Editorial
The unequivocal decision of the Sarbat Khalsa convention to shake off the shackles of slavery and to establish their own rule will be recorded by future historians as the most momentous and historic event in the annals of Sikh history since the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh on the eve of Baisakhi in 1699.
The decision has ended the lingering self-defeating ambivalence. It is in keeping with the principled stand of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He had repeatedly said that the object of Dharam Yudh Morcha was to restore Punjab’s legitimate rights and to preserve the besieged Sikh identity and not Khalistan. But if the Indian Army set its foot in the holy of the precincts of the Golden ‘Temple, then, Sikhs would be left with no alternative but to wage a holy war for Khalistan,
The decision is not an impulsive or an emotional out-burst made under some temporary stress or outrage. It flows as a logical ‘consequence of the events. Sikhs have been pushed to this extreme position by the rapidly chauvinistic protagonists of Hindi, Hindu, and Hindustan. Post-Independence story of Sikhs is a grim chronicle of discriminations, sufferings and sublte machinations to destroy their distinct identity,
Sarbat Khalsa convention has only laid the formal, ceremonial brick, the foundation for which was prepared by the unwarranted army attack on the Golden Temple and Government sponsored massacre of Sikhs in November, 1984. Non-implementation of the hollow accord, particularly with regard to the release of the Sikh Youth and rehabilitation of army deserters served as the final catalyst to clinch the issue.
The convention has called upon all the 14 million Sikhs of the world to rally under’ the Kesari flag and contribute in every constructive way to strengthen the crusade for freedom. Time for reckoning has come. Let no personal interests, personality clashes or internal contradictions distract us. Closing our eyes to the pathetic reality of Sikh predicament at this crucial hour can spell disaster. The call from the Golden Temple’s the clarion call holding the promise of a New Destiny. History will not forgive those Sikhs, who fail to heed it,
CATIS OUT OF THE BAG
Punjab Police Chief, Mr. Julius F, Rebiero’s cavalier statement that violence would be met with “bullet for bullet” and Sikh youths ‘would be eliminated according to the State’s “Hit-list” has dicarded even the pretense of legal and constitutional principles that are the basis of a civilized governance, He has only stated what police and Para-military forces have been doing as a matter of State policy for the last four years. Hundreds of Sikh youths have been eliminated through fake encounters and third degree methods of torture.
The statement in it-self is punishable under section 506 of the Indian Penal Code, But the killing of five Sikh youngmen (three near Jullundur and two near Gurdaspur) as a sequence to his statement makes him guilty of complicity in conspiracy and murder. He should, therefore, be arrested and proceeded against under section 302 of Indian Penal Code, However, no Indian Court or executive authority will take cognizance of the crime committed by Mr. Rebiero. Because, in Gandhi’s India killing of Sikhs is no crime. It, in fact, merits a reward. Those who destroyed the Golden Temple and massacred innocent pilgrims were rewarded with Presidential medals and murderers of Sikhs like H.K.L Bhagat and Jagdish ‘Tytler were rewarded with berths on the Cabinet.
Sikhs can expect nothing but bullets from the Indian rulers. It is for the civilized world to immediately intervene and arrange to send. ULN, Peace Force to Punjab to stop genocide of Sikhs,
Article extracted from this publication >> April 18, 1986
