(Congress) completely suppressed the reality by banning Western press, suppressing the opposition parties by labeling them antinational.
It is pathetic that the government in a democratic (supposedly) setup could hide the truth and mislead the world. It is a moral obligation of every free human to find the facts and condemn the barbaric and inhuman acts. For the sake of peace on this earth, we have to discourage Hitlerism in this world and encourage basic human rights.
The Sikhs have been denied due process of law. They were dragged out of their homes, tortured and burned alive. The relatives were not even allowed to claim dead bodies, which were burned en masse without identification, violating basic human_ rights. Among victims were children as young as two years of age, who were subject to inhuman torture and put behind the bars without trial. Black laws were passed that the Sikhs were guilty until proven innocent by secret courts. It apparently demonstrates the disregard to humane honor and dignity.
South Africa abstained). Whereas, the recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.
Whereas, the disregard and the contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind. The advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief, and freedom from fear has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of common people.
Now, therefore, the General Assembly proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all people…. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Everyone has the right of life, liberty, and worship.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude. . .
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruelty, or degrading punishment.
Everyone has the right of recognition everywhere, as a person before sucking the blood of the poor. The people were suffering dual blows, one from kings and another from Brahmanic Hindus. Guru Nanak stood for all. He said, ‘‘A person should be known by his actions, not by caste.’’ He condemned bigotry and superstition. He preached some principles like:
- “kirat karo’ (doing honest work)
- ‘‘wand chhako”’ (sharing the fruits of work with others)
- ‘‘nam japo’’ (meditation on the Lord’s name)
- Practice truth and live a truthful life.
- Control greed, pride, lust, anger, and slander.
It had a great impact on rulers and bigots. The people followed him from all religions.
A true Sikh is a noble human who lives to serve humanity by sacrificing everything to make this world a better place to live.
The fifth Guru, Arjan Dev, was tortured to death by making him sit on the burning hot iron plate and pouring red hot sand on his body, but he did not give up the principles of truth. His son do movement in India. Recently Indira Gandhi made a similar mistake and suffered the consequences. The top priority of a Sikh is to resolve conflicts by peaceful means but when things go beyond human limits they cannot sit idle and let cruelty prevail.
THE SIKH CONTRIBUTIONS
- The Sikhs are only 2% of India’s population but 80% of the sacrifices were made by the Sikhs to obtain freedom from British rule.
- The Sikhs have made India self-sufficient in food thru the Green Revolution and 63% of food reserves come from Sikh farmers.
- The scientists have contributed to the wellbeing of India and they made India a food exporting country, out of a famine stricken nation.
- The Sikh soldiers are fearless fighters and defended India three times since independence.
- Since the rise of Sikhs, (late 1700’s) no invader from the west could occupy Indian territories.
- Most of the athletes representing India are Harbans Singh Sraon, PhD Permission to set up a radio transmitter at the Golden Temple so that holy hymns can be broadcast for spiritual sustenance of Sikhs in India and abroad.
Granting Amritsar holy city status just like Hardwar and Varanasi.
Allow the Sikhs to manage all the Gurdwaras and end Government interference in the religious affairs of the Sikhs.
Recruitment of the Sikhs on merit in the armed forces and other areas and not in proportion to their population.
Fair allocation of funds to the state of Punjab.
Stop eviction of the Sikh farmer’s and business people from other states.
Grant second language status to Punjabi in the neighboring states.
Distribution of river waters for irrigation on internationally recognized riparian principles.
Return Chandigarh as capitol city to the Punjab.
Grant autonomous status to Punjab.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 15, 1985
