Gurdev Singh Gill, coordinator, International Human Rights Organization (North American Branch) on Jan.27, 1993 briefed the Executive Committee of the United Nations Association of Canada, at Toronto City Hall. He highlighted the plight of the Sikhs and Muslims in India.
The Govt. of India’s tacit support to its officers responsible for brutalities and tortures being inflicted on Sikhs in Punjab and Muslims in Kashmir was the main theme of his speech, “All major organs of the state which sustain democracy such as an impartial and fearless judiciary, an independent press and a conscientious legislature are on the retreat.” There is an unabated crackdown on the press. Harassment of editors and journalists and destruction of newspapers have become a routine affair in India. Gill went on to relate incidents which would make any Government worth its name hang its head in shame. But we do not have such a Govt in India. The PM is known too well for his inaction and lethargy his cabinet is a coterie of people who were subservient slaves of the infamous Rajiv and Indira regimes and know only how to feather their nests and indulge in genocides of helpless minorities.
“Extra judicial killings have become a way of life with the police and other security forces. Indescribable methods of torture have been put into practice.” Gill gave details of how secret pro government death squads, known as “Black Cats” and “Red Brigades” who are used to oppress innocent populations and kill religious leaders. On Dec.25,1992, the former head priest (Jathedar) of the Akal Takhat Sahib Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaonka was taken into custody by a Police Superintendent in the presence of 200 people and killed in cold blood on Jan.1,1993. His body was disposed of in the Satluj river.
The destruction of the Babri Masjid and the subsequent slaughter of thousands of Muslims took place while the Central Government helplessly stood by.
Gill impressed upon the large and enthusiastic audience that the only way to make the Indian Government see reason and respect human rights was to send international teams to Punjab, They should monitor the situation and impress upon the International community and democratic governments to put diplomatic pressure on iL The UN recommendations for India to review its antiterrorist laws and the US Congress’s clear message to New Delhi to improve its human rights record before seeking financial aid is a step forward but clearly much more will be required to be done.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 5, 1993
