veto message was an outrageous response because the language of AB 504 was modeled on a similar bill about people on the autistic spectrum that was signed by the Governor last year. AB 504 was also drafted with input and approval from the Police Officers' Standard and Training Commission (POST). Given his historic support of similar bills and the Governor's unwillingness to speak with Sikhs about the bill, his veto is considered to be a direct rejection of California's Sikhs. Governor Schwarzenegger is no friend of ours."The Governor's response is very disappointing. It shows his lack of support for promoting religious understanding," said Neha Singh, Western Region Director of the Sikh Coalition. "It is an utter shame that he does not understand the value of educating our law enforcement agencies on the diverse communities they are policing."

Boy's Sikh dagger in school ban

2009-10-13T18:47:00.002-03:00

The kirpan is one of five

'articles of faith'

Sikhs must carry

A Sikh boy has been withdrawn from a north London school after he said he wanted to wear his traditional dagger.
The boy, 14, was told not to carry the 5in (12.7cm) kirpan at the Compton School in Barnet after governors ruled it was a health and safety risk.
Under Sikhism the sheathed scimitar is one of five "articles of faith" that must be carried at all times.
The school governors have said they have tried to find a compromise and a place remains open for the boy.
They proposed he wore a 2in version of the dagger welded into a sheath.
But that was rejected as the family said the miniature dagger was a replica and not a genuine kirpan.
Privately educated
The boy first started carrying the religious artefact two years ago when he was baptised as a Sikh.
However, according to his older brother Ravjeet Singh, at the start of term last month, he was told it was no longer allowed.
"He was greeted by the head teacher at the school and was asked if he was wearing the kirpan" he told the BBC's Asian Network.
"He said yes and then they said, 'we're going to have to turn you away'."
At the moment we are holding a place open for the student should he feel able to wear a kirpan suitable to bring into school
Statement by the school's governors
Mejindarpal Kaur, director of community group United Sikhs, said: "The Compton School's decision is a blow to religious freedom in Barnet - schools throughout the UK have accommodated Sikh students who wear a kirpan."
The boy's family said he is now being privately educated, having missed five weeks of school.
A statement by the school's governors said: "We have examined potential compromises after looking at how this issue has been dealt with in other schools and elsewhere within the Sikh community and taken legal advice.
"At the moment we are holding a place open for the student should he feel able to wear a kirpan suitable to bring into school."
The Department for Children, Schools and Families said it was up to schools to make their own policy on the carrying of the kirpan and that, if challenged, it would be up to the courts to decide.

‘We Were Clubbed With The Terrorists’

2009-10-11T08:37:00.001-03:00

Punjab
‘We Were Clubbed With The Terrorists’
A young major commanding a squadron of tanks recollects his memories of Operation Bluestar...
Chander Suta Dogra Interviews Gurinder Singh Ghuman

Memories. Proud, bitter, sad, painful. If only...what if?...why me? Whenever Lt Col Gurinder Singh Ghuman (Retd) relives the momentous days of Operation Bluestar, these memories strike at his inner self like a hundred shards, leaving him bruised afresh. As a young major commanding a squadron of tanks in the 46 Armoured Regiment posted at Amritsar, the summer of 1984 was a turning point in his life. Not because he saw the operation at close quarters, or because he was charged with supervising the cremation of scores of dead bodies, including that of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Doing all that was duty. The real cause of his anguish is that he was mistrusted by colleagues and betrayed, as he sees it, by the very organisation he had sworn to serve faithfully. Ghuman took premature retirement from the army in 1997 and is now an advocate at the Punjab & Haryana High Court. Excerpts from an interview to Chander Suta Dogra:
Revisiting Operation Bluestar 25 years later, what is the first thought that comes to your mind?
Though I was a young officer at that time, intent only on executing the orders given to me and had no idea of the planning that went into the operation, with the perspective of hindsight, the overriding thought is that it all got marred due to faulty planning and poor intelligence inputs.
In what way has Operation Bluestar affected you?
It has left a permanent mark on my psyche. I am not normal any more, I suffer from insomnia. I was never a very religious person to begin with, because in the army, we are trained to be secular and keep religion within the four walls of our homes. But now I go to the gurudwara every day. My career in the army was affected because I was a Sikh officer and my seniors suspected me of being sympathetic to the Khalistan cause. Despite above-average reports and a brilliant record, I was passed up for promotion.
Could you elaborate?

‘At an inquiry, I was asked if I touched the dead Bhindranwale’s feet in obeisance.’

I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was a time when Sikh troops in some other units were revolting and there was a question mark on the conduct of Sikh officers too. This hurt more than anything else. On the night of June 6, I was tasked with cremating the dead bodies from the Golden Temple and I supervised the cremation of some 70 bodies in the cremation ground next to Gurudwara Shaheedan. Just then, some police personnel brought the bodies of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh and Bhai Thada Singh. I noticed Bhindranwale’s left leg was dangling and on lifting it to see why, I realised his shin was broken due to three bullet wounds. It was idle curiosity. But later on, there was an inquiry against me at which I was asked if I had touched his feet in obeisance. There were questions also on why I folded my hands when the granthi was reciting the antim ardas (a prayer for the dead).
A couple of days earlier, I had been given the task of dispersing a crowd of angry Sikhs who had presumably gathered to attack some Hindus at Chiwinda Devi village on the outskirts of Amritsar. As soon as we took up position, the crowd dispersed. But the inquiry officer wanted to know why I did not open fire on the crowd. All this when I had also been tasked with the job of stopping the possible advance of a mutinous armoured squadron of Sikh troops coming from Jalandhar on June 9. Being a Sikh officer, I was the only squadron commander of my unit who was operationally deployed at that time!
Do you think if you were not a Sikh officer, your career would have taken a different turn?
Certainly. All Sikh personnel in the army were looked upon with suspicion at that time. We were clubbed with the terrorists and almost overnight the very organisation that nurtured us professionally turned adversarial. As if battling with our own countrymen in the operation was not enough! For me, personally, I could never think of questioning an order. Which is why facing the subsequent inquiry ordered against me was distressing.
What about the idea of Khalistan? Was it a very emotional issue with Sikhs at that time?
The Sikh masses were never in favour of Khalistan. Contrary to popular perception, Bhindranwale did not really have a great following. The whole situation was mishandled and allowed to get out of hand.

UK School Bans Kirpan Forcing Sikh Out of School

2009-10-10T07:29:00.002-03:00

UK School

Bans Kirpan Forcing Sikh

Out of School
Student Without School for 4 weeks is Admitted in a Private School Yesterday
"The Compton School's decision is a blow to religious freedom in Barnet schools whilst schools throughout the UK have accommodated Sikh students who wear a Kirpan. The school should recognise that the Kirpan poses no greater risk to other students than scissors, cutters or cutlery that exist in greater numbers in schools and are regularly handled by students ," said Mejindarpal Kaur, UNITED SIKHS Legal Director .
London, U.K. - After two years of negotiating with his school, a 14 year old Sikh boy was told by his North London school that he would no longer be allowed to wear his Kirpan that he had been wearing for two years, because it posed a health and safety risk. On the first day of school last month, he attempted to attend classes at The Compton School, but was escorted out after he told his teachers that he was wearing his Kirpan, which is a sheathed scimitar, one of the five kakaar ( articles of faith), as an initiated Sikh, he must wear at all times. An award winning student who is starting his crucial GCSE year, J Singh (who is a minor, hence not named) had been out of school for 4 weeks until yesterday, when he obtained admission in a private school after his family took a loan to pay his £6,000- a- year fees.
The legal costs of engaging Bindmans LLP have exceeded £6000. If you wish to assist the family to pay J Singh's private school fees and legal fees incurred to date and in the future, please donate at www.unitedsikhs.org/donate
UNITED SIKHS has been meeting with community leaders to consider the way forward so that Sikh students may be able to practise their faith freely.
After J Singh was turned away from The Compton School, the Barnet Council's Director of Children's Services, Robert McCulloch-Graham and the Council's legal advisor, Lanna Childs, met UNITED SIKHS legal director, Mejindarpal Kaur and J Singh's family. Lanna Childs insisted that J Singh was not 'excluded' from school as he could return if he removed his Kirpan. Mr Mc Culloch said that since J Singh was not excluded there was no duty for the Council to find him an alternative school, even though he was of compulsory education age.
"Why is a Sikh student being asked to choose between his education and his faith?" Mejindarpal Kaur asked Mr. McCulloch, to which he replied, that the school governors had agreed that J Singh could wear a two inch 'kirpan' from tip of handle to blade, which is welded shut in its sheath.
"We had informed the school that the two-inch alternative is a replica and not a Kirpan, hence not acceptable to J Singh or the community," Mejindarpal Kaur informed Mr Mc Culloch.
Prior to the exclusion, UNITED SIKHS had contacted the Equality and Human rights Commission who offered to provide a mediation service which was declined by the school. We also obtained legal advice from Helen Mountfield, a senior barrister who had represented Sarika Singh in her Kara case last year. The School refused to budge despite representations by Bindmans lawyers following counsel's advice.
UNITED SIKHS has written a letter, cosigned by a number of Sikh organizations, to Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and also sought assistance from the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Sikhs, Rob Marris MP and chair for APPG for Punjabis John Mcdonnell MP. Both also wrote to Ed Balls MP. You may read UNITED SIKHS' letter to ED Balls MP here.
In reply to Rob Marris' letter to Ed Balls, Diana Johnson, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, stated that the non-statutory guidance to schools on the wearing of Kirpan explains that schools should be fully aware of the religious observances of Sikhs and the need to deal with this issue sensitively.
"We expect disputes. to be resolved locally. The Department (of Children Schools and Families) does not usually intervene. If challenged, it would ultimately be for the courts to decide if the school is justified in restricting the wearing of the Kirpan in this case," Diana Johnson said.
"The Compton School's decision is a blow to religious freedom in Barnet schools whilst schools throughout the UK have accommodated Sikh students who wear a Kirpan. The school should recognise that the Kirpan poses no greater risk to other students than scissors, cutters or cutlery that exist in greater numbers in schools and are regularly handled by students ," said Mejindarpal Kaur. Sikhs have a statutory exemption under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 that allows them to wear a Kirpan in public, including at schools.
For the last five weeks, as parents saw their children settle into a new academic year, J Singh's family was desperately looking for a school for their son.
"We knew that no school in the Barnet borough would take my brother as they would be bound by the same legal advice given by the Council's lawyers. We looked at schools in other boroughs even though it meant my brother would have to travel an hour each way to school or live away from home. Even that was a challenge as schools had a waiting list and it was too late to join school in the 10th year as most schools took new admissions at year 7," said Ravjeet Singh, J Singh's elder brother.
"We were hopeful that a Sikh faith school in Hayes, the Guru Nanak Sikh School, would accommodate my son. However, they too turned us away saying they have a long waiting list," said J Singh's father, Bhupinder Singh.
UNITED SIKHS encourages the Sikh community to wear their kakaars, fearlessly exercise their freedom of religion, and to contact us with any problems, concerns, or incidents of discrimination.To read a previous press release on UNITED SIKHS advocacy efforts for kakkar please visit: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-05-10-2009-00.htmlHelp us tailor our advocacy initiatives for the greatest global impact by participating in the Global Sikh Civil Rights Survey.The legal costs of engaging Bindmans LLP have exceeded £6000. If you wish to assist the family to pay J Singh’s private school fees and legal fees incurred to date and in future, please donate at www.unitedsikhs.org/donateUNITED SIKHS is a registered charity in the UK and if you are a tax payer and sign a Gift Aid declaration, we will receive, from the Inland Revenue, an additional 28 pence for every pound you donate.Issued by:Rishipal SinghDirectorInternational Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA)UNITED SIKHSPhone: 07709830442mhtml:%7BD6C86553-6682-4652-9690-E66B5E11C5F3%7Dmid://00000334/!x-usc:mailto:law@unitedsikhs.org

KHALISTANI ARRESTED IN JAMMU

2009-10-10T07:16:00.002-03:00

Khalistani arrested in Jammu
A member of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) has been arrested in Satwari area of Jammu city, police said on Friday.
Jammu A member of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) has been arrested in Satwari area of Jammu city, police said on Friday.
Ranjit Singh alias Ranji was arrested from a house here on Thursday. A revolver and five cartridges were recovered from his possession, they said.

Clothing Store Denies Discrimination Against Turbaned Sikh

2009-10-09T08:36:00.002-03:00

Clothing Store Denies

Discrimination Against

Turbaned Sikh

A prominent clothing store denied they had discriminated against Amandeep Singh, a young Sikh man, when he was refused a job because of his turban and claimed that their staff had not understood their dress policy. When Amandeep applied for a job at the Kenneth Cole retail store in Westchester Mall earlier this summer, he did not expect to experience discrimination. In a second interview, the manager of the store expressed interest in hiring him, but then inquired as to the necessity of his wearing of the dastaar (Sikh turban).
Amandeep described his dastaar as a requirement of the Sikh faith, and the manager informed him that "Kenneth Cole's company dress policy clearly states that it did not allow shorts, baggy pants, visible logos, tube-tops, miniskirts, or headgear," and therefore they would not be able to hire him.
This came as a surprise to Amandeep, as Kenneth Cole used a Sikh model, Sonny Singh Cabberwal, in an advertising campaign in the Fall of 2008, and that campaign was heralded by the Sikh community.
After Amandeep contacted UNITED SIKHS, we wrote to Kenneth Cole asking that the incident be immediately investigated, a change in corporate policy be instituted, an apology be issued to Amandeep Singh, and training be put in place regarding diversity including education about Sikhs. Kenneth Cole responded with an apology, stated that the particular store's associates did not understand the relevant policies, and stated the Company's policy "does not prohibit headgear worn because of a sincerely held religious belief." Representatives from the Company also called Amandeep and offered to continue his interview process. UNITED SIKHS is pursuing a change to the policy that explicitly expresses the exception for the dastaar (Sikh turban), and is continuing to advocate for training to ensure that incidents such as this one are not repeated.
Amandeep Singh commented on the experience, stating, "Being born and raised in the United States, I never thought I would be discriminated against because of my religion. I will now have this incident in mind every time I apply for for a job." The dastaar (Sikh turban) is the most recognizable feature of a Sikh. It is an inextricable part of the Sikh identity and is worn by a Sikh at all times, to cover the kesh (unshorn hair), one of the five articles of faith initiated Sikhs are required to maintain. The requirement of unshorn hair and a dastaar tied over it has been codified in the Sikh Code of Conduct (Sikh Rehat Maryada).
Commenting on the case, Jaspreet Singh, Staff Attorney, UNITED SIKHS stated, "While Kenneth Cole has stated it does not support a discriminatory policy against religious headgear, we are continuing to pursue this matter with the Company to ensure that proper protocol is in place so that incidents like this one do not occur again. Employment discrimination has been a consistent problem for Sikhs in the United States, and every incident like this one must be treated seriously." UNITED SIKHS is working closely with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other state civil rights agencies to address workplace discrimination against Sikhs.
UNITED SIKHS encourages the Sikh community to wear their kakaars, fearlessly exercise their freedom of religion, and to contact us with any problems, concerns, or incidents of discrimination.
Help UNITED SIKHS tailor their advocacy initiatives for the greatest global impact by participating in the Global Sikh Civil Rights Survey.

