NEW YORK, Dec. 14: World Sikh Organization reiterated full support to Sikh groups in Punjab that are fighting for the establishment of a sovereign Sikh state called Khalistan. A resolution to this effect was passed at the joint session of the Governing Council and the National Council (U.S.A. Chapter) held here at the Richmond Hill Gurdwara library. The meeting was hosted by the Sikh Cultural Society of New York. S. Jagjit Singh Mangat and S. Baldev Singh, President and Secretary respectively of the Society were appreciated for making excellent arrangements for the meeting. Both are also members of the WS. Governing Council.

‘The meeting was presided over by S. Didar Singh Bains, President, W.S.O. (International). S. Jagjit ‘Singh Mangat welcomed the members on behalf of the Sikh Cultural Society.

In his Presidential address S. Didar Singh Bains expressed satisfaction at the growing influence and strength of the organization. He emphasised that W.S.O. had no rivalry with other Sikh bodies with similar objectives. “We are committed to our goal of Khalistan and we shall not rest till we succeed”, he said. Dr. Manohar Singh Grewal, President, W.S.O. (US.A.) briefly recounted the progress of the organization and also read out reports of various chapters.

 RAJIV GANDHI WARNED

Warning Rajiv Gandhi, the W.S.O, resolution “strongly condemns your actions in waging a war of attrition on the Sikhs in Punjab and elsewhere in India. Your ordering the army to reenter Punjab and to give the army and police a free hand to arrest innocent Sikhs and shoot them in sight is nothing short of an undeclared war on a freedom loving and religious minority. We are certain the killing of innocent public in a bus recently in Punjab was the work of your agents; Sikhs do not kill innocent people. They protect them.

“Remember Sikhs have shed their blood so that your forefathers will have the freedom to worship their religion. They will never mortgage their own freedom to you no matter how ruthless and repressive your communal government proves to be.”

BARNALA CONDEMNED

Through another resolution, the W.S.O,, strongly condemned Surjit Singh Barnala’s “complete capitulation and sell out to the government of India in permitting reentry of the army in Punjab and giving the army and the police a freehand to detain and shoot Sikhs suspected of the so called ‘extremist’ activities. Are not all Sikhs “suspects” in the eyes of the government of India?”

The Council asked Barnala to “stop being a party to the ruthless war of attrition on Sikhs in Punjab and serving as a stooge to the communal Rajiv government”,

“Instead of getting implemented the hollow Rajiv Longowal accord which he had so cunningly engineered, Barnala was conniving with the communal rulers of Delhi in spilling the blood of the innocent Sikhs”, said the Council release and declared that “the Sikh nation will never forgive Barnala, Buta Singh and Zail Singh and their treacheries.”

W.S.O. ELECTIONS

‘The plan for the next general elections of the organization was also drawn out. The elections will take place on the last Saturday of June, 1987. The cutoff date for the registration of voters will be April 30, 1987 and nominations for various offices and Councils could be filed by May 31, 1987. A three member committee comprising S. Didar Singh Bains, Dr. Karamjit Singh Rai and S. Baldev ‘Singh was formed to recommend to serve on the election committee.

‘On a suggestion to associate such Sikhs with WS.O, as are doing useful work for the Sikh ‘cause, it was clarified that the doors Of the organization were open to all those Sikhs and Sikh Institutions who subscribe to its objectives, They were welcome to become its members and even leaders through the due process of democratic norms enshrined in its Constitution.

Gian Singh Sandhu, President elect and President W. S.O. (Canada chapter) informed that 80% Sikh institutions and gurdwaras had become members of WS.O. Individual membership had crossed 17,000 mark. He said that the organization had developed a constructive rapport with the People as well as credibility with the Canadian government. He, however, felt that no statements should be made to merely gain individual popularity. He also informed that the Switzerland chapter had become quite active. Its strength had already crossed 100 members,

Dr, Karamjit Singh Rai pointed out that the International office had not been very active. “Steps must be taken to improve its functions”, he said, He also pointed out that the organization needed greater “cohesion and coordination” He wanted the members to develop team spirit and establish short term goals.

Dr. Sulakhan Singh (Berkeley) suggested that committees with well defined areas be constituted especially for lobbying, media relations and political strategy. He called for the involvement of professionals and said that grassroots politics was the real politics.

Mrs. Gurbax Kahlon (Richmond) wanted the creation of a team that should always remain “on top of the events” to react to happenings concerning Sikhs. She suggested that Sikhs doing outstanding work outside W. S.O. should be honoured by the organization.

Amarjit Singh Sidhu (Chicago) suggested that a library be created to preserve rare Sikh manuscripts.

Gian Singh (Canada), Giani Joginder Singh (Canada), S. Inderjt Singh Bal (Canada), S. Baldev Singh (New York), S. Gurnam Singh Pamma (Ca.),S. Amarjit Singh Buttar (Vermont), S. Gurcharan Singh Dhillon (Ca.), Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal (Tracy), Dr. Parminder Singh Wadhwa (Los Angeles), S. Darshan Singh Bhasin (Los Angeles). S. Hardial Singh Dhatt (Stockton), S. KS. Parwana (England) and Prof. MS. Sidhu also participated in the decisions.

Article extracted from this publication >> December 19, 1986