BY GANGA SINGH DHILLON
AN insidious viral affliction appears to be threatening the unity, purposes and resolve of Sikhs throughout the world. There is reason to believe it has been developed in the “culture” crucible in New Delhi where the Gandhi regime continues to concoct potions aimed at destroying all religious minorities and political dissent in India.
Elements of the Sikh leadership seem suddenly disposed to cast aspersions, willy-nilly, regarding the patriotism or dedication of Sikhs who have long been in the vanguard of efforts to maintain Sikh dignity and achieve freedom and independence for their co-believers.
By vicious innuendo and outright slander ~ rarely libel the Sikh faithful are being persuaded that no really prominent Sikh with a world view vision or reputation is, or can long remain, true to the “cause” of Sikh Dom and the yearning for Khalistan. In this manner, the Government of India manages to cut down those who emerge as leaders and they do so by simply spreading rumors that “so and so” has met with certain Indian agents and intermediaries or has accepted gifts or bribes of offices from Rajiv Gandhi’s henchmen.
Sometimes in naive innocence and sometimes, it is regretable to note, with considerable malice or jealousy, the rumor is endorsed as “fact” and publically decried by some of those who insist they are the “true” founts of authority and wisdom within the Sikh hierarchy in SIKH HOMELAND—PUNJAB.
A very current example of this is provided by accusations leveled at a man who deserves, from all Sikhs, much better treatment for his contributions even though we may at times disagree with some of his pronouncements and efforts, Such dis agreements only in terms of detail, never in terms of objectives for his sincerity is unquestionable.
Dr. Jagjit Singh Chouhan has risked life, property and much personal happiness while sacrificing his body (a hand lost in the street wars for justice), his medical career and his mobility as an exile from his beloved homeland in order to champion the Sikh national right to religious and political freedom from oppression.
Long before Sikhs understood the magnitude of their plight as victims of Hindu India’s destructive policies against religiosities, Dr. Chouhan had the vision and courage to spell out the dream of independence, of Khalistan, to world leaders. For two decades or more he has trekked to the capitals of the free world to present the Sikh case to any and all who would listen. In this manner he has built many solid friends for Sikh Dom among non-sikhs in the Western World, More important, he has established a well of understanding for the Sikh cause!
At a time when India is showing the true colors of the Gandhian tyranny, the besmirching of Dr. Chouhan’s reputation is un-conscionable. Consider, if you will:
India is now engaged in a brutal suppression of Tamils in Sri Lanka; it has just reached agreement on a much broader, renewed pact of fealty with the Soviet Union; shows continuing hostility toward its neighbors in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and mainland China; it denies rights, cultural integrity and Pursuit of anything approaching happiness in the human condition
For the peoples of Assam, Bengal, Gujarat, the Punjab and other areas where religious or political minorities are found.
There is absolutely nothing in Dr. Chouhan’s background or » makeup which would allow him to even contemplate, let alone tolerate, accommodation with the princeling regime in New Delhi or any of its henchmen.
No one of Sikh faith, loyal to the traditions of Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh and our great heritage, should stand idly by when a man of Jagjit Singh Chouhan’s stature is attacked. No Sikh inspired by the great era of enlightened independence under Ranjit Singh’s illustrious Sikh state would ridicule Dr. Chouhan’s desire for Khalistan, Let Sikh Dom not self destruct in meanness or smear, even if we find areas of disagreement over details. What Sikhs stand for — what Dr. Chouhan stands for — is simply too great.
More important, however, is that the just causes of Sikhs in preserving their culture, protecting their religion from further persecution and seeking Khalistan and progressive, economic growth for their compatriots, is being under cut and seriously threatened by the divisive turmoil occuring within the ranks of Sikh Dom in both the Punjab and abroad. We must not let this happen. Never forget the telling admonition from Bejamin Franklin to the effect that the American colonists in revolution must either stand together or hang separately! Now is the time for Sikhs to heed such advice.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 25, 1987