Sikh extremist activity minimal in recent years

2009-10-09T08:20:00.002-03:00

Sikh extremist activity minimal

in recent years: Report ( Oct 07 2009 )

FROM:http://www.southasianobserver.com/topstories.php?cid=121

Sikh extremist activity in Canada, considered a cause of concern in Indian security establishment, is "minimal in recent years" according to a report, titled "Canada: Bi-Annual Update on the Threat from Terrorists and Extremists".
The Integrated Threat Assessment Centre report, however, underscores that separatism "provides an undercurrent of tension in various regions of Canada, most prominently in Quebec."
Dated last November, the report was only recently released under the Access to Information Act, Canadian media reported.
There had been a sustained propaganda for Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland, in Canada.
The Canadian government, however, has been insisting that it can't do much about people peacefully lobbying for Khalistan.
Canada was first among the countries where consulates of Khalisatn were announced to be set up unilaterally in the cities of Winnipeg, Vancouver and Toronto in 1969. Later in late eighties and nineties a violent movement in the name of Khalistan led to killings of thousands of people in India.
A major event in Canadian history was bombing of an Air India plane in 1985 for which Indo-Canadians were major suspects. They were acquitted many years later in court cases.
Many terrorist organizations working underground in Indian state of Punjab then, had been working openly in Canada.
In June 2003, the Canadian government outlawed the Babbar Khalsa, blamed in the 1985 Air India bombing, as well as the International Sikh Youth Federation.
The Indian government has also been raising concerns in Ottawa over an apparent resurgence of the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement in Canada.

SUVIDA CENTRES THROUGHOUT PUNJAB BY BAISAKHI NEXT YEAR

2009-10-06T08:44:00.002-03:00

Suvida Centres throughout

Punjab by Baisakhi next year

JAGMOHAN SINGH
AMRITSAR: Giving concrete shape to the administrative reforms SAD-BJP led Punjab Government has decided to set up Suvida Centres of Police in every districts by Baisakhi, informed MLA & Patron Youth Akali Dal Bikram Singh Majithia.
The Suvida Centres will provide all the civil services rendered by police like providing passport verification services, arms licence verification, permission for fairs, permission of loud speakers, issuance and renewal of arms licence, police clearance certificates etc. within scheduled timelines, informed Majithia.
Similarly, Citizen Centering Municipal Act would also be introduced in the Municipal Corporations by Baisakhi next year, so that people’s interaction with the government be made harassment free, efficient and cost effective, he added.
Reacting sharply to the query regarding allegations leveled by former Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, Majithia said that Capt. Amarinder Singh was a diffused cartridge, devoid of any political agenda.
Majithia claimed that Badal led SAD-BJP party has created an atmosphere conducive to industrial growth whereby industrial giants like Laxmi Mittal, Anil Aggarwal (Vedanta Group), GVK and the like are investing in Punjab. Their investments will further attract many ancillary units and thus promote economic prosperity.
Talking about the candidates fielded by SAD in Haryana, Majithia claimed that both the candidates would definitely emerge victorious. Majithia was talking to media during the ceremony organized at Bachat Bhavan Amritsar wherein. Vir Singh Lopoke, assumed the office of Chairman Distt. Planning Committee Amritsar, here today.
Talking to media Lopoke assured that he would work hard to bring about holistic growth of the city and would device a suitable monitoring mechanism to ensure the proper implementation of centre and state government funded development schemes.

SIKH POLICEMAN WINS L 10000 AWARD AFTER TURBAN ROW

2009-10-04T10:29:00.002-03:00

Sikh policeman wins £10,000

award after turban row
Officer ordered to take off turban for riot training wins discrimination case

A Sikh policeman ordered to remove his turban to do riot training was awarded £10,000 compensation today by an employment tribunal.
PC Gurmeal Singh, who joined Greater Manchester police in 2004, had objected to removing his turban for the course on religious grounds.
After a three-week hearing in Manchester, he was awarded £3,500 for indirect racial and religious discrimination and £6,500 for harassment after suffering psychological damage, injury to feelings and personal injury.
In a meeting with a sergeant to discuss the riot training, he was told: "Can you not take that thing off … this is what you signed up for."
Singh, 31, was also asked whether he could modify his turban. He told the tribunal he feared he would be made to look like a comic character from Only Fools and Horses, where in one episode Del Boy Trotter tries to sell 200 "crash turbans" for fashion-conscious motorbike-riding Sikhs in Peckham – the motorcycle helmets had cloth wrapped around them.
Singh said he suffered panic attacks, stress and palpitations and was off sick over the issue during the long-running dispute.
The tribunal rejected 13 of his 15 allegations. But the panel found he suffered a single case of indirect racial and religious discrimination, after he was included on a group email on 8 February last year, telling officers riot training was mandatory and he would therefore have to remove his turban.
Singh had already told superiors he was unhappy about the situation.
Two months later he had an "unpleasant" meeting with his sergeant and went off sick the next day. The tribunal heard the two officers were on good terms and this was a "one-off disagreement", but the panel ruled the meeting amounted to harassment.
Singh is still employed by Greater Manchester police on "recuperative duties".
He was also awarded payment for loss of earnings of £1,914.15.
After the hearing Singh said: "I'm looking to return to work and see how GMP accommodate me. The sort of case I brought forward was long-term issues which I'm hoping will be resolved and I can only hope GMP can accommodate me."

PUNJAB POLICE ARREST TWO BABBAR KHALSA

2009-10-04T10:25:00.001-03:00

Punjab Police arrest two Babbar Khalsa

The Punjab Police toady claimed a major break through in the assassination case of Rulda Singh, president of the Punjab Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, a wing of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh, who was shot at and seriously injured by two unidentified persons at his residence near New Grain market on July 29.He later died on August 15 in the PGI at Chandigarh due to the bullet injuries.The police arrested two militants of the Babbar Khalsa this morning near Rethkheri viilage on Patiala-Sirhind road, DIG of Patiala range S K Asthana and SSP Arpit Shukla disclosed at a joint media conference.Mr Shukla identified the arrested militants as Jagmohan Singh and Darshan Singh, of Bassi Pathana in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The duo was arrested at a check point that was setup by a police party headed by CIA inspector, Jassa Singh. Police also recovered one .32 bore pistol from them. Mr Asthana claimed that Jagmohan Singh has admitted that he had opened fire on Rulda Singh. They committed the crime on the directions of Paramjit Singh Pamma, a Babbar Khalsa activist residing in England and Jagtar Singh Tara, an accused in the assasination case of former chief minister Beant Singh. Tara had escaped from Chandigarh's Burail Jail in 2004 along with Jagtar Singh Hawara and two others. While Hawara was arrested and has been sentenced to death in the assassination case, Tara is still at large.

SIKH LEADERS ARRESTS IN PUNJAB

2009-10-04T10:14:00.002-03:00

Sikh leaders’ arrests

in Indian Punjab condemned

WASHINGTON - A Washington-based lobbyist for the Sikh cause Friday condemned the recent arrests of Sikh leaders, including Daljit Singh Bittu, in Indian Punjab, saying his people will not be deterred by the state repression to fight for their independence.“Such Machiavellian tactics only steel the determination of the Sikh nation to give geographical shape to the Sikh daily prayer, of ‘Raj Karayga Khalsa’, into a democratic buffer state of Khalistan, located between India and Pakistan, West of the Jumna river and East of the Ravi and the Pakistan border,” Dr. Amarjit Singh, director of the Khalistan Affairs Centre, said in a statement.Dr. Singh said that the current police terror has been unleashed to preempt the world-wide protests being organized by the Sikhs to commemorate the 25th anniversary of what he called the anti-Sikh pogrom triggered by the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by two of her Sikh bodyguards.“During the four days long reign of terror in India, 25 years ago”, the statement said, “over ten thousand innocent Sikh men, women and children were murdered in Delhi, and other urban centres all over India, by workers of the ruling Congress party.“These Congress party apparatchiks, went on a murder spree, under supervision of the local police”. But Dr. Singh said no one had been found guilty.He said that Sikhs from all over the United States had staged a protest outside the United Nations on September 26 when the Indian external Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna, was addressing the UN General Assembly.

White man sponsor on Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary

2009-10-02T11:16:00.001-03:00

White man sponsor on

Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary

AMANDEEP KAUR
Friday, 02 October 2009
HAMILTON(New Zealand): In a rare goodwill gesture Richard Howard, a New Zealander of British heritage will be one of the sponsors for the mega function being organized by the Indian community to mark the birth anniversary of legendary martyr Bhagat Singh at Hamilton on October 3.
It is worth mentioning here that Richard Howard is the first New Zealander of British ancestry, who has come forward to sponsor a patriotic function being organised to commemorate Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
Managing Director of Pathways, one of New Zealand’s most established and reputable immigration consultancies, Richard Howard, is pleased and appreciative to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of the ceremony and also to deliver a keynote address for a gathering of around 1,500 Indians in Hamilton.
“Without going into good or bad sagas of history, I wish to establish good rapport with each ethnic community in New Zealand including Indians, who are emerging as a major international market,” said Richard.
The development is being seen as turnaround in the history given the fact that British rulers had hanged to death the revolutionary Indian patriot Bhagat Singh, along with two associates Rajguru and Sukhdev, nearly eight decades ago. In the post-independence era Bhagat Singh had emerged as the icon of Indians for playing a significant role in liberating the country.
The ceremony would be organized by the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Trust, Hamilton. Having come into existence in June 2008, the Trust has already commemorated the martyrdom anniversary of legendary martyr and its endeavours to mark his birth and martyrdom anniversaries on regular basis.
“The ceremony turns out to be great for us as a British-New Zealander Richard has agreed to be the part of it as a sponsor. We welcome this gesture to garner better ties,” said the Trust Chairperson Jugraj Singh Mahil.
The Trust Vice President J.S Randhawa said that invitations had already been sent for the ceremony and arrangements are being made for an expected gathering of more than 1,500 including some New Zealanders by birth.

Amarinder Singh supports subsidies given by Punjab govt

2009-10-01T11:30:00.000-03:00

Amarinder Singh supports

subsidies given by Punjab govt
Satinder Bains
CHANDIGARH: Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday supported subsidies given to agriculture and some other sectors by state government.
Addressing a press conference here, Amarinder Singh said that if economic position of state was sound there is no harm in giving subsidies to the certain sections. He said that after all it's the people's money and shall be spent on welfare of people.
Amarinder Singh said that Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal was giving statements that subsidies shall be discontinued but he is not taking decisive stand. He should told the Chief Minister firmly about the fiscal health of state. He added that his government had stopped subsidies for two years to stabalise the economy of state and later when they were comfortable, the subsidies were started again.
He however said that Punjab was caught in a debt trap and poor governance by Akalis was responsible for it. He said that present government didn't have enough funds to pay salaries of its staff. He said that state government was selling securities worth Rs.400 per month to run the government. The state is under debt of Rs.60,000 crores.
Firmer Chief Minister said that Badal government had performed poorly on power front. He said that power situation was same during Congress rule but they supplied full power to agriculture and industrial sector. He saaid that his government had made purchases to meet the situation. He said that he was not opposed to unbundling of Punjab State Electiricity Board since it is being done under Electricity Act. He however said that due consideration shall be given to the model to be adopted to give new look to the PSEB.
He also opposed SAD-BJP government decision to cancel the MoU with Reliance for opening of chain of stores in Punjab to market vegetables. He said that Reliance has 23,000 stores all over country. He said that it would have been to the benefit of farmers. He also supported payment of crops to farmers through Ahrtiyas.
Replying to a question, Amarinder Singh stated that it was for AICC president Sonia Gandhi to decide about appointing new PPCC president. He said that party was united and any decision taken by high command would be accepted by all.
Amarinder Singh said that law and order in Punjab was worst. "I have not seen such an anarchy during my 40 years of political life", he commented. He said that police was not registering case against the influential accused in many cases. In one case High Court had ordered to register the case but it was not comlied with, he added.

PAK GOES BALLISTIC WITH BHANGRA AFTER EMPHATIC WIN AGAINST INDIA

2009-10-01T11:08:00.002-03:00

Pak goes ballistic with bhangra

after emphatic win against India
Karachi, Sept 27: The whole of Pakistan erupted with joy when the home side defeated arch rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy clash late Saturday night.
Thousands of jubilant cricket fans came out on the streets in cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Lahore to celebrate Pakistan’s second win over India in any major ICC event.
Youngsters were seen doing Bhangra and chanting slogans, while some enthusiasts performed stunts on their motorbikes.
Meanwhile, captain Younis Khan congratulated the team on the famous win, saying it was the joint effort by the team that saw them defeating India by a huge margin of 54 runs.
Khan showered praise on the performer of the match Shoaib Malik for his brilliant innings of 128 runs.
“We had planned to mount a big ask against strong Indian side which we did successfully while it was made possible by the memorable innings smashed by Shoaib Malik (128) and speedy by Muhammad Yousuf (87),” The News quoted Khan, as saying.

PAKISTAN MINORITY MEETS WITH SIKH DELEGATION

2009-09-30T14:38:00.002-03:00

Sikh delegation meets

Pakistan minority

affairs minister in Washington

The delegation discussed how Sikhs in the US and elsewhere can advise and promote dialogue between the Sikh community and Pakistan to recognise, restore and preservehistoric sites and Gurdwaras, a media release said.
United Sikhs, in a statement, said that Bhatti urged the Sikhs to continue working together with the Government of Pakistan to resolve these important concerns, and stressed the importance of international Sikh communities' involvement in advising and supporting the Government'sefforts.
Another prominent issue discussed in the meeting was the introduction of the Minority Protection Act in the Pakistani Parliament that will safeguard the rights of all religious and other minorities in Pakistan. He said this will reserve jobs in all levels of Pakistani Government.
Commenting on the meeting, Balwinder Singh, president, Sikh Gurdwara of Greater Washington stated: "We appreciate Pakistan's understanding for our religion and hope that they will provide the Sikhs full co-operation and sand support to maintain our history and preserve our roots."

