LOS ANGELES: In the beautifully decorated hall of Lanker shim Gurdwara here a breakfast meeting was held for Congressman Dan Burton. Mr. Malkiat Singh Sidhu chairman of Gurdwara welcomed him. Dr Jasbir Singh Mann conducted the proceedings. This was held on behalf of all the Sangat of L.A. and not particularly from any gurdwara. More than 250 persons attended.

Dr. Shivdev Singh briefly explained the history of Sikhs and democratic system followed by them.

(Text of speech inside)

Dr. Amrit Singh appreciated Dan Burton’s efforts and told him our gratefulness to him for upholding our cause. Dr.H.S.Sraon stressed Sikhs have never submitted to injustice and tyranny.

Mr Burton explained his activities in the Congress, He said the record of Govt. of India in regard to human rights violations was terrible. The Ambassador of India had visited his office and told him Amnesty International would be allowed to visit India, Later on it was revealed that Amnesty would be allowed with some conditions only i.e. the schedule of places and people they want to visit has to be submitted and approved by the government prior to their visit. He stressed this was not a free visit. It looks they have something fishy to hide. Also to allow Amnesty to go to Punjab and not to Kashmir looks unreasonable. He is trying to get the Bill passed to cot the aid to India because of continuous government tyranny and injustice done to Sikhs in Punjab and Muslims in Kashmir. He said more than 14,000 Sikhs have been in jail without any trail.

Hundreds of people are simply missing. Killings of Sikhs in fake encounters is routine. He was very surprised that Constitution of India had been amended 64 times to enable them to enact laws curbing human freedom. He said world is ripe for freedom, judging to set the clock back. This is opposite and not in tune with what is happening in the world today. He gave many examples of small countries whose size is not larger than Punjab. Punjab can be a free country and shall not only survive but grow into a great country.

Dr. Balkar Singh Husson, President Alhambra Gurdwara said India sent 150,000 paramilitary troops to suppress the Sikhs and then to talk to follow democracy is just a mean tactics,

Bill Qureshi, seeking election for congress from San Mateo said he condemned attack on Golden Temple and suggested to allow referendum in Punjab and Kashmir to decide their fate.

Mr. Malkiat Singh Sidhu, presented the plaque to Dan Burton, the President of Riverside Gurdawara gave a set of books on Sikh religion, history and politics while Sarabjit Singh Maan presented a check to Mr Burton.

Article extracted from this publication >> September 28, 1990