OTTAWA: In a special press release issued after the execution of Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh, World Sikh Organization International described “the sacrifices by these two men as a turning point in the history of building the Sikh nation,” The release made the following suggestions to the Sikhs:
- a) W.S.O. recommends to all Sikhs to remain calm and conduct special prayers, kirtans and Akhandpaths for the Shaheeds.b) Demonstrations at this stage may be counterproductive.
- c) The world media and the public should be apprised of the injustices that are taking place in India.
The sacrifices of these two men will be viewed by the Sikhs as the turning point in the history of building the Sikh Nation. Those who have remained neutral during the past four years should and will clearly understand that the Sikhs in India cannot hope for any justice. The ultimate goal for the Sikhs is very clear. That is, to continue working peacefully for the creation of their homeland, “Khalistan.”
The last words of both men will be resonating for the Sikhs for generations to come.
Satwant Singh passed a handwritten note through his lawyer which reads, “There is no greater privilege for a Sikh (than) to lay down his life for the protection of his faith, I wish I could be born again and again and each time lay down my life for this.” (Globe and Mail, Jan. 6, 1989).
All through this ordeal, Sardar Satwant Singh remained very calm and composed. He repeatedly said that his wife is “mine by right” and insisted his future remained “as bright as anyone else’s.” (Globe and Mail, Jan. 6, 1989).
The mystery surrounding the conviction of S. Kehar Singh has created a huge ery by the world community. The Amnesty International pleaded for mercy. Lord Gifford, a former judge and a member of the British House of Lords put his comments as follows:
“I am deeply shocked” by Kehar Singh’s death sentence. It is particularly shocking that a man should be executed on the basis of such evidence, which is at its highest, ambiguous and speculative.’ (Globe and Mail, Jan. 6, 1989).
A Hindu, Sadhu Mohan, broke his silence to warn the government of India and said, “justice and tolerance have acquired serious distortions in the course of politicization and partisan debate.” He further said, “Mr. Venkataraman was put, ‘on the defensive’, and thus shifted his attention from saving a condemned man to saving the dignity of his office.” (Globe and Mail, Jan. 6, 1989).
Bibi Jasbir Kaur, wife of Sardar Kehar Singh relayed her husband’s feeling as follows:
“He was happy. He was laughing. He said, ‘the death sentence was God’s wish’”’ (Toronto Star, Jan. 6, 1989).
“My husband was prepared to die, despite his insistence that he did not conspire in the alleged plot to kill Gandhi and that any evidence against him was circumstantial and flimsy.”
(Ottawa Citizen, Jan. 6, 1989). Bibi Pyar Kaur, the mother of S. Satwant Singh had her final meeting with her son for about 15 minutes and came out with the following message:
“He touched my feet and said, ‘I am ready for martyrdom. I will die with my head held high. I will never let down my community,’ she said, “he prayed all day, was in good spirits and demanded nobody weep for him.” (Ottawa Citizen, Jan. 6, 1989).
According to Bryan Johnson’s editorial in the Globe and Mail, December 5, 1988, the Gandhi assassination has spawned the same baffling web of complexities and conspiracy theories that still surround the death of John Kennedy.
We are using all diplomatic channels to pressure the world leaders to force Mr, Rajiv Gandhi to open up his country for international investigation by Amnesty International, UN Human Rights Commission or other world bodies. With Guru’s grace, and your cooperation, we are bound to succeed one day.
Brotherly yours,
Gian Singh
Article extracted from this publication >> January 13, 1989