EFFORT TO REVIVE KHALISTAN AGITATION

2009-09-30T09:00:00.004-03:00

Radio Pakistan’s

effort to revive Khalistan agitation

Abohar, : Radio Pakistan in its recent Punjabi Darbar programme has given an indication that Pakistan wants to revive the Khalistan agitation .
The Punjabi Durbar programme stated that India has forgotten the promise it had made to Sikhs and Kashmiris.
Manpreet Kaur, a Sikh scholar and educationalist, said that the Pakistan propaganda is not making any impact on the people living in Punjab. He remarked that “Before making comments on the situation in India, Pakistan should look at itself first, and the statements being made by its former President General Musharraf from London brazenly stating how Pakistan has misused American aid against India.
“Pakistan will never be able to incite minorities in India. The fact is that persons from minority are occupying important positions in our country. Our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Leaders like Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shahnawaz Hussain are occupying posts in Bharatiya Janata Party.
“They are the voice of the countrymen, so how does the question of minorities being dominated or discriminated in India arise?,” asked Manpreet Kaur, a Sikh scholar and educationalist.
Manpreet Brar pointed out that Sikhs and Hindus do not feel safe in many parts of Pakistan. Sikhs had to leave the North West Frontier as the Taliban elements there asked them to pay ‘Jezia’ or protection money. Many Sikhs and Hindus were forced to change their religion.
The latest allegations look ridiculous considering the fact that Sardar Parkash Singh Badal is heading the State Government of Punjab, which is an Akali Dal and BJP combine.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is also a Sikh, has always believed in the concept of secular India where members of all religions can live in harmony.
Dr. Singh’s Cabinet represents persons of all religions but they have been included because of their intelligence and leadership qualities and not religious identities.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad is from Kashmir. Having remained one of the members of the Congress core committee, he has served as the Chief Minister of Kashmir in the recent past. Besides, Union Minister for Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah, whose son Omar Abdullah is the present Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, also represents the Kashmiri leadership in the present UPA government.
Former President of India A.P.J.Abdul Kalam is still one of the most respected figures of the country.
Manpreet Brar, asks can Radio Pakistan mention even one Hindu leader to have occupied the post of President or Prime Minister?
The support for a separate nation for Sikhs and an independent Kashmir only exposes how Pakistan is blatantly supporting divisive forces in India. (ANI)

And now, wath is your opinion?...(Editor)
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Punjab CM approves mega tourism destination project for Amritsar

2009-09-25T11:04:00.001-03:00

Punjab CM approves mega tourism

destination project for Amritsar
KANWAL PREET KAUR
Thursday, 24 September 2009
CHANDAIGARH: The Punjab Government has given green signal to Rs. 26 crore Mega Tourism Project for the integrated development of Amritsar city.
A decision to this effect has been taken in a meeting by the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here after a detailed Power Point presentation made by the Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department in the presence of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Hira Singh Gabria.
Principal Secretary Geetika Kalha informed in the meeting that under this mega plan, 4 projects would be taken up that included conservation of the Historic Gates and the Town Hall along with the Heritage Trail through the Walled City and setting up of the Heritage village at Amritsar.
She apprised the Chief Minister that besides conserving the Town Hall Building to act as a catalyst for future development and revitalization of the walled city, an integrated urban design in the vicinity of the Gates that included new pavements, lighting, wrought iron benches and lampposts etc. was also planned which would to be undertake by the local administration.
A museum to display the rich heritage of the Punjab in general and Amritsar in particular would also be set up to showcase artifacts from the state.
The Chief Minister directed the Amritsar Mayor Shwait Malik to extend full support and cooperation to the department for the successful completion of this Mega Project.

NATIONS WITHOUT EARTH: BALOCHISTAN

2009-09-24T10:17:00.002-03:00

Balochistan: Human Rights Violations

Discussed at HRC
Human rights activist Mr. Noordin Mengal explains the role of the Pakistani government in the atrocities taking place in the Balochistan province. He presents his case at a side event of the UN Human Rights Council, where not only the case of Balochistan, but also that of the Gilgit-Baltistan region was discussed.
Below is an article published by Business Wire India:In a public meeting as a side event of the 12th Session of the UN Human Rights Council being held from 14th September to 2 October, 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland, participants said that state terrorism is responsible for human rights violations in Balochistan province of Pakistan and the Gilgit-Baltistan region administered by Pakistan. The meeting was organized by Commission to Study the Organization of Peace an NGO having UN Consultative Status with ECOSOC on the topic of Human Rights and Terrorism: International Responsibilities. Dr. Sidi Cherif Secretary General, World for World Organization highlighted the impact of international terrorism on peace development and prosperity of international society. He said that there are conflicts and terrorist activities in almost all parts of the world: Asia, Europe, Americas and Africa. He emphasized that there is a need for international solidarity to fight this menace of international terrorism. Unfortunately it is very difficult to achieve international solidarity on this issue mainly because of the ambitions of different countries. In South Asia different nations organized terror activities against each other. It is very sad that some countries are patronizing terrorist groups like the Taliban and others only because they claim to be holy warriors serving one particular religion. He said that terrorists have no religion and they are going to harm every one. Mr. Czarnecki, Member of the European Parliament emphasized that democracy is very important and the people should have strong belief in democratic values and systems. He said that social justice can be achieved rapidly through constitutional systems and not through international terrorism. He said that media, equality and education in a democratic society play an important role in realization of human rights and social justice across the world. Human rights is the responsibility of the international community. This can be achieved through the United Nations and its institutions like the human rights council. He said all religions of the world should be respected. Mr. Noordin Mengal, a human rights activist presented a glimpse of the conditions of people living in Baluchistan. He said that Baluchistan is a Southern part of Pakistan and Baluchis are proud of their culture, language and secular traditions. The land is full of all types of resources and is on the way where Iran Gas Pipe is to be laid. It has a coastal line and has a strategic position. The Pakistan Government from 1948 is repressing the people of Baluchistan and there were as many as six instances of the Pakistan state unleashing its armed might against the people of Balochistan. There are rampant cases of rapes, torture and killings of the Baluchis youth. More than 4000 cases of forced disappearances are reported in Baluchistan. There are 52 detention centers in and around Baluchistan. There are protests by women of Baluchistan against disappearances and political assassinations. There was bombardment by Pakistan Army in Baluchistan. There is no freedom of expression and local and foreign media is not allowed to enter Baluchistan by the Pakistan Army. The websites of Baluchi people were blocked. The writers who wrote books were hanged to death. Mr. Abdul Hamid Khan highlighted that Kashmir also included Gilgit-Baltistan which has been deprived of basic Human Rights and democratic privileges. Now the Pakistani Government is using its old suppressive tactics like they did in Balochistan for unilaterally taking over the area without the approval of the local citizens. This has been the usual tactic of the Government of Pakistan. Mr. Suarup Singh Seehra, from United Kingdom mentioned that there are a lot of issues in the International Community for dividing India into different parts by groups like Khalistan International, but he was against the Idea as Khalistani groups had been banned in different countries and it had been established that the Khalistan movement had been by Pakistan. International Human Rights Community reiterates its view that the killing of prominent political activists cannot be countenanced on any account. These incidents have been a major cause of the Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan peoples' alienation from the state. The Pakistan government must demonstrate its earnestness in preventing such targeted killings. At the same time the task of tracing the large number of people reported missing must be pursued with diligence. The cost of delay in these matters would be far too high.

