Sir,
Sardar Kapoor Singh once described the bewildering actions of the Sikhs under the title “Stupid Sikhs.” He is right once again; Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, visits Harmandir Sahib; and earns political mileage and a saropa nothing less! Some Sikhs have confused “high crimes against the Sikhs” with the pardoning of a “Tankayia!” Soothsayers are advocating; “Ranjish ki baaten bhula den”; “forgive and forget”! “Right now, more than demands, healing touch and nursing of wounds is needed.” I beg your pardon!
Mr. V.P. Singh is welcome in Harmandir Sahib anytime; but I regarded his gesture an affront to the Sikhs; It is a phony move of a government sworn to uphold a constitution on which recognizes no Sikhs; depends for its existence and survival on the goodwill of avowed enemies of the Sikhs; is technically at war with them and regards Punjab a mere part of Hindustan. It violated something dear (0 the Sikhs, It sanctified the “mopping up of the Sikhs” into a national pastime. I smell a rat.
Forget what? “Eighty four,” massacres of Delhi, Kanpur and Bidar? Was it the last transgression? Forgive why? Was not the violence premeditated? What additional credits have the Sikhs earned this time more martyrs, widows and orphans? Token “release of political prisoners,” judicial enquiries, dropped charges and well publicized apologia of Reberio, Chandrachud or Zail Singh; “Sau chua kha ke billi haj nun challi” (born again).
Granted the “wounds” were not inflicted by VP Singh; but he represents the very same people who did, Let the Sikhs not be lulled into another farcical “Mishra commission” or “all party conference”, Let the Sikhs not “relax” and loose the precious little momentum now gathered. Yes, the Sikhs must negotiate; but the conditions outlined in “good gesture …” (WSN, 12/1/89) should form only the preconditions towards a final settlement.
Sukhbir Singh Indianapolis, IN
Article extracted from this publication >> January 5, 1990
