Sir,

Darshan Singh ex-Jathedar of the Akal Takht and who has also been called an ex Khalistani addressed. A largely attended Sikh Congregation in the Durbar Hall of Gurdwara Richmond Hill, New York on Sept.16, 1990. He laid emphasis on two issues in the present Sikh struggle in Punjab. He advocated change of tactics and unity.

Sitting in America, Iam not in a position to comment about tactics. This matter must be left to those waging the struggle since they know it best from all angles.

On unity, Darshan Singh was very vague. Did he mean the unity of the people or the leaders of Punjab or the unity of those providing support from abroad? If he means the unity of the Sikh masses, they gave solid demonstration of their unity when they returned Khalistani candidates to parliament in November 1989. If the is talking of the unity of Sikh leaders, less said the better. The old guard represented by Tohra, Barnala, Talwandi, and Badal was soundly defeated and left behind by Sardar Mann who has emerged as a front runner.

Would Darshan Singh tell the nation of efforts made by him the unity he talks of?

If Darshan Singh means the Sikhs abroad should be united, he should state categorically what steps he took in this direction, I understand that he did not even address this issue with any of the Sikh leaders but simply ended the issue by saying “Keep doing whatever you are doing,” I also understand that he received hefty donations during his visits to various Gurdwaras in Canada and U.S.A. I earnestly hope that he makes proper use of the funds i.e.; for the families of the martyrs and those killed in fake encounters.

In closing, it appears that Darshan Singh has gone as far as he could have in leading the Sikh Panth towards its goal of Sovereign State. The Sikh Nation should not expect anything more from him and should not waste its time or resources on him. Nonetheless, we should be grate full to him for bringing to the Sikhs the realization of the critical need of establishment of Khalistan.

Amarjit Singh Buttar

Director Media Affairs and

Public Relations,

Council of Khalistan

Article extracted from this publication >> October 12, 1990