Saving Punjab

2009-09-20T08:05:00.001-03:00

Saving Punjab
September 15, 2009 by Geoffrey C. Ward Source: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/Saving-Punjab-India.html
My wife says I suffer from an “India problem.” She’s right. I lived in New Delhi as a teenager during the 1950s, came home to college at 18 and managed to stay away from India for a quarter of a century. But over the past 26 years I’ve been back more than 20 times, sometimes with a legitimate excuse—an assignment from one magazine or another—but mostly because I now can’t imagine life without a regular dose of the sights and sounds and smells I first knew as a boy, can’t bear not seeing the friends I’ve made there.When the editors of Smithsonian asked me to pick a place I’d always wanted to see, it took about ten minutes to settle on Punjab, the north Indian state that was brutally halved between India and Pakistan after they won their independence from Britain in 1947. The Delhi I knew growing up—my father was stationed there, working for the Ford Foundation—had only recently been transformed into a largely Punjabi city by the influx of more than 400,000 Hindu and Sikh refugees, all of them haunted by bitter memories of the violence of Partition that had forced more than ten million people from their homes on both sides of the border and may have cost a million lives. Virtually everyone I knew had memories of Punjab. The tutor who struggled to teach me high-school math had stumbled across much of it on foot. His elderly mother, whose gently spiced samosas I can still taste, somehow made it, too. My two closest boyhood friends were Sikhs whose poultry farm on the outskirts of Old Delhi adjoined a sprawling tent city still crowded with Punjabis awaiting new homes seven years after they’d been forced from their old ones.
I’d always wanted to see something of the world they’d left behind. I’d had glimpses: I hunted in those bad old days, so my friends and I sometimes strayed across Punjab’s border in search of game. But I’d never been to Amritsar, the city that is to Sikhs what Mecca is to Muslims, Varanasi is to Hindus, Jerusalem is to Jews and Rome is to Catholics. Nor had I seen the lush countryside around it where some of the most appalling violence of Partition took place and where relics of Punjab’s history lie scattered everywhere.
Two people who know the region well agreed to accompany me, the photographer Raghu Rai and his wife, Gurmeet, herself a Sikh and also a conservation architect consumed by a desire to help save all that she can of Punjab’s historical heritage. They, too, are haunted by Partition. Raghu was a small boy in 1947, living in the village of Jhang in what is now Pakistan, but he still remembers fleeing with his family out the back of their house as an angry Muslim mob banged on the front door. Gurmeet, too young to have firsthand memories of the division of India, comes from a clan that includes both Sikhs who fled from Pakistan and Muslims who stayed behind. When she returned to Delhi from a visit across the border to her family’s ancestral village in 2000, she recalled, “It was a homecoming from a place which felt quite like home.”
The Grand Trunk Road runs for 1,500 miles from Kolkata on India’s eastern coast all the way to Peshawar on Pakistan’s western edge. A 170-mile section of the ancient trade route—now designated National Highway Number One—cuts diagonally across the Indian Punjab. “Truly,” Rudyard Kipling wrote in Kim, “the Grand Trunk Road is a wonderful spectacle….bearing without crowding…such a river of life as exists nowhere else in the world.” That river flows far faster now and is no longer uncrowded. Kim and his contemporaries moved mostly on foot; the fastest travelers rode in horse carts. Now, big gaudily painted trucks race past one another in both directions, blaring horns and spewing black exhaust. Motorcyclists weave among them, wives and small children clinging on behind. Bicycles and sputtering motor-rickshaws join the flow; so do jeeps that act as country taxis and spavined buses so oversold that a dozen or more men ride with the baggage on the roof.
The brilliant green of the countryside through which all this traffic elbows its way is broken only by the trees that set one wheat field apart from the next and by occasional patches of brilliant yellow mustard. Punjab is the heartland of the Green Revolution that turned India from a country that could not feed its people into an exporter of grain.
Gurmeet knows nearly every inch of this highway. As a young architect, she spent a season in 1993 with the U.S. National Park Service, helping to survey historic structures along the C & O Canal between Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. After she returned to India, she persuaded a number of funders, including Unesco and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), to let her lead a team that would create a similar inventory of all the unprotected monuments along the Grand Trunk Road in Punjab. Nothing like it had been attempted before.
It’s not easy to tell old from new in India. For most historic structures, there are no laws to prevent damaging alterations or outright demolition. Nonetheless, Gurmeet and her team managed to identify and document some 1,100 historically or architecturally significant structures along the Punjabi stretch of the ancient highway. Their list includes everything from the former palaces of feudal rulers to the rock-hewn wells that once served their tenants; from Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras and Christian churches bustling with believers to the lonely roadside tombs of Muslim saints, left behind by those who fled to Pakistan but still visited weekly by Sikh and Hindu farmers in search of miracles. All but a handful of Gurmeet’s discoveries are deteriorating and unprotected. To an outsider, the task of rescuing more than a fraction of them seems almost insurmountable. Gurmeet just smiles. “Let’s see,” she says.
No city in the Indian Punjab has witnessed more history or is home to more historic sites than Amritsar. Its name combines the Sanskrit words for the sacred nectar of life (amrita) and for lake (sarovar), a reference to the pool within the precincts of the Golden Temple of the Sikhs that is believed to wash away sins. But at first glance, there’s nothing celestial about it. The narrow streets are clamorous, dusty, claustrophobic. Home to more than a million people, Amritsar has long since spilled beyond the walls that once defined its borders, and even in the city’s oldest sections, most buildings are drab, run-down and recent.
The Golden Temple, however, is a revelation. Sikh men are identifiable by the turbans and beards their faith requires the orthodox to wear, but their distinctive theology and remarkable history remain little known beyond India’s borders. Their most sacred shrine embodies both. We joined a stream of chattering pilgrims and, with covered heads and bare feet, stepped through the main gateway—and into another world. The cacophony of the city fell away. The waters of the broad sacred pool mirrored a brilliant sky. The sun gleamed on the white marble cloister that surrounds the pool and burned so brightly on the temple built on the island in its center that it seemed almost aflame.
The pilgrims around us fell silent. Some shut their eyes and folded their hands. Others fell to their knees and touched their foreheads to the ground. The complex is built at a level lower than the surrounding streets so that poor and high-born worshipers alike are forced to humble themselves by climbing down into it. Gateways on all four sides are meant to welcome people of all castes and creeds. Volunteers cook and serve thousands of free meals for pilgrims each day and insist that those who eat them do so side by side. “There are no foes nor strangers,” says Sikh scripture, “for we are all fellow beings.”
No one gawks here. No one demands money. Everyone seems content simply to be present in this holiest of places. The pilgrims make their slow, reverent clockwise way around the marble platform that edges the pool, past an old man with a white beard reaching nearly to his waist who gently lifts his infant grandson in and out of the sacred waters; a young mother on her knees patiently teaching her little girl the proper way to prostrate herself; a cleanshaven American Sikh, his head covered with a stars-and-stripes handkerchief, praying alongside his brand-new bride, her wrists hidden by bright red bridal bangles.
The goal of every visitor is to follow the causeway that leads out to the gilded sanctum sanctorum and pay respects to the Guru Granth Sahib, the Guru that is the sole object of Sikh veneration and was first installed there in 1604. Nanak, the first of the Sikh gurus (or “great teachers”) whose thoughts are contained within its pages, was a 15th-century mystic with a simple message: “There is but One God. He is all that is.” In the search for salvation, the only thing that matters is meditation on his name. “There is no Hindu,” he said, “there is no Mussulman.”
Whether or not Nanak ever meant to found a religion, Sikhs believe he did. And this place, where his teachings and those of four of his nine successors were brought together by the fifth guru, has special meaning for them. “It is, quite simply, the core of their…being,” the Sikh historian Patwant Singh has written. “It represents so many things they are immensely proud of: the vision of their gurus who gave it form and wrote the scriptures on the banks of the sacred waters; the courage of their forebears who died defending it; and the devotion with which others laid their abundant wealth before it in gratitude for the inspiration it has provided…over the centuries.”That inspiration has been sorely needed. Always outnumbered, even in their Punjabi stronghold, the Sikhs have frequently found themselves under attack. They’ve never failed to fight back, against the Moguls who tried to exterminate them in the 17th century, the Afghans who razed the Golden Temple three times between 1748 and 1768 and the British who by 1849 had destroyed the sprawling 19th-century empire carved out by their ablest chieftain, Ranjit Singh. Later, Sikhs served out of all proportion to their numbers in the armed forces of independent India.
But the issue of Sikh autonomy has never fully been resolved. During the 1980s, bitter, sometimes bloody quarrels between the Indian government and elements of the Sikh community led to something like a civil war. In June of 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a military assault against armed militants holed up within the Golden Temple complex. It killed several hundred Sikhs, many of them innocent pilgrims, and left the sacred structure badly damaged. Just five months later, two of Mrs. Gandhi’s own Sikh bodyguards avenged that assault by assassinating her as she walked through her garden in New Delhi. Hindu mobs, egged on by politicians belonging to the late prime minister’s Congress Party, then avenged that killing by butchering some 3,000 Sikhs in the streets of Delhi. More than a decade of sporadic violence followed before relative peace returned to the Punjabi countryside. But resentments remain: calendars featuring romanticized depictions of Sikhs killed during the conflict are for sale in every bazaar, and as we drove away from the temple, a cycle rickshaw crossed in front of us with flattering portraits of Mrs. Gandhi’s assassins stenciled on its back.
As we negotiated Amritsar traffic, Gurmeet’s iPhone rarely stopped ringing. She now heads the Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative (CRCI), a multidisciplinary conservation consultancy with projects all over the country, but it is preserving the relics of Sikh history that means the most to her. We rounded a traffic circle marked by a battered Patton tank captured from Pakistan by a Sikh regiment and pulled up at a little guard post. Two watchmen peered curiously into the car window, recognized Gurmeet and waved us through. We were about to enter Gobindgarh, a 43-acre, 18th-century Sikh fortress with four mountainous bastions and a broad moat choked with trees. Ranjit Singh stored some of his vast treasure within its walls. The British Army occupied it. So did the army of free India, which in 2006 turned it over to the state of Punjab. It is not yet open to the general public, but in the middle of the old parade ground craftsmen are mixing traditional lime mortar in a circular pit. Under the CRCI’s direction they are shoring up the mammoth brick tower in which Ranjit Singh lived when visiting the holy city. Gurmeet has stopped by to make sure the color of the lime is right. But she has bigger plans, as well. There are rumors that an American-based hotelier plans to turn the fort into a luxury hotel for overseas Punjabis interested in revisiting the shrines of their faith without more than minimal contact with the real India. If he succeeds, she fears ordinary citizens will be kept out of this precious relic of their history.
‘”Freezing buildings in time may not work here the way it does in the West,” Gurmeet says. “There are too many pressures for change. But turning everything into tourist hotels won’t work either. Our historic buildings need to mean something to the people who live around them. We need to involve them in our work, to make them understand its importance.” To achieve those ends she hopes to undertake an overall management plan that would both provide for world-class preservation and supply visitors with the interpretive materials they need to understand monuments like this. (Since our visit, Gurmeet has been given the go-ahead by the Punjab government.)
That understanding has largely been missing in Punjab. In recent years, for example, Sikh congregations have been “improving” historic structures by bulldozing them and then constructing ever-more-lavish substitutes on the sites. “Somewhere along the line the original, unpretentious Sikh architecture has begun to be perceived as something to be ashamed of,” Gurmeet says. “Our gurus were simple, down-to-earth men of the soil, and their buildings reflect the simplicity and harmony Sikhism is all about.”
Wagah marks the western end of the Indian portion of the Grand Trunk Road. It is the sole crossing point between the two Punjabs; Lahore, the capital of Ranjit Singh’s Sikh kingdom and of pre-Partition united Punjab, is just 18 miles up the road. The formal flag-lowering ceremony that takes place at Wagah at dusk every evening of the year must be one of the oddest regularly scheduled events on earth. On the evening we visited, hundreds of eager onlookers streamed into specially built grandstands in the coppery light. On the Indian side, a big amiable crowd jostled one another for the best seats, men, women and children sitting together. In the roadbed, several busloads of teenage girls in brightly colored salwar kameez danced to recorded bhangra music. On the Pakistani side, a giant portrait of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founding father whom Pakistanis call their Quaid-i-Azam, or “Great Leader,” looked down upon stadium seats in which men and women sat carefully segregated: men and boys on the left side of the road; girls and women (a handful in full-length burqas) on the right. Instead of dancing schoolgirls, three gray-bearded mullahs in green and white raced back and forth, waving huge Pakistani flags to whip up enthusiasm.
The ceremony itself proved both impressive and ludicrous. As the spectators cheered and chanted “Long Live India” or “Long Live Pakistan,” squads of uniformed Punjabis from both sides of the border, picked for their height and fierce good looks and wearing turbans with starched coxcombs that made them look still taller, quick-marched toward one another till they stood only a foot or two apart. Then, they stamped and whirled, puffed out their chests and flared their nostrils in perfect military unison, each apparently seeking to out-testosterone his opposite number before hauling down their flags. I asked the major in charge of the Indian contingent how seriously his men took their nightly confrontation with their neighbors. He laughed. “We’ve been doing this for more than 20 years,” he said. “We know each other’s names. It’s all for the audience.”
It was the muted reaction of that audience that fascinated me. The region around Wagah had witnessed some of the worst Partition bloodletting. Since then, India and Pakistan have gone to war three times. A few weeks before my visit, fanatics trained in Pakistan had butchered more than 160 people in Mumbai. The people who had turned out to watch the ceremony this evening had grown hoarse shouting patriotic slogans. And yet when the flags were finally folded away and the big gates clanged shut, spectators on both sides drifted as close to the dividing line as the respective armies would allow, peering silently across the no man’s land into the faces of counterparts who looked so much like themselves.
Most of the monuments we’d seen testified to Punjab’s bloody past: battlefield markers; crumbling village walls built to bar marauders; gurdwaras that honor Sikhs martyred in battle against the Moguls; and Jallianwalla Bagh, the Amritsar park now filled with flowers and shouting schoolchildren, where, in 1919, a British commander ordered his men to fire upon unarmed civilians—killing at least 379 and galvanizing the independence movement.
But there are also sites that still evoke the mutual respect that characterized life for many Punjabis before the tragedy of Partition. Gurmeet led us to one of the most unlikely of them, the Guru ki Maseet, or “Guru’s Mosque,” in the old walled town of Sri Hargobindpur, west of Amritsar. Here, on a bluff overlooking the Beas River, a member of the Nihang Sikh order, justly celebrated for the ferocity with which it defended the faith against its enemies in the old days, stands lonely guard over a Muslim house of worship. His name is Baba Balwant Singh and he has been on duty here for more than a quarter of a century. The shrine he protects is a modest three-domed brick structure, barely 20 feet deep, with arched entryways so low that anyone much over five feet tall must duck to enter. But it has a truly extraordinary history.
Sri Hargobindpur is named for Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru, who, according to tradition, ordered his followers to make a city of “unmatched beauty” so that “those who inhabit the town [should] be free of sorrow.” Those who inhabited it included Hindus and Muslims as well as Sikhs, and so, to ensure tranquillity, the guru made sure that adherents of all three faiths had their own houses of worship. But sorrow eventually came to Sri Hargobindpur in any case: Partition forced every single resident of its Muslim quarter to flee to Pakistan. Hindu and Sikh refugees took over the homes they left behind. Elsewhere, abandoned mosques were transformed into shelters for people or livestock—or demolished altogether.
But this mosque’s unique origin made such actions unthinkable. “Nobody can damage this maseet,” the leader of the Tarna Dal band of Nihangs declared. “This maseet was established by our guru. If anyone tries to damage it, we will kill him.” His followers reverently placed a copy of the Granth Sahib inside the building and set up a 50-foot flagpole bound in blue cloth and topped with a double-edged sword; it let the world know the mosque would henceforth be under their protection.
The man who still guards it, Baba Balwant Singh, is a formidable figure in the lofty dark blue turban and blue robes of his order but is reluctant to talk about himself. If he does, he says, his ego might get in the way of his relationship with God. He dragged two string beds into the sunshine for his guests to sit upon.
Gurmeet explained she had come upon him and his mosque almost by accident in 1997. She had happened to climb onto the roof of a nearby gurdwara to get an overview of the town when she spotted a trio of little domes. The mosque was in bad shape. The little compound that surrounded it was overgrown.
Gurmeet saw a rare opportunity to work with the local community to restore a place venerated by two often-warring faiths. With funds and volunteers from a United Nations-sponsored project called Culture of Peace, and additional funds from the U.S.-based Sikh Foundation, she and her colleagues set to work. They trained local laborers to make repairs, visited schools to make children understand what was happening to their town, invited townspeople to see the work for themselves. But no Muslims were involved —there were still none in Sri Hargobindpur—and activists began to charge that yet another Muslim shrine was being usurped by unbelievers. It looked as though religious politics might destroy even this community-based project.
As Gurmeet talked, crows bickered on the compound wall. Children called from neighboring roofs. A buffalo bawled. Baba Balwant began preparing for us a special drink made only by the members of his order. Using a big stone mortar and wielding a three-foot-long pestle hacked from a tree, he smashed almonds, cardamon seeds, peppercorns and other ingredients into a paste. He deliberately left one element out of the recipe: the narcotic bhang that Nihangs reserve only for themselves. He folded the paste into a bright orange cloth and began dunking it into a steel bowl filled with a mixture of well water and milk from the noisy buffalo, then wringing it out.
It took months of negotiating, Gurmeet continued, to reach an agreement between the Nihangs and the religious endowment that holds legal title to all Muslim property abandoned in 1947. Under its provisions, the Nihangs would continue to protect the building as their guru would have wished, but the structure would also remain a mosque—as the guru had also intended. After the signing, a band of blue-clad Nihangs sat respectfully by as the chief imam of the Jama Masjid mosque in Amritsar led a delegation of Muslim dignitaries through their evening prayers. After 55 years the Guru ki Maseet was once again a house of Muslim worship.
Baba Balwant gave his bag of spices one final squeeze, then poured the liquid into big steel tumblers and handed them out to his guests. It was white and almond-flavored, cold and delicious. We said so. “It is good,” he said with a pleased grin, “but if I had put in the secret ingredient, then you could touch the sky!”
I asked Gurmeet how she could have spent so much time and effort working to preserve such a modest building in such a remote location when so many apparently more important structures needed to be preserved.
“It’s not the building,” she says. “It’s the idea of the building, a shared sacred space.”
Before leaving Punjab, Gurmeet took us back to the Pakistan border once more, just outside the village of Dera Baba Nanak, where, between two guard towers, a Sikh regiment of the Indian Border Security Force has constructed a brick platform from which the faithful can look across the border into Pakistan and see, shimmering on the horizon, the white domes of one of the most sacred of all Sikh gurdwaras, Sri Kartarpur Sahib. It marks the spot where Guru Nanak spent 15 years preaching to his first disciples, and where he died in 1539. As he lay dying, according to one tradition, Muslim and Hindu followers began to quarrel over what was to be done with his body. Muslims believed it must be buried. Hindus were equally sure it had to be cremated. Nanak told each faction to place flowers at his side and leave him for the night. If the Hindus’ flowers were freshest in the morning, he said, his body should be burned; if the Muslims’ flowers were brightest he would be buried. Then, he covered himself with a sheet. In the morning, both offerings were as fresh as when they’d first been cut. But when the sheet was removed Nanak’s body had vanished. His followers cut the makeshift shroud in half. One piece was buried and the spot marked with a tomb; the other was burned and the site of the cremation indicated by a stone cenotaph.
As we started back down the flight of steps, a Sikh family was just starting up them, a young couple and their little boy, all three eager for even a distant glimpse of the place where their faith was founded and where its greatest teacher tried to demonstrate that in the struggle for salvation all Punjabis—and, by extension, all mankind—are one.
Geoffrey C. Ward is a historian who travels frequently to India. Magnum photographer Raghu Rai lives in Delhi.

REMEMBERING 1984

2009-09-19T16:35:00.001-03:00

25th anniversary 1984:

Call of Duty for

Sikh Panth

( Its now or Never!)

Everyday we perform across gurdwaras worldwide by remembering our shaheeds (“Jina Singh Singhnia de Sis Dite”) to mark the greatness of sikhi and keep the spirit alive. But when it comes to present day scenario 1984 anti sikh riots is a big blot which sikhs have not been able to give a befitting reply to. One man (with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s) stood against the wind.
(Bhai) Jarnail Singh (Journalist) put his life, job and everything at stake to get matter highlighted in the insensitive years of Indian Govt and tell the world about it. The (shoe hurling) and efforts of Panth thereafter resulted positive and guilty were denied election tickets.
Khalsa Ji, now (Bhai) Jarnail Singh (Journalist) is on his second mission to reveal the black days and true stories of 1984 anti sikh riots in delhi where over 3,000 sikhs were butchered in a single night. This is an effort to document history right and bring truth to us and our coming generations ahead and the rest of the world.
He has given and excellent speech and expressed his thoughts which can be found here:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfwSSZHiqIE
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSxQfHrkX9A
The book will be published in English, Hindi and Punjabi. Hindi and English publishers are done. Punjabi books and its (printing, distribution) is the one he requires your help for. His contact is:
Phone: +91-9999220024Email: mhtml:%7BD6C86553-6682-4652-9690-E66B5E11C5F3%7Dmid://00000206/!x-usc:mailto:jarnailsingh16@gmail.comWeb Page: http://www.jarnailsingh.inPlease ask him how you can help. Its now or never!

Jhinda Summoned At Takht On Sept 19

2009-09-18T09:37:00.002-03:00

Jhinda Summoned At Takht On Sept 19

Amritsar, Punjab: Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC) leader Jagdish Singh Jhinda and his five associates-most of whom are also members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)- have been summoned at Akal Takht on September 19 by Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and the high Sikh priests with direction to explain violation of the Sikh “Maryada” by them for “attack” on gurdwara in Kurukshetra .
Akal Takht Jathedar and Sikh high priests have made it clear Akal Takht has nothing to do with the demand for separate SGPC for Haryana gurdwaras asserting Takht was concerned with Sikh “Maryada”.
Giving new twist to the demand for separate SGPC for Haryana , Giani Gurbachan Singh indicated any such demand could, however, be discussed and considered at Akal Takht if the highest Sikh institution was approached by some organisation in this respect.
Akal Takht Jathedar has asked the Government of India to take up the issue with Haryana government to avoid repetition of the incident.
“ If Sikhs of Haryana come to Akal Takht a discussion can be initiated. But no organisation, except the SGPC, has the right to implement “Sewa Sambhal” of gurdwaras. Referring to the Kurukshetra incident, Akal Takht Jathedar said Jhinda and his associates-Kanwaljit Singh Ajnala, Bibi Ravinder Kaur, Avtaar Singh Cheeka, Hazoor Singh Nambardar, and Joginder Singh Yamunanagar- have been directed to appear before Akal Takht to explain why they had indulged in “acts of violence” and why they “hurt” the Sikh sentiments apart from “violating the Sikh Maryada. “ we are keen to learn what forced Jhinda and others to take such a step”, said Giani Gurbachan Singh and four high Sikh priests- Tarlochan Singh, Balwant Singh, Jagtar Singh and Mal Singh. They justified booking of Jhinda and others by the police adding Jhinda and others could be given fresh chance to appear at Akal Takht in case they were detained by the police.
“Jhinda and others made brazen effort by barging into the gurdwara premises with arms, forcing the “Granthi Singh” to leave “Hazoori” of Guru Granth Sahib and banning the entry of the devotees into the gurdwara. It is the duty of the Haryana government, to ensure prevalence of rule of law,” said Giani Gurbachan Singh who, had criticised Bhupinder Singh Hooda- led Haryana government for “instigating” Jhinda and his associates.
Akal Takht Jathedar and the high Sikh priests have asked the Sikhs to remain peaceful and do “Simran”.

GOLDEN TEMPLE COMMITTE TO LOOK AT GOLD FOIL PRESERVATION

2009-09-18T09:26:00.001-03:00

Golden Temple committee to look at gold foil preservation
The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.
Thursday, 17th September 2009 (82 views)The committee responsible for the upkeep of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India is set to look into ways of preserving a collection of gold foils and sheets stored within the structure.According to TNS, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee will examine preservation methods that will eventually enable the 3,278 gold foils and sheets to be displayed in a museum.The gold items are seen as being of historical value because they were prepared during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.They were moved to a sealed room within the Golden Temple - which is officially known as the Sri Harmandir Sahib - in 1994 after being taken off the exterior of the building during a project to refresh the gold used to decorate it.Built in the 17th century, the Golden Temple is seen as a classic example of Indian architecture incorporating influences from the Hindu and Muslim cultures.

