Dear Editor,
I am shocked by the judgment in Lahore hijacking case in which 14 Sikhs were on trial for resorting to protesting to highlight the atrocities committed by the Indian government on Sikhs. It is unfortunate and sad that three youths have been sentenced to death and seven to life imprisonments. Never before in a democratic world have I come across such harsh sentence for this type of offence. The Sikh youths did not harm or kill anybody. They even surrendered peacefully. Their action was merely to focus the attention of the World at a time when world was ignorant of the persecution of Sikhs through a kind of State gangsters.
It is doubly unfortunate that Pakistan that claims to be a religious state should sentence those Sikh youngmen to capital punishment who were merely protesting against religious persecution. Will Pakistan government treat the persecuted Muslims that escape into its territory in the same way? Muslims and Sikhs have stronger lies and are closer in religious philosophy. I ‘wish that Gen. Zia’s government had considered all these factors.
It is also surprising that the senior Sikh leader, who had taken upon himself the responsibility of pursuing this case, failed to cut any ice with Pakistan authorities. Sikh community has contributed thousands of dollars on the assurance that no harm will come to Sikh hijackers.
We have no more faith in these so called leaders. It is a pity that a country that was supposed to be sympathetic to our predicament has also turned against us. Tolstoy has said, “God sees the truth but waits.” We hope that truth shall prevail and Sikh sacrifices would not go vain.
Sincerely, Gurinder Singh Grewal Tracy, CA
Dear Sir,
I read the letter of Mr. RS. Dhillon in your columns and he raised a very valid question regarding the achievement of W.S.0. I have great respect for the leaders of the W.S.O. as individuals, but as leaders of the Organization I want to know what they have done for the community and for the organization, I had expected that there will be prompt reply from the W.S.O leaders explaining their achievements or their difficulties in doing certain job for the community.
Your comment on the letter ‘was also not appropriate, you should have recommended the W.S.O leaders to reply. That is why we have this newspaper. Let them reply and let everybody read what they have done, that way doubt scan be cleared.
Your paper is doing good work for the community. Let us make it more interesting so that it is more popular in the Sikh community. We all should give suggestions to improve the paper and popularize it among our friends and relatives.
Thanks Sincerely yours, Ajit Singh
Dear Editor,
The World Sikh Organization Chapters of Kerman, San Joaquin and Fresno, Calif, heId a special meeting on January 15, 1986 to discuss the out siting of Sardar Ganga Singh Dhillon from the president ship of WS.0.U.S.A.
Members of these Chapters fully understand the importance of a strong National Organization to protect the interest of the Sikh Nation and thereby reaffirm their commitment to strengthen the organization in every respect. The removal of S, Ganga Singh Dhillon in a hasty manner has deeply divided| the membership and left the “future” of W.S.O in a ‘quandary. The delegates of these Chapters passed the following resolutions as recommendations to the National Council,
The W.S.0. Chapters of Kerman, San Joaquin and Fresno unanimously condemn the action of those who assaulted General J.S. Bhullar, Secretary General W.S.O.
The National Council is requested to hold a special meeting with maximum participation, at the convenience of Sardar Ganga Singh Dhillon where he should be given an opportunity to address the allegations which are allegedly the cause of his dismissal. The finding of the investigation committee should also be presented. Only then an appropriate action be taken keeping in mind the ramifications and repercussion of the decision.
The minutes of the entire proceeding must be made ay: able to the Chapters upon request. Till then Council should retrieve its earlier decision and direct S. Ganga Singh to carry ‘out the responsibilities of his office.
We are confident that the National Council will be responsive to the recommendations of these Chapters and adopt a systematic procedure to resolve this and issues in the future. It is advisable and only proper for the Council to seek input from local Chapters before drastic measures are taken against any individual. The Council must act immediately to restore the confidence of general membership, and seek reconciliation to maintain unity.
Yours Truly,
- Mohinder Singh Grewal, Delegate Kerman Chapter
- Sohan S. Sufi,
Delegate San Joaquin Chapter Dr. Ranjit S. Rajpal,
Delegate Fresno Chapter
Article extracted from this publication >> January 24, 1986
