ONTARIO Following participation in the rally that was held on Parliament Hill on June 3, 1995, the WSO held the Annual WSO Parliamentary Dinner commemorating the Attack on the Harmander Sahib in Amritsar, on June 5, 1995. Distinguished representatives from the Canadian and US governments and many diplomats attended this function to pay respects to the many Sikhs who have given their lives, striving for the freedoms of others.
Mohinder Singh Jawanda, President of WSO Canada began the evening with a reminder that in 1984 the Indian government stormed the Harmander Sahib at Amritsar, where many members of the Sikh religion were massacred while praising their faith in peace. Under the guise of “national security” the Indian army’s “Operation Bluestar” had over 50,000 army personnel storm the Amritsar and 38 other historic Sikh ‘Gurdwaras in Punjab, The WSO Annual remembrance of such an atrocity is important to both educate the public, and reaffirm our commitment to those whose lives remain threatened.
During the dinner, the Honorable Herb Gray, Solicitor General for Canada and ‘Government House Leader expressed his pride in the Canadian multicultural mosaic and the valuable contributions made by the Sikh community. The Honorable Paul Martin voiced similar sentiments of ‘encouragement and pride, with particular emphasis on how far Canadian Sikhs have advanced their cause.
Palbinder Kaur Shergill, legal counsel for the WSO as interveners in the RCMP/ turban case (which was decided in Federal Court of Canada in Calgary on May 31, 1995) delivered a stirring speech on the significance of diversified religious communities in Canada, and the need for Canada to fully address the concerns of all communities. Palbinder gave the gathering an indication of the dedication and commitment of the Sikh community to what is just and right and fair, the audience gave great support for the recent decision in support of Sikh RCMP officers to wear dastar.
Jaswant Singh Khalra, General Secretary for the Human Rights Wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Amritsar briefed the guests on continuing human rights abuses that are perpetrated against Sikhs in India, With a comparison of the right is of Canadian Sikhs to wear their kirpans in Parliament and the lack of these same nights in the purported “democracy” in. India, many guesislefi the evening aware of the distinctive differences between the two “democracies” in practice and the Indian government’s total abdicson of responsibility to the rule of law in India.
The key note address was delivered by Harbans Singh Dhaliwal, M.P., who encouraged Parliamentarians to educate themselves and act proactively to protect the rights of peoples around the world. Mr. Dhaliwal briefly touched on his recent trip to India and supported Mr. Khalra’s account of atrocities committed by India against its own peoples.
Congressman John T. Doolittle delivered an exceptional speech to the gathering, for which the WSO received very positive feedback, Mr. Doolittle was brought to this event through the sponsorship of WSO USA, and Mr. Didar ‘Singh Bains, The Congressman brought the gathering to their feet in appreciation for his forthright and concise approach to very difficult issues facing international governments, His comments made it clear that those who are governed have the inalienable right to contribute to their own governance, The right to self-determination has been tested by the Revolution in the United States and will, undoubtedly, be tested throughout the world to ensure the people’s rights, and the rule of law are fully and consistently respected and upheld. International, parmers must take a Very strong stand in support of the peoples of the world, promoting democracy, by restricting foreign funding only to humanitarian causes in countries where UN Human Rights Agreements are not upheld. Perhaps Mr. Doolittle’s participation in this event has helped to bring this laudable goal one step closer to the international agenda, The WSO also received many words of congratulations from guests for the fantastic meal provided by the Ottawa Sikh community. We extend our deepst appreciation and gratitude to all those in Ottawa who worked so diligently to prepare such a fine and delicious meal. Such committed efforts demonstrate the exceptional results of the Sikh community working together for a common goal.
On this solemn occasion, the executive Members of the WSO reaffirms their sincere commitment to Sikhs around the world, remembering those who have been murdered for expressing opinions, and the efforts of the Panth to help those who still fear for their lives.
For further info or photos of the event, please contact Anne E, Lowthian (613) 7232026.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 16, 1995