Rajasthan: Arms recovered in Barmer

2009-09-14T08:30:00.001-03:00

Rajasthan: Arms recovered in Barmer

A second massive recovery of arms, ammunition and explosives from Barmer along the international border with Pakistan within two weeks of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to this desert district was made on Sunday. There have been three arrests so far with sources attributing that the consignment was brought from Pakistan for Khalistan groups. The first consignment was dug out of sand dunes near the border on September 8. Sunday's recovery includes 8.75 kg of explosives suspected to be RDX, 596 cartridges, four Chinese pistols and 4 explosive devices. The recovery comes following arrest of a local smuggler Soda Khan and two of his accomplices, Naseem and Nazir. Sources said the first recovery was a result of an intelligence tip-off that two suspected Khalistan terrorists are on their way to collect these arms and ammunition. Incidentally, Prime Minister visited Barmer on August 29 to inaugurate oil production by Cairns Energy. Police sources insist that consignment of arms crossed into India on September 4.

Ravidasia delegation meets Takht Jathedar

2009-09-13T14:46:00.004-03:00

Ravidasia delegation

meets Takht Jathedar

Amritsar, Punjab: An 11-member delegation of the Samaj Bachao Morcha, representing a section of the Ravidasia community, has put forth seven suggestions at a meeting with Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh to normalise strained relations among Sikhs and Dalits post murder of Sant Rama Nand in Vienna.
The Jathedar has assured them of his cooperation in resolving the contentious issue and said he would also consider their demand of setting up of a committee by the Takht to probe the murder of Sant Rama Nand and the violence erupted in Punjab in its aftermath. The delegation met Giani Gurbachan Singh at his residence.
The morcha head, Gian Chand, said on behalf of a section of Ravidasias that they would do whatever they could to restore the warmth of relations between the two communities. Expressing its concern over the alleged removal of Birs from around 100 gurdwaras named after Guru Ravidas, the morcha leaders and members of delegation assured the Jathedar that they would be leaving no stone unturned to restore the “Birs” in the gurdwaras with full respect.
The seven suggestions put forth before the Jathedar included the SGPC should be celebrating “Purabs” of all Saints and Gurus whose “Baani” has been included in Guru Granth Sahib and that there should be common cremation grounds for Sikhs and Dalits as the Sikhism has always shunned the casteist approach prevailing in society. “We feel the “Baani” of Guru Ravidas and other Saints is perfectly in line with the philosophy of Guru Granth Sahib,” said Gian Chand.

Sikh scholar Harinder Singh Mehboon admitted in Jalandhar hospital

2009-09-13T14:35:00.001-03:00

Sikh scholar Harinder Singh

Mehboon admitted in Jalandhar hospital

Punjab Newsline Network
CHANDIGARH: Noted Sikh scholar Harinder Singh Mehboob has been admitted in a private hospital in Jalandhar for the treatment of prostrate gland.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal sUNDY announced that the State Government would bear the entire expenditure on treatment of Harinder Singh Mehboob.
A spokesman of the Chief Minister’s office said that Badal had directed the Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar to personally visit Mehboob to ensure proper medical treatment and care. Badal said that the state government was committed for the welfare of the literary personalities who had immensely contributed towards the promotion of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat. He said it was a humble gesture on the part of government to extend free medical aid to Mehboob, the celebrated Sahit Akademi awardee and winner of Shiromani Kavi Award.
It may be recalled that several prominent literary organizations had approached Education and languages minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur to provide free of cost treatment to the ailing writer. She had also deputed Director Languages Department to enquire well-being of Mehboob and extend all possible help to him in this hour of crisis.

Sikh Shahadat Magazine's Sub-Editor arrested from Ludhiana

2009-09-11T15:09:00.002-03:00

Sikh Shahadat Magazine's Sub-Editor arrested from Ludhiana
Punjab Newsline Network
LUDHIANA: Punjab police on Friday late evening arrested Sewak Singh sub editor of Punjabi magazine 'Sikh Shahadat' from the residence of Daljit Singh Bittu, a radical Sikh leader who was arrested few days back.
Harpal Singh Chheena secretary SAD(Panch Pardhani) said that Sewak Singh had came to meet family members of Daljit Singh Bittu. He was arrested when he was sitting with family members. The police had raided the office of Magazine on Thursday and seized all record and computers. Police said that Sewak Singh was arrested on the basis of information found from the records.
Meanwhile, Harpal Singh Chheena said that Paramjit Singh Gajipur President of All India Sikh Students Fedration who lives in Patiala is also missing. He said that Gazi accompanied him to Patiala courts in connection with case of party workers. He said that after 5 PM the where abouts of Gazi are not known. He feared that police might have arrested him. SSP Patiala Arpit Shukla said that he was not aware of any such arrest.

Birs removed from Guru Ravidas gurdwaras

2009-09-11T11:10:00.001-03:00

Birs removed from Guru Ravidas gurdwaras

Published on Thursday, September 10, 2009 by Azaad
Strained ties between Sikhs and the Ravidasia community, following murder of Sant Rama Nand in Vienna got accentuated with alleged removal of Guru Granth Sahib ji Birs by certain Dalits from gurdwaras named after Guru Ravidas in the Doaba region.
The Doaba region which witnessed widespread violence after the death of Sant Rama Nand has the largest population (about 45 per cent) of Dalits in Punjab.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has asserted the Sikhs would not allow any such development to take place. “The leaders of a faction of Ravidasias are coming to meet and discuss the matter tomorrow. We are not going to allow any such deviation to take place. Minor differences can be sorted out through dialogue. Both communities have old ties, which should remain intact. Not only this, we are also going to call leaders of Udasi and Nirmala sects to iron out differences or misunderstandings, if any,” said Giani Gurbachan Singh. He, however, said he was not aware about the alleged removal of Birs from gurdwaras of Guru Ravidas.
“Ravidasias are anguished over what had happened in Vienna and afterwards. A section of them have even removed Birs from 100 gurdwaras named after Guru Ravidas in Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and Nawanshahr districts in Doaba. While certain Dalits are supporting the move, we are not in favour of this as it is a matter of religious faith and understanding between the two communities. It is only for this feeling we have sought time from Akal Takht Jathedar for discussion on the issue. We are all for peace in Punjab,” said Gian Chand, a leader of Ravidasias and head of the Samaj Bachao Morcha, adding he had a list of gurdwaras from where Birs have been removed.
“We will give this list to the Jathedar. Our delegation is meet the Jathedar at Akal Takht at 4 pm on Friday. Besides, we are also holding discussions with 10 religious leaders of the Dalit community on the issue,” said Gian Chand.
He also confirmed a large number of Ravidasia families had started adhering to the recitation of just 40 shalokas of Guru Ravidas in place of the recitation of the paath of Guru Granth Sahib. “In fact, Ravidasias are too hurt over the Sant Rama Nand’s killing,” he added.
“We are also going to probe the removal of Birs from Guru Ravidas gurdwaras in Doaba,” he said.

Times Of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale

2009-09-10T11:05:00.001-03:00

Dr.Ranbir Singh Sandhu
Thursday, 10 September 2009
The Times Of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale:

Saint-Soldier In The Finest Tradition
The well-planned and rehearsed invasion of the Golden Temple in June 1984, the massive cordon and search operations following it, the military rule in Punjab since then, and the massacres after Mrs. Gandhi's death constitute a sequence of tragedies planned and perpetrated by a government against its own people.
The Indian government has tried to make Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale a scapegoat for all the damage done by its own ineptitude and wickedness. It is very important that history judge the man impartially.
Fortunately, some tape-recordings of the late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's lectures to the Sikh congregations at the Golden Temple are available. From these the world can judge for itself whether this man of God was a separatist, a terrorist, anti-national or just a holy man, caught in the machinations of a wicked administration, seeking light from the scriptures of his religion and trying to tell others of his faith to do the same. True to his frequently expressed sentiment, he lived as a devoted Sikh - with dignity and self-respect, and died for the faith. As stated by the Guru: "I look forward to dying. When I die, it should be at God's door".Apparently, the Indian government escalated its persecution of the Sikh minority after Mrs. Gandhi's return to power in 1980. She was determined to teach this vigorous religious community, active in upholding universal rights and justice, a lesson for, most recently in the 1970s, leading the country's resistance to 'emergency', the suspension of citizen's rights by an earlier government led by Mrs. Gandhi. Never again would they launch agitations against her corrupt and unjust government. This escalation took the form of large-scale arrests, tortures and murders of Sikh young men at police stations.
Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a devoted Sikh preacher unused to political trickery, presumed the atrocities were being committed by over-zealous police officials. He appealed to various authorities including senior administration officials, ministers in the state government, the courts, and leaders in the central government. He did not get redress. Instead of taking any action to curb the police officials, the government started the propaganda that Sikhs were engaging in subversive activities, were demanding a separate state, were jeopardizing India's unity, and were in every way an undesirable group bent upon mischief.
When a Sikh died, there was no judicial inquiry. Even when an inquiry was held under public pressure, the guilty officials were never punished. The death of a Hindu was grounds for a proper inquiry and punishment of the offenders, but not so the murder, rape or torture of a Sikh. Insult to Sikh scriptures and Sikh Gurus was not objectionable in the eyes of the government. Indeed heretical groups were actively patronized. The government deliberately set the Hindu community against the Sikh. Whenever a Hindu died a violent death, without any evidence and without even the semblance of any proof, the government was in a hurry to announce that the killers were Sikhs. For the same offense, the Sikh could always expect punishment more severe than a Hindu.
There were three aeroplane hijackings as part of the Sikh peaceful protest movement. In none of these were the hijackers armed. Nor was there any damage done to the planes or injury to any passengers. In all cases, after the plane had landed, the hijackers turned themselves in without resistance, arguments, or a set of demands. Instead of following the normal legal process, the government shot one of them dead, another was given a lethal injection to cripple him for the rest of his life and several are still in exile in Pakistan. Hindus responsible for a similar hijacking, to protest Mrs. Gandhi's detention while she was out of power, were rewarded with seats in state legislatures.
Having control of radio and television and sympathy from the predominantly Hindu press willing to apply the Hindu definition of sanctity to Sikh religious practices, the government was able to get the Indian public to accept the big lie. The Sikh point of view never reached the public outside of Punjab and Delhi because it could only be carried by word of mouth. Thus the most patriotic community in India which had provided the greatest, widely recorded sacrifices for the achievement as well as preservation of the country's freedom and had participated most significantly in the economic growth of the region was labeled anti-national and treacherous in order to justify the urge to humiliate and destroy it.
The government declared the Sikh tradition of bearing arms as equivalent to preparation for an armed conflict. This was a direct assault on the Sikh religion itself.
The government killed hundreds of Sikh young men by torture hoping that the Sikhs would be frightened into submission. Thousands were sent home from police interrogations as cripples. There were cases of Sikh women, relatives of the Sikh activists, being stripped and paraded in the streets and raped at police stations by police officials.
Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale appealed to the Sikhs to look to their religion for solace and for the way they should conduct themselves in life. This led to the Sikh revival under his guidance. Contrary to the steady erosion that had been going on for thirty years, thousands of Sikhs returned to the fundamental values of prayer, service and sacrifice and sought confirmation in their faith. The government treated this religious resurgence as organized revolt.
There was lawlessness in Punjab caused primarily by the government killings as well as incidents of desecration and violence orchestrated by it. Jarnail Singh and his followers and certainly the vast majority of the Sikh population had nothing to do with it and would have been thankful for an end to the senseless process. However, the government, in order to give the Sikhs a bad name and to justify the actions it was contemplating against the Sikh community, ascribed all crime in the state to Bhindranwale who was a virtual prisoner in the Golden Temple complex. This led to the build-up of violent anti-Sikh sentiment all over India.
Bhindranwale was a "saint-soldier" in the finest tradition of the Sikh faith, an inspiring, outstanding teacher and guide. In his life, he stood for truth, amity, justice, and the practice of religion. He died defending the holiest shrine of his faith, vastly outnumbered, vastly outgunned, supported by a motley group of a few (estimates vary from 50 to 250) untrained young men armed with an assortment of obsolete weapons. He knew he couldn't win a military victory. That was not really the point.
A Post-Mortem Report exists in the Sikh Educational and Religious Foundation Library. This particular report may be in error in that the body examined may not be that of Bhindranwale but of someone else. There is a comment that the person was "well-built". Jarnail Singh was known to be rather thin and lean. However, the complete report has a set of fingerprints of the body examined and it should be possible to verify these with fingerprints from records of the time he was arrested in 1981.
Although Jarnail Singh's death has been enshrouded in mystery, eye-witness accounts confirm that he died, probably on June 6, 1984. His death need not be mourned. According to Guru Granth Sahib, he has only 'gone home' to God. His martyrdom will be a source of perpetual inspiration to all humanity. It will be remembered as a divine message that all is not lost for God's people. That even though wickedness rules, there will always be some who will defy the devil and one day truth will triumph.

Amritsar News: Khalra Mission Opposes Demand For Khalistan

2009-09-09T12:13:00.001-03:00

Khalra Mission Opposes Demand For Khalistan

AMRITSAR: The Khalra Mission Organization (KMO), on Friday, opposed the demand for, Khalistan at a function organized to mark the 14th death anniversary of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Addressing media persons, KMO patron Dalbir Singh Patarkar said the demand for Khalistan was wrong and the Sikhs should stop raising it. “It is an imitation of Pakistan and should not be encouraged. On the contrary, Sikhs should lay more emphasis on ‘Halimi Haj’, as mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib,” said Patarkar.
He said he was sure that if the demand for Khalistan were fulfilled, the Badals would be at the helm of affairs.
KMO members performed an ‘ardas’ at the Akal Takht to pray for peace to the depart ed soul. They said they would hold a convention in Amritsar on the National Human Rights Day on December 10 to raise the demand for dismissal of the Badal government. The KMO is also planning to stage dharnas outside ministers’ houses to press for their resignation.

SINGH DESEA ERRADICAR ANALFABETISMO EN INDIA

2009-09-09T11:57:00.002-03:00

Singh promete erradicar el

analfabetismo femenino en 5 años en India
El primer ministro indio, Manmohan Singh, prometió hoy acabar con el analfabetismo femenino en el país en los próximos cinco años, pese a que la mitad de las mujeres del país no puede ni leer ni escribir.
Singh participó en la ceremonia de lanzamiento del programa de alfabetización "Saakshar Bharat", dotado con 65.000 millones de rupias (unos 1.337 millones de dólares), con el propósito de alcanzar mejoras en el deficiente sistema educativo indio.
"Un tercio de la población india es todavía analfabeta. En torno a la mitad de nuestras mujeres no sabe leer o escribir. El número de analfabetos en la India es probablemente el más alto del mundo. No podemos estar satisfechos", dijo Singh, según la agencia india IANS.
"Debemos hacer que nuestro país esté completamente alfabetizado si queremos fortalecer al ciudadano medio para que haga progresos rápidos", añadió.
El Gobierno indio sufragará el 77 por ciento de los gastos del programa, mientras que las regiones se harán cargo del resto, según Singh, quien incidió en su compromiso por una educación de calidad y aseguró que los fondos no serán una limitación.

PUNJAB FARMER'S PROTEST IN CHANDIGARH

2009-09-08T15:59:00.002-03:00

Punjab farmer's protest in Chandigarh turned violent

Punjab Newsline Network
Tuesday, 08 September 2009

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Vehicles burnt, Police resorted to lathi chargeCHANDIGARH: Over 25,000 farmers from all over Punjab on Tuesday thronged Chandigarh to hold a protest rally here in protest against unbundling of Punjab State Electricity Baord(PSEB). The protest march which remained peaceful during day but around 4 PM turned violent forcing the police to lathi charge the farmers.
The protesting farmers set on fire dozens of police vehicles and private vehicles parked in sector 17. Though heavy police arrangement was made but police was taken by surprise when a group of miscreants from among the farmers torched the police vehicles. When situation became grim police sung into action and cane charged the farmers. Several farmers were injured. The protesting farmers also pelted stones on police injuring many policemen.
The farmer leaders were given permission to hold the protest rally in the busy sector 17 on the promise that they will remain peaceful, an official spokesman said.
The farmers are opposing unbundling of PSEB fearing that facility of free power supply being given to them would be withdrawn after PSEB is split into four companies, as being proposed by state government. The center government has fixed dead line of September 15 for unbundling of board to fulfill the requirement of Electricity Act 2003. Punjab was given eight extensions in the past but now center has refused to extend the dead line.
Due to heavy turn over farmers from all over the Punjab, the normal life in Chandigarh was hit hard. The traffic remained jam for hours at round abouts of sector 34-35 and 35-36. The buses and trucks that carried farmers were parked on roads and traffic police was unable to handle the flow of traffic.
The farmer from Punjab had also held a protest march on Monday in front of office of Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) against making recommendation in rise in power rates for agriculture sector. The award pronounced by PSERC on Tuesday however didn't mention the agriculture sector.

Anti-Khalistani Balwant Kapoor, , dies in London

2009-09-07T16:31:00.004-03:00

Anti-Khalistani Balwant Kapoor,

dies in London
London: Balwant Kapoor, President of the Indian Overseas Congress in Britain, died here on Monday following a heart attack. He was 81.A veteran freedom fighter and journalist, Kapoor confronted Khalistanis in the west London suburb of Southall during the height of the separatist movement.Kapoor opposed the Khalistan campaign through his local Punjabi-language newspaper despite death threats against him in the 1980s and early 90s.Kapoor, who was awarded the Tamra Patra, lived in Britain for 45 years after working as a personal assistant to Rajumari Amrit Kaur, health minister in the Jawaharlal Nehru cabinet.He later also worked at India's diplomatic mission in Poland.Kapoor is survived by a son and four daughters.

Former Punjab minister Sher Singh passed away

2009-09-06T12:05:00.002-03:00

Former Punjab minister Sher Singh passed away
Punjab Newsline Network
Saturday, 05 September 2009

NEW DELHI: Former Punjab minister Sher Singh and a senior Congress leader on Saturday died of cardiac arrest at Delhi. He was 92 years old.
Sher Singh was deputy minsiter in the government of late Partap Singh Kairon. Later he remained union minister for eduction and defence production between 1967 to 1980. He also served as chancellor of Gurukul Kangri University and vice president of Arya Pratinidh Sabha. He launched a campaign against drugs in 1957 in joint Punjab and he had resigned from his post of minister and court arrested.
Sher Singh will be creamated on September 7. His dead body has been kept at his residence R-28 Greater Kailash part I for paying tributes. His daughter Ujjwala Sharma mayu be contacted at telephone No. 98-1092-3366.
Meanwhile, Dr.Vaid Partap Vaidik a leader of Hindu Andolan has expressed deep grtief over sudden demise of Sher Singh. He recalled the days spent with Sher Singh in Patiala jail IN 1957.

GOLDEN TEMPLE AND THE ATTARI-WAGAH BORDER CROSSING

2009-09-06T11:56:00.002-03:00

Golden Temple and the Attari-Wagah border crossing

With just 36 hours in town, I was up and out early, Golden Temple-bound. After the chilled out traveller hangouts of Manali and Mcleod Ganj, and a bunch of one-goat Himalayan villages in between, the bustle of Amritsar was a shock - almost Delhi-lite. Obviously a busy commercial town rather than just tourist centre, rickshaw journeys in the narrow alleys through the garment district were a highlight to remember.I'll happily confess to a Temple limit of 1 per year on my travels - they hold no interest for me, and I have never been even a vaguely "spiritual" person, so I approached the experience with a not-entirely-admirable "Golden Temple, TICK" mentality. If not enthusiastic about spiritual centres, I'm happy to go with the dress code so, head covered and narcotic-free, I joined the line for a ritual foot washing.

Golden TempleThese were definitely compulsory requirements - a six-foot plus Sikh guard stood temple-side of the footbaths, holding a full-length spear, which came down lightning fast as I waited in line, to block the path of a man who, for whatever reason, obviously thought his feet were clean enough already, thank you.After a couple of slow circuits of the temple complex to take it all in, the calming beauty of the place did start to eat through my assumed indifference for this particular faith's ground zero. As well as those publicly bathing in the lake, many Sikhs had simply found a quiet piece of shade where they practiced their devotion without demonstration, noise or fuss. Having thought the GT was a tourist magnet, I was surprised not to see another westerner inside the walls.

Life and colour in the grandstandAlthough I had missed the early morning light, the white marble, the water and the jewel encrusted island all suited the harsh, flat cloudless sunlight - it seemed inappropriate to wear sunglasses in the complex and I was glad I didn't.Unwilling to risk a cultural wrong turn, at first I avoided following the crowds onto the island-like centre of the complex. But, in a perfect confirmation of their reputation for friendliness, a young Sikh guy realised my hesitation, took my arm and led forward onto the walkaway to the temple proper, where priests chanted and sung from the scared scriptures which form the focus of the experience. We drank a symbolic sip of water from the lake, as did everyone, and were giving a small piece of communion-like sweet pudding as we left the walkway.

Pre-ceremony partyI left thinking the Golden Temple was a very, very cool place all round, and highly recommended.Having swapped hotels to smooth my railway departure the following morning, next on the Amritsar to-do list was the famous border closing ceremony at Attari-Wagah. After being offered silly prices for the 30km taxi ride out there (700rp!), I was considering my options when an auto-rickshaw driver called a cheery greeting to me outside the hotel, before NOT offering his services to me. Intrigued by such entrepreneurial ennui, I asked him how much he would charge for a spin out to the border and 300 rupees was the answer. I'm sure I could have got a better price, but he was going to have to sit on his butt and wait for me for a couple of hours, so this seemed perfectly fair.

Bit quiet in PakistanOne quick side trip for him to pick up some fruit from his brother's market stall later (got to get supplies in for such a long trip!), we were speeding (yes, the traffic isn't that bad!) out of Amritsar, border bound. The ride out to the ceremony on the needle-straight highway to Pakistan made up in atmosphere what it lacked in comfort, air conditioning and seatbelts - overtaking a tractor which itself was overtaking a cow, with traffic coming the other way always puts a smile on my face. Fairground ride over, we agreed where to meet after the main event, I bought him a coke and then departed to eat my way towards the border via the food stalls which lined the final few hundred metres of Sovereign India.Absurdly entertaining as the floor show of stomping guards and slamming gates was, there were of course more serious themes in play here - these are both young nations, full of politicians happy to use crude nationalism for their own ends, and noisy ritual posturing like this can hardly improve relations - the Florida-flat landscape around us had been used several times in the previous half-century as a perfect invasion corridor.

Geo-political chin stroking aside, the ceremony does provide a perfect contrast of the two nations.Just like my country, the UK, India is a far from perfect nation - the legacy of the caste system, the struggles of women to achieve equality, the poverty of countless millions, but half an hour before sunset at the Attar-Wagah border, you just have to stand back and admire the place, the people and the attitude - there were school trips, family groups, middle class Indian tourists and everything in between - colour, life, noise and energy - a microcosm of a nation inside one mini-grandstand. Before the martial antics, parts of the crowd invaded the road and sang and danced the final twenty minutes before showtime. On the Pakistani side? Rigid lines of sinister black-clad guards and grandstands empty but for a handful of men. No women, no children, no colour. I've never been to Pakistan, so I really shouldn't form an opinion based on looking across the garden fence, but the contrast between the two sides seemed total and absolute. Show over, my rickshaw driver left me at the hotel an hour later with a big smile and a big tip - nice guy.

SIKH PANTHIC LEADERS CRITICISE RSS CHIEF

2009-09-04T11:53:00.001-03:00

Sikh Panthic leaders criticise RSS chief

Published on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 by Azaad
Amritsar, Punjab: Some of the panthic leaders joined SAD (A) chief Simranjit Singh Mann in strongly criticising the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for dreaming a Hindu Rashtra. Those present included Giani Gurbachan Singh Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Jathedar Iqbal Singh from Patna Sahib and Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh from Talwandi Sabo.
During a condolence meeting in a local gurdwara held on Wednesday to pay homage to the mother of a Delhi-based granthi, former MP Mann warned that the idea of Hindu Rashtra that the RSS chief had floated may revive demand for Khalistan. There is nothing wrong in talking about Khalistan, he observed.
Launching a scathing attack on the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal for showing reverence to top brass of the saffron party, Mann said people of Punjab fail to understand why the father-son duo (Badals) fly to New Delhi almost every week to present bouquets to the former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani even after the latter had conceded in his book that he advised/prompted the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to go ahead with the operation Blue Star. Advani equally deserved condemnation for the unfortunate episode, he sought to opine. The Meeri Peeri sword had not been gifted by the great gurus for petty purposes, he added. Mann dared the Jathedars, who were present in the meeting, to make stand of the Panth clear on Bhagwat’s statement concerning Hindu Rashtra.
Tarsem Singh chairman of the Dharam Prachar wing of the Delhi gurdwara Prabandhak Committee said Bhagwat’s statement deserved condemnation.
If one talks of Hindu Rashtra in the sovereign country the communities of other faiths may also raise similar demand. This will lead to multi-dimensional division of the country on religious andcaste basis, he cautioned.

Akal Takht Jathedar says he’s working for release of Sikh detenues

2009-09-04T11:49:00.001-03:00

Akal Takht Jathedar says he’s working for release of Sikh detenues

WSN Network
Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, who was here on a special invitation of the managing committee of Gurdwara Sahib, Fremont, received a huge and warm welcome from the sangat. Bhai Jaswinder Singh Jandi, member of the Supreme Council, welcomed the Singh Sahib and asked him to take the initiative of leading the efforts to get released the Sikh youth languishing in jails since 1984.
He also appealed to the Jathedar Sahib to work for the release of Prof Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. Significantly, Prof Bhullar’s mother Bibi Upkar Kaur ji was present on the occasion and it was in her presence that Jathedar Sahib assured all support for the efforts.
Addressing the Sikh sangat, Giani Gurbachan Singh ji hailed the initiatives taken and plans drafted by the Fremont gurdwara management. Slamming the Indian establishment for the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib in 1984, the jathedar said no one who ever attacked this center of Sikhism survived more than 154 days.
Bibi Upkaar Kaur also addressed the sangat and asked the Sikh community to work towards securing the freedom of Prof Bhullar. The Jathedar Sahib said he has already written in this connection to the Punjab government. He appealed for unity in the panth and said it was time that the community leaders focused on a practical approach and work.
American Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (AGPC) coordinator Pritpal Singh stressed the need for an independent identity of the Sikhs and urged the Jathedar to take steps in this direction. He also asked him to ensure that some system is evolved for the selection and appointment of a Jathedar.
Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh, has written to the Punjab Government asking it to work towards release of death row convict Prof Devinderpal Singh Bhullar.

Pritpal Singh also expressed concern at the trend of gurdwaras outside India also going in for elections for their managing committees and said things have come to such a pass that non-Sikhs were being made voters to elect the managing panels. He asked the Jathedar to issue some kind of an edict or directive about such practice.
Later, the sangat did a parikarma of the gurdwara that was led by the hand written bir of Sri Guru Granth Sahib presented to the Fremont Gurdwara by Bhai Jaswant Singh Khosa. Chief sewadar of the gurughar, Bhai Harjot Singh, said the visit of Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht, was a matter of good fortune and Akal Purakh’s blessings for the sangat of Fremont.

No way non-Sikhs can be voters in gurdwaras: JathedarWSN Network
FREMONT: On his visit to Fremont, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh visited Bhai Harpal Singh Mann’s residence for a meeting where he also discussed plans and efforts for securing release of Prof Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. Prof Bhullar’s mother Bibi Upkaar Kaur was also present.
Later, the Jathedar said while the gurughar was open to a person of any and every persuasion, a voter with a right to elect the management of any gurdwara has to be a Sikh and cannot be a non-Sikh. As for the managers of the Gurdwara, Giani Gurbachan Singh said they have to be Amritdharis.
When the jathedar was told about the case of the San Jose gurdwara where non-Sikhs, particularly Hindus, have been made voters with a right to exercise their franchise for election of the managing committee, he said it was a most unfortunate development. He said if any Sikh came forward before the Akal Takht with a petition on this issue, the temporal seat will definitely take a view on it.
The jathedar was told about certain element’s continuous and persistent efforts to find fault with one or the other issue. He was told that there were elements who think it was okay to make votes of Hindus in gurdwaras, help apply for illegal green cards, turn sponsorships into a business, waste precious resources of the gurughar or come to blows in front of the Indian consulate, but such elements will not stop from finding faults with Akhand Paths. The jathedar laughed at the big picture and urged the sincere community members not to be disheartened by the efforts of the few and instead focus on constructive issues.

56 riots-hit families get relief after 25 yrs

2009-09-03T11:30:00.002-03:00

56 riots-hit families get relief after 25 yrs

Chandigarh, Punjab: Waking up from slumber after 25 years, the government has given a sum of Rs 1.12 crore as ex-gratia grant to as many as 56 families of victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, who had migrated from the affected states and are presently residing in Moga district.
Cheques of Rs 2 lakh each were presented to these families by senior SAD leader Jathedar Tota Singh in the presence of officials of the local administration at a function held in the district administrative complex here, today.
Earlier, an ex-gratia grant of Rs 2 lakh each was provided to 193 victim families in April 2006 and 13 families in February 2009, who are presently residing in the district.
While distributing the cheques, the SAD leader termed the 1984 riots as one of the biggest tragedies faced by any community after the partition of India.
Tota Singh said the Punjab government and the SAD, in particular, were committed to providing ex-gratia relief to families of the victims. “The state government has instructed the respective district administration to complete all formalities of left-out families so that they can get financial assistance,” he said.
On the recent order of a Delhi court giving life imprisonment to three accused persons involved in the riots, he said all culprits named in these cases needed to be punished as per the law on the basis of evidences of eyewitnesses

ATS gives clean chit to Khalistan suspect

2009-09-03T10:52:00.002-03:00

ATS gives clean chit to Khalistan suspect
Somendra Sharma / Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad gave a clean chit to a suspected Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) member, Balbir Singh Bhootna saying that he had no plans to create any disruptive activities in Maharashtra.
Bhootna had opened fire at the railway station in Ludhiana, killing a tea vendor and injuring two government railway police (GRP) personnel on August 25.The Maharashtra ATS officials were on their toes, when it was learnt that Bhootna had boarded the Jhelum express from Pune for Punjab and had also visited Manmad. A team was soon formed to investigate Bhootna's purpose of visit to Manmad and check whether he had any associates in Maharashtra or if he was planning any terrorist activity in the state.
"A team of Maharashtra ATS had visited Punjab and interrogated Bhootna which revealed that he had come to Manmad only to visit a gurudwara," said additional director general of police, ATS, Krish Pal Raghuvanshi.
However, the Punjab police however have a different take on this. The Punjab police officials claimed that, whenever they are on the lookout for Bhootna, he takes shelterin gurudwara and use them as hideouts.
"He would meet his associates there and discuss further planning. As of now he claims that he had visited Maharashtra only to visit a gurudwara and has not met any associates. We are still investigating the case," said additional director general of police, Railways (Punjab), Chandra Shekhar.

Baba’s devotees throng court, police on tenterhooks

2009-09-02T11:36:00.001-03:00

Baba’s devotees throng court, police on tenterhooks
Jagraon Hundreds of followers of Baba Balvir Singh Lamme, a radical Sikh leader, descended on the local courts on Monday morning making it difficult for the Jagraon police to take him inside the court for hearing.
The police had to call in extra force to keep the surging devotees at bay.
Despite heavy police presence, the followers raised slogans creating a din in the court complex.
In June this year, the Ludhiana police had recovered 32 gelatins sticks weighing approximately four kilogram explosives along with six detonators from the possession of Kuljit Singh alias Kanta, a resident of Ludhiana, Bhag Singh and Baba Balvir Singh, both residents of Lamme village. According to the police, the trio are the members of radical Sikh organisation Khalistan Zindabad Force.
According to the police, Ranjit Singh alias Neeta a dreaded militant, who had sought shelter in Pakistan, was providing explosive material to members of the Khalistan Zindabad Force for conducting explosions and anti-national activities at the instance of the ISI.
Jagraon SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said Baba had tried to derail the police investigations in the case by registering a false case at Jagraon claiming that a few men were demanding ransom from him. The baba had been hiding explosives for over a year and had tried to play the card when he sensed that the police was suspecting him. The baba is in judicial remand till September 14.

Bir Devinder Singh seeks to catch corrupt politicians before 'Big Fish'

2009-09-01T11:09:00.001-03:00

Bir Devinder Singh seeks to catch corrupt politicians before 'Big Fish'
Punjab Newsline Network
CHANDIGARH: Former deputy speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Bir Devinder Singh on Monday welcomed the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s catchphrase to the CBI to catch the big fishes. He said it was bold initiative but it is required to be accompanied by a swift action in that direction.
In a statement here he said that PM's vision should be translated in to reality by the Prime Minister himself. People by and large believe that corruption is now inbuilt in the system of governance and it has assumed cancerous dimensions in the body politic of the country. You cannot get rid of the monster of corruption until you clean the polity of its overriding influence. Evidentially there are very strong nexus of corruption that exists in the system and these nexus consists of politicians, bureaucrats and conmen who maintains liaison in-between all the corrupt links of the system.
Bir Davinder Singh who recently joined Shiromani Akal Dal after resigning from Congress opined that more corrupt you are more powerful you emerge in Politics. When the polity of the nation is infested with the commercial pursuits of the vested interests than you cannot dream to eradicate corruption out of the system. It is the political corruption that breeds the epidemic of corruption which is eating up the vital organs of our social order.
He siad that if corruption is not eradicated out of the system it would make the ndian democracy meaningless for its people. People had already begun to think that the sixty years experience with democracy has exposed the emptiness of our democracy for the common man. Is it not a matter of shame that a Swiss Bank revealed that India has more black money deposited in Swiss Bank than the rest of the world, ironically this black money belongs to the Indian Politicians, Businessmen and corrupt Indian bureaucracy? Sadly, when money or gold is hoarded in Switzerland, only the Swiss people are benefited, the people of India are at loss, since the money is taken out of circulation in India, the wealth cannot be used productively and recycled. Its a matter of shame, when the entire nation is at a loss. It is shocking to my ethics that India has acquired the dubious distinction of being one of the most corrupt nations.
Bir Devinder Singh stated that if Prime Minister is true to his assertion in the CBI conclave to exhort to the CBI to catch the big fishes, than he should take the lead to bring out a white paper pertaining to the information, available with the office of the Prime Minister with regard to the corruption of the Ministers and ex Ministers of the Union Government, Governors and ex Governors, Chief Ministers and ex Chief Ministers and Ministers and ex Ministers belonging to the States, irrespective of the parties they belong to.
He added that time is ripe for India to answer this question, whether the present system of parliamentary democracy could be relied upon to deliver justice, equality, stability, good and transparent governance which we endeavoured all through the sixty years of our Independence. Whether the present system is capable of delivering corruption free governance or country should attempt to look for an alternative system of governance which could successfully reflect the aspirations of the millions of people of India.

GANDHI, NEHRU, PATEL FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR PARTITION AND BLOODSHED

2009-08-31T10:54:00.001-03:00

GANDHI, NEHRU, PATEL FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR PARTITION AND BLOODSHED

KANWARPAL SINGH, DAL KHALSA
Amritsar Sahib - The Dal Khalsa today squarely blamed so-called Founder of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first home minister Vallabhbhai Patel for India's partition and the aftermath bloodshed in which almost a million were slaughtered in cold blood.
In a hard hitting the leaders of the Sikh group namely H S Dhami and Kanwarpal Singh hailed Jaswant Singh for providing an opportunity "to discover the real culprits that were responsible for the partition". They took exception on the sacking of Jaswant Singh from the BJP and termed it a reflection of the rising intolerance within India in general and Hindutva forces in particular.
However, going beyond they alleged that Jaswant Singh's book has stopped short of unfolding the bitter fact that V. Patel was (indirectly) fully responsible for the killings of thousands of innocent Muslims on this side as being the Home Minister he failed to prevent the bloodshed.
Coming down heavily on troika, they said all three knew in their guts that a large population of Muslims would be the biggest hindrance in converting India into a Hindu state. Due to vested interests, the troika deliberately sowed the seeds of partition to get rid of huge chunk of Muslims so as to make India preponderant of Hindus. Portraying M. A. Jinnah as a villain in India for partition was also the brainchild of the troika, they added.
Holding the troika fully responsible for the partition and the bloodshed that took lives of million innocent Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, they urged the Indian Parliament to bring all the three on trial posthumously to ascertain the truth.

SGPC ‘violating hukamnamas’

2009-08-30T07:55:00.001-03:00

SGPC ‘violating hukamnamas’

Published by Azaad
Amritsar, Punjab: Veteran Akali leader and member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Manjit Singh Calcutta has created a flutter within the Akali circles and outside as well by accusing the SGPC management of “violation of hukamnamas” issued by Akal Takht from time to time.
Calcutta has sought to highlight the sensitive issue of alleged violation of Akal Takht “hukamnamas” by successive presidents of the SGPC and its management citing a couple of cases in his “open letter” addressed to the Akal Takht Jathedar. “On one hand, all of us treat ‘hukamnamas’ issued from the Takht as an ‘order of the Almighty’ and on the other hand, the SGPC itself was violating these edicts which leaves the Sikh sangat perplexed,” alleged Calcutta. SGPC chief Avtar Singh was, however, not available for comments despite repeated efforts.
Calcutta further said that in March 2000, armed with the consent of “Five Sikhs,” Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti had ordered the SGPC to make an effort to frame rules regarding service, appointment and superannuation of Akal Takht Jathedars. For this, then SGPC chief late Gurcharan Singh Tohra had formed a committee under the leadership of Bhai Jasbir Singh Khannewale to accomplish the task. Ironically, the SGPC revoked the committee within days of the death of Tohra.
Similarly, in 2008, Dal Khalsa initiated the project and formed a committee which had a brief to accomplish its job by April 2010. “Here, too, the effort was criticised by SGPC chief Avtar Singh, whereas the task and effort needed a pat,” said Calcutta.“Take the case of the Dera Sacha Sauda case. The dera head had left bruises on hearts of millions of Sikhs by wearing the attire of Guru Gobind Singh. At this, the Takht Jathedar issued a ‘hukamnama’ on may 17, 2007, directing the Sikhs to get the deras closed and to effect social boycott of dera followers. But the government, which dubs itself as an Akali government, preferred to put protesting Sikhs in jails and the SGPC chief remained a mute spectator. In 2009, after getting dera supporters’ votes in the 2009 byelections, this Akali government ordered its DGP to provide security cover to deras. This in itself is a clear violation of the Takht ‘hukamnama’”. In 2007, Vedanti had pointed out that the Shiromani Akali Dal should remove the middle “Akali” word from the party name as it had declared itself to be a secular party. “This ‘hukamnama’ too went unheeded,” said Calcutta.
Similarly, early this year, some Austrian Sikh followers had opposed the “gaddi pooja” of a “deradaar” in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib and they were subjected to atrocities. The Punjab government extended full government honours to the slain dera head and the SGPC went to the extent of holding a “path” for the peace of the soul of the deceased. But no effort was made to dig out the truth behind the entire episode. No committee was formed.

Did Sikh militancy ever die?

2009-08-30T07:52:00.002-03:00

Did Sikh militancy ever die?

Manmeet Singh

LUDHIANA: Scrolling web pages never gives the impression that the Khalistani movement had ended in late 90s, when cops ostensibly controlled it claiming Punjab to be out of danger. Looking at videos and other web articles uploaded and hit by surfers regularly, it appears that militancy had just shifted its base from the physical world to web world. All through these years, a section of the Sikh youth had been passionately flaunting pictures and quotations of the militant leaders, especially Jarnail Singh Bhindrawala, on their T-shirts and motorbikes. To corroborate web presence of militancy are the sporadic incidents that have occurred in first decade of the new century, the time when police officials and politicians were very sure that militancy had been wiped out. With the recent arrest of Balbir Singh Bhootna and the trail leading to various other arrests, people have once again started speculating that militancy in state was reviving. Going through the streets, one can easily find youngsters wearing clothes carrying insignia of the movement. Even on Saturday, a player at a cricket match in city was spotted wearing T-shirt painted with a provocative statement of Bhindrawala, sufficient enough to justify armed struggle. “What’s wrong in wearing it, it’s not banned,” commented the youngster, as he seemingly related himself to the movement. Moreover, an inspection of the university hostels would easily reveal that separatist idea still fancies the tender minds. A university boarder in whose room was spotted the posters of Bhindrawala, strongly advocated the struggle of the 80s. “The web is flooded with videos and articles in favour of Khalistan. Search for keyword ‘Bhindrawala’ and over 50,000 results get displayed. Search for ‘Khalistan’ and there are over two lakh results,” said Satinderjit Singh Bal, owner of an outsourcing agency, for a world famous search engine. He said popularity of the stuff can be assessed from hits these videos get daily. “Some of the videos are watched by 100 viewers daily,” said Singh. Box: After evidence emerged of the involvement of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Mumbai terror attacks, India has brought up the list again, making it a test case for the Pakistan establishment to prove its much-vaunted anti-terror credentials. The list carries the names of 20 individuals India wants Pakistan to extradite. Apart from some known leaders of LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the list also carries the names of five Indian Sikhs belonging to the separatist Khalistani movement

Suspected Khalistan Terrorists Plotted to Kill Punjab CM

2009-08-29T11:33:00.002-03:00

India - Suspected Khalistan Terrorists Plotted to Kill Punjab CM
Does Khalistan terror days come back to haunt Indian state Punjab again? A suspected Khalistan terrorist who was arrested after information provided by another one arrested after a gunfight with Police from Punjab's Ludhiana railwas station allegedly was plotting to kill the Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal.
Canada might remember the Khalistan terrorists for their alleged involvement in the bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka) that exploded mid-air in Irish airspace , killing 329 ( including 280 Canadians and 22 Indians) passengers on June 23, 1985. This incident is the biggest mass murder in Canadian history.

Suspected militant held for plotting to kill Punjab CM

2009-08-29T11:21:00.002-03:00

Suspected militant held for plotting to kill Punjab CM

Ludhiana, Aug 27 (PTI) Police today arrested a suspected militant here for allegedly plotting to kill Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal.Daljit Singh Bittu, who was involved in the Khalistan movement of 1980s, was arrested from his house following information provided by suspected terrorist Balbir Singh Bhutna, police said.Bhutna was nabbed at Ludhiana railway station on Tuesday after a shootout in which one person was killed and two policemen were seriously injured.During investigation, Bhutana had disclosed that they had plans to kill the Punjab Chief Minister and his son, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister of the state.Bittu is president of the Akali Dal (Amritsar- Panjpradhani), a party which he floated after his release from jail.

BOLLYWOOD MAKES TURBANS

2009-08-27T11:32:00.002-03:00

Bollywood makes turbans, beards appealing to Sikh youth
Punjab Newsline Network
Chandigarh: Bollywood's newest trend to go in for turbaned and bearded heroes is to the liking of Sikh religious leaders, who feel it is helping popularise the look and preventing young Sikhs from getting their hair cut.
Even the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex Sikh body, is happy at the portrayal even though some of the films have run into small controversies with the community.
Top male actors Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and now Saif Ali Khan have played Sikh characters in recent Hindi films. Young actor Ranbir Kapoor, whose mother Neetu Singh comes from a Sikh family, will follow suit soon in Shimit Amin's "Rocket Singh".
SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar told "Sikhs have earned name and fame all across the world in almost all the fields like sports, politics, cinema and business. It is all due to their enterprising nature, right attitude, hard work and honesty.
"Bollywood is just trying to cash on the image of a complete Sikh with beard and turban on his head. They are doing it to earn professional gains but we are happy. Now we want them to use real Sikh characters on the screen, someone who actually sports a turban and beard."
The Sikh religion makes it mandatory for Sikh males to have the five 'Ks' -- 'Kada' (steel bangle), 'kirpan' (small dagger for defence), 'kesh' (long hair), 'kanga' (comb) and 'kachha' (short breeches/long under-garment).
"The portrayal (of Sikh heroes) has proved that Sikh men (with turban and beard) look very good. Otherwise, Bollywood directors and heroes wouldn't have taken this risk. Sikh youths are now less inclined to get their hair cut. The portrayal in films has helped them re-discover their identity," pointed out Harmehtab Singh, a college student here.
The Sikh religion, founded by first Sikh guru Nanak Dev in the 15th century, is one of the youngest and most progressive religions in the world.
In Punjab, there used to be a trend among Hindu families to make the eldest son follow Sikhism.
Saif's first home-production "Love Aaj Kal",shows him as a turbaned and bearded Sikh.
One of the biggest blockbusters of recent years "Singh is Kinng" had Akshay Kumar as a turbaned Sikh protagonist throughout the film. Some Sikh bodies though did object to the way his beard was cut in the film.
Makkar felt that the election of Manmohan Singh as prime minister had also popularised the Sikh image.
"The election of a Sikh prime minister has given much-needed impetus to boost the image of a turbaned Sikh. Not only this, we have many turbaned Sikhs at senior positions in the government of the US, Britain and other developed countries," he added.
Salman recently played the role of a brave Sikh soldier in "Heroes" but the film did not do too well.
Actor Sunny Deol - who comes from a Sikh family but like his actor father Dharmendra and brother Bobby Deol has shorn hair - had acted as a Sikh hero in two Hindi films, "Gadar - Ek Prem Katha" and "Jo Bole So Nihal", a few years ago.
Shah Rukh Khan-starrer super-hit film "Main Hoon Na" had actor Kabir Bedi playing the role of a Sikh army general. Ajay Devgun also donned a turban to play the character of Bhagat Singh as a Sikh in "The legend of Bhagat Singh".
Mumbai-born Sikh youth Jaspal Singh Sehgal showed that the turban and beard were no impediment when he became the first runner-up in the Grasim Mr India contest in 2002. His win initiated a new wave among Sikh youth, especially in Sikh-community dominated Punjab, to sport a turban and beard.
"The presence of a Punjabi character makes Bollywood movie more cosmopolitan. Due to the presence of a large Punjabi diaspora in America and Europe, movies with Punjabi flavour are easily acceptable among them," Manmohan Singh, a prominent Punjabi filmmaker and an accomplished Bollywood cinematographer.
"In fact, I am also thinking of making a Hindi film with a Sikh central character in the near future. Earlier, we had seen that a turbaned character is portrayed in a comical sense to add some humour to the movie, but now audiences have started taking it seriously," said Singh, a director who is credited with modernising Punjabi cinema.
Singh has made successful Punjabi films like "Jee Aayian Nu", "Asan Nun Maan Watna Da", "Yaran Nal Bahran", "Dil Apna Punjabi", "Miti Wajan Mardi" and "Munde UK De". He is known for highlighting various issues -- from immigration to trans-continental love -- through his narratives.
Earlier, portrayal of Sikhs in films was mostly for comical situations. Sikh comedians Jaspal Bhatti and Gurpreet Ghuggi have been featured in Hindi films in comic roles.

August 28 to be holiday in Punjab on account of Sri Chand anniversary

2009-08-26T12:37:00.002-03:00

August 28 to be holiday in Punjab on account of Sri Chand anniversary
Punjab Newsline Network
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has decided to declare August 28, 2009 (Friday) as gazetted holiday on the birth anniversary of Baba Sri Chand Ji instead of September 9, 2009 (Wednesday) as announced earlier.
According to a spokesman of the Chief Minister's office the decision to this effect had been taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal after considering a representation made by the decedents and the followers of Baba Sri Chand Ji to observe August 28 as birth anniversary of Baba Sri Chand Ji instead of September 09. The spokesman further informed that all the Govt. Offices, Educational Institutions, Corporations and boards throughout the State would remain close on August 28, 2009

SGPC honours sacked head granthi on retirement

2009-08-26T12:35:00.001-03:00

SGPC honours sacked head granthi on retirement

Published on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Azaad
Punjab: The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) here today honoured the sacked additional head granthi of the Golden Temple at Akal Takht on his retirement.
Acting head granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh and SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar honoured Giani Mohan Singh, one of the oldest employees of the SGPC, by presenting him a siropa, shawl, plaque and Rs 11,000 in cash. Giani Mohan Singh offered the reward money to the SGPC for organising langar.
Earlier, Giani Mohan Singh, who had also served as Jathedar of Akal Takht for a brief period, was sacked from the post of additional head granthi of Harmandar Sahib for celebrating the golden jubilee of his wedding in violation of the Sikh code on June 25. He was asked not to perform ‘rehras’ (daily evening prayer) by acting head granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh.
Earlier too he was removed as head granthi when he refused to accept the post of Jathedar of Akal Takht on December 9, 2000, after the removal of Bhai Ranjit Singh as Jathedar.
Praising services of Giani Mohan Singh, Giani Jaswinder Singh prayed for his good health.
Giani Mohan Singh had joined as granthi at Sri Keshgarh Sahib in September 1964 and also served at Fatehgarh Sahib and Dukhniwaran Sahib gurdwaras in Patiala and was promoted head granthi in Patiala in 1973. Later, he was transferred to Amritsar as granthi in August 1978 and promoted head granthi of Harmandar Sahib in 1988. He was given extension in service after retirement.

DIABETES,HEARTH DISEASES ON RISE IN PUNJAB

2009-08-25T11:29:00.001-03:00

Diabetes, hearth diseases on rise in Punjab: Doctors
Punjab Newsline Network
LUDHIANA: Punjab reports a very high incidence of diabetes, high blood cholesterol level and obesity. These, in turn, manifest as cardiac problems,” Dr RP Singh, senior consultant cardiologist, SPS Apollo Hospitals, said on Sunday.
He was addressing the participants at the National Cardiology Update - 2009. Dr BC Roy, laureate, and Dr Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, Father of Interventional Cardiology in India, was the chief guest.
There was live demonstration and telecast of four interventional cases from SPS Apollo Hospital under the expert guidance of Dr Kalarickal, which evoked good response from the participants. More than 400 doctors from all over Punjab were witness to the entire process.
According to Dr Chetan Sharma, senior consultant cardiologist, heart disease is the leading cause of death globally killing about 7.1 million people each year. “India is expected to account for nearly 60 per cent of the global heart ailments by 2010. Fatty deposits that harden and block arteries, high blood pressure, which damages blood vessels, and a few other factors, cause heart disease he added.
Physicians and cardiologists observed that Indians had more common involvement at younger age with smaller coronary arteries; diffuse distal disease, multi-vessel disease and higher incidence in women. Unhealthy lifestyle and bad eating habits are making the situation more worse.”
Focusing on poor medical care in rural and remote areas, the conclave recognised that people with heart disease in rural Punjab received slower care than people in main cities and were more likely to die.
The doctors painted a picture of heart attack patients heading to hospitals in rickshaws rather than ambulances, and paying for the treatments out of their own pockets because of ignorance regarding health insurance.
In his address, Dr Manmohan Singh, President, Punjab Medical Council, commented that the benefits of addressing the root cause of heart disease in Punjab, such as threatening levels of body fat, high cholesterol and blood pressure, along with low intake of fruits and vegetables, together with change in the lifestyle, would be immense in terms of number of lives saved, mostly among young and middle-aged persons.

Turban image in Bollywood film upsets Sikh people

2009-08-24T09:06:00.001-03:00

Turban image in Bollywood film upsets Sikh peopleJagmohan Singh

Bollywood has done it again. As if the films in the genre of Jo Bole So Nihal (which despite the protests of the Sikh community, continues to be shown on the small screen on different channels) were not enough, films like Love Aaj Kal, Raja Hindustani, Mohabattein, Badal, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and others continue to take Sikhs non-seriously. Sikh anger is growing, but neither Bollywood producers and directors nor the Central Board of Film Certification has taken this with the seriousness it deserves.
The writer of open letters makes a fervent appeal to the leading film production company of Bollywood –Yashraj Films and the Censor Board to take immediate action in consultation with Sikh bodies.
Copies of this letter have been sent to Yashraj Films by email at helpdesk@yashrajfilms.com and to Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at jsp.inb@sb.nic.in. As the Central Board of Film Certification of India website is not working, a copy of the letter has been sent by mail. Readers are encouraged to write similar letters at both the addresses to ensure corrective action.

The DirectorsYashraj Films Private Limited5, Shah Industrial Estate Veera Desai RoadAndheri (West), Mumbai 400 053
Gentlemen:
Greetings in the Name of God, the light of every soul.
As if male actors were not enough to mock at the Sikhs, you now have a female actor to tar the Sikh image. Scenes and sequences from your latest movie seem to suggest that you are doing with a vengeance. I have browsed through whatever is available online on the internet and on television regarding your forthcoming movie -Dil Bole Hadippa and I have to say that the use of imagery and icons has been done cursorily and derogatorily. It is highly offensive to the devout for those who hold the religious way of life and tradition as a higher ideal.
Bollywood has been using names of God and script about God in a rather agnostic or atheistic manner and all this has been only “tolerable” not “acceptable and tolerable”. For Bollywood, with respect to Sikhs, freedom of expression has been license to poke fun at their attire, their intellect, their language and their community consciousness.
I have a hunch that there may be many more scenes in the whole movie which may raise our hackles and annoy us, but from what I have seen so far, I take strong objection to the following:
1. The use of the Sikh small turban –Keski as a dot on top of the alphabet i of Hadippa, both in the posters as well as the promo is simply shocking. The manner in which instead of the dot, the Keski –the small turban comes and rests on the alphabet I in an animated manner is disgusting. Do the producer and the director and all those involved with the movie remember the dot busters of USA of the late eighties and earlier nineties? Has Yashraj films and the promotional companies taken into account the impact of such imagery? If not, how does it propose to address this prior to the release of the movie? Is it a sinister move to make Sikhs the target as were the dot wearing Indians in the US at that point of time? To do this in a year, when Sikhs are commemorating the daylight murder of more than 3000 Sikhs in the capital city of Delhi is rubbing salt on our wounds. Sikhs, particularly young Sikhs are seething with anger at this kind of portrayal, and are highly perturbed.
2. The lead actor Rani Mukherjee is casually dressed as a Sikh and her whole character is stereotyping of the Sikh image so far held by Bollywood –“strong but foolish”. Why is this so? Do the makers of the movie realize that it is a Sikh face that is running India?
3. The promotional video of the movie on the internet very caustically says that Dil Bole Hadippa is “a tale of turbans, twists and tricks”. Could you not think of a more perverse way to trivialize the Sikh turban?
4. The interspersion of the display of Gatka with semi-nude Indian actresses during song sequences is nothing but blasphemy.
This is all intolerable. Under the aegis of the Film Certification and Censor Board, you should approach the Sikh community organizations in Mumbai and elsewhere and take all the necessary steps to remove offensive posters and scenes before the release of the movie on 18 September 2009.
Before another Sikh character, Rocket Singh, also of Yashraj Films hits us in the face; it is time to ensure that the sixer of the female actor does not hit the Sikh community badly, for if it does, it is likely to boomerang on you as well.
I pray that better sense will prevail and immediate corrective action will be taken. I also hope that this will enable others in Bollywood to be more careful and learned while portraying Sikh characters.
Jagmohan SinghEditor-in-Chief, World Sikh Newswww.worldsikhnews.com
Jagmohan Singh is the editor of World Sikh News. He may be contacted at jswsneditor@gmail.com

Amarinder supports separate Sikh committee for Haryana

2009-08-23T16:16:00.001-03:00

Amarinder supports separate Sikh committee for Haryana
Ludhiana: Fully supporting the Haryana government’s move to set up a separate committee for managing Sikh affairs in the State, former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said the community there had the right to decide about its future.
Early this month, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had said that a separate body for Sikhs on the lines of SGPC would be set up in the State provided there were no legal hurdles. Later, he said a referendum would also be conducted to help Sikhs take a final call on the issue. Speaking to media persons after appearing in a local court here, Capt. Singh alleged that Akalis themselves earlier divided the Sikh community which has led to such a demand from Haryana Sikhs. PTI

Akal Takht tells Canadian Sikh group to explain

2009-08-22T11:39:00.001-03:00

Akal Takht tells

Canadian Sikh group to explain

Published on Thursday, August 20, 2009 by Azaad
Vancouver, Canada: Akal Takht has directed members of one group of Sikhs of Canada to explain their “forging unity” after recent parleys in Surrey (Canada) with another group of Sikhs who were ex-communicated from the Sikh Panth for violating its 1997 edict prohibiting partaking of langar by Sikhs on and chairs.
Moderate Sikh leaders of Vancouver-based Ross Street gurdwara and hardliners controlling the Surrey’s Dashmesh Darbar gurdwara had met last month and had announced truce by over seven-point programme “in the larger interests of the Sikhs” .
Apart from deciding on separate Baisakhi processions on separate weekends in Surrey and Vancouver, the two sides had stipulated the “common unity programme” was to resolve issues like gang violence, dera culture and drug menace in the Sikhs .
The meeting of the hardliners and moderates following decades of “ideological differences” and subsequent “truce”, however, had splinter groups alleging the leaders of the two groups had agreed to join forces to achieve “opportunistic goals” and woo more donations.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, sources pointed out, had asked leaders of one of one group, backing the 1997 Akal Takht edict over langar issue till recently, to explain if its meeting with any or all ex-communicated leaders.
The letter seeking explanation of persons, who had been supporting the 1997 edict so far, has reached Vancouver and hardliners, it was learnt, were busy to find out an “acceptable” explanation. Reply to the explanation was expected to be sent to the Jathedar, on US tour, in a week or so, said one of his aides.
On the complaints of certain Sikhs, then Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh had ex-communicated Sikh leaders, Kashmir Singh Dhaliwal, Jarnail Singh Bhandal, then president of the Ross Street Sikh Temple, Giani Harkirat Singh, Balwant Singh Gill and Tara Singh Hayer, a Vancouver-based journalist who, was later killed in Vancouver in 1998, for defying the edict barring Sikhs from partaking of langar by sitting on chairs.
These leaders, it was learnt, had supported old practice of a section of Canada-based Sikhs partaking of langar using tables and chair with explanation they were adhering to the practice since 1906 “much before the setting up of the SGPC” and owing to harsh weather prevailing in North America when central heating system was not so efficient.

MR.SINGH INTERNATIONAL 2009

2009-08-19T11:05:00.003-03:00

M R.SINGH INTERNATIONAL 2009

The Contest

1. The contest follows a unique selection criterion. The show will be similar to other such contests while there will be few additions/modifications keeping Sikh principles and tenets in mind. The contest will be initiated in different parts of India and the world. Entries will be called with advertisements in print and electronic media. APKF reserves full rights to reject or select any candidate on the basis of criteria. APKF can take a written test to scrutinize, if need arises.

2. Hierarchy of selection procedure.

Auditions

Zo

nal Contests

Pre Final

Final

Zonal contest

The criteria of selection in the zonal contest will be as follows:

Rounds:

There will be six rounds in total. Each round will comprise maximum of 10 marks. The total score will be marked out of 60.

1. General ability.
2. Gurmat awareness.
3. Dress sense.
4. Physique.
5. Ramp walk.
6. Stage performance.

Best Turban, Photogenic face, Best Physique, Best Performing art and Gurmat awareness awards will be awarded in each zone. These awards can be given to any participant within or apart from the Pre-finalists.

For Foreign Participants

Selected contestants (through applications) from foreign countries will be called directly for Zonal contest specially designed for them. This contest will be held two days before the Pre-Final.

Pre final show

Rounds:

There will be a written test before the 7 rounds of the Pre-final. These 7 rounds will be as follows:

1. Sikh traditional dress round.
2. Groom dress round.
3. Casual dress round.
4. Presentation by participants (based on their hobbies and interests).
5. Gurmat questions.
6. General ability questions.
7. Physique (Black Pant & Sleeveless Black vest)

20 candidates will make it to the final

contest.

The Grand Finale

The city of Amritsar – Blessed by the Sikh Gurus, plays host to The Grand Finale. Eminent Personalities from all walks of life - religion, Industry, film, fashion and literature etc. will be called to judge the contest. This show will also include socio-religious dramas and entertainment programs.

Final selection

The winners will be conferred the following titles.

1. Mr. Singh International.
2. Mr. Singh International 1st runners up.
3. Mr. Singh international 2nd runners up.

In addition to the above, some more titles will also be awarded

1. Gurmat Awareness awa

rd.
2. Mr. Impressive Turban.
3. Mr. Best costume. (groom dress)
4. Mr. Photogenic face.
5. Mr. Best Sikh traditional dress.
6. Mr. Best performing art.
7. Mr. Best Physique.
8. Mr. Best Behaviour.
9. Mr. Best Smile.
10. Mr. Best Eyes.
11. Mr. Popular (By Voti

ng)

Since the selections will be based on Sikh principles and tenets, needless to say, they will be just and fair. This show will be aired live to the whole World and will be a fantastic opportunity for show casing and branding. Eminent Media and Film personalities will be invited to watch this unique spectacular show.

Considering the high disposable income and lavish life style of Sikhs, this show will provide tremendous opportunities for the participants to grab plum roles in Films and the Advertising & Marketing industries.

Eligibility conditions for the contest

1. Saabat Soorat Sikh boys from all over the world.
2. Age: 18 to 30 years.
3. Married/Unmarried.
4. Educated.
5. Minimum height: 5’8”. (relaxable in exceptional cases)
6. Good appearance and Physical fitness.
7. Should have good interests and hobbies. (like martial arts, Music, reading, writing skills)
8. Knowledge of Sikh history and Sikh principles.
9. General knowledge.

FOR INFORMATION WRITE TO turbanpride@apkf.net