SAN JOSE, CA: Congressmen Robert Torrecelli addressing a large Sikh congregation at the San Jose gurdwara said the Sikhs in Punjab were no longer alone nor would their suffering go unnoticed. The oppression of the Indian government there was as great a tragedy as that of Bosnia. The world had so far not been allowed to know about their misery due to the efforts of the Indian government. Which did not permit the outside world to know what was going on there; The Sikhs could now count on friends who are pledged to make the voice heard in International forums.

The Sikhs were very much within their right to demand freedom and a separate slate where they could know liberty and happiness. He said, “Today I come to be with you to let you know that in your cause for Khalistan, the recognition of the rights of the Sikh people, you are not alone. Many have suffered and their lives have been lost in silence. But today, around the world, despite the efforts of the Indian government to have the tragedy take place in silence, there are those who are watching, and learning and speaking.

 Torricelli made a pledge to the Sikhs that he will be with the Sikhs no matter where the cause is raised, from the US Congress, the European Community, to the United Nations, He said, “When people speak of India, our voice will be there to be heard to say what of the Punjab, what of the Sikh people, what of their suffering?”

Earlier while introducing the Congressmen who are also chairman of the sub committee on Western Hemisphere Affairs and Senior member of the Committee on Asian & Pacific Affairs Bhai Jit Singh Bainwal the Gurdwara President described him as a strong supporter of Sikhs and Khalistan.

Torricelli assured the Sikh _Sikh people that they have a friend in the US Congress whose voice will be heard around the ‘world for this fight for justice, Torricelli clearly pointed out that those people who have abused the Sikh people will have no place to hide.

Bhai Jit Sigh Bainiwal, president, Sikh Gurdwara presented Siropas to Hon. Congressman Torricelli.

 FRESNO: On May 15 Congressman Torricelli was given a Warm Welcome by the Sikh and Muslim Community of Fresno. A fund raiser dinner was organized for the congressman by members of both the communities.

Welcoming Torrecelli, Dr.Mohinder Singh Punia, apprised him of the problems that the Sikhs faced in India on account of the Oppression by the Indian Govt. and its repressive laws which made the Sikhs second rate citizens. The Indian Government did not allow Human Rights Organization to visit Punjab or Kashmir and silenced any body who ted to protest against the atrocities being ‘committed on the people of these ‘two States,

Dr.Ashraf and Dr.Farouqui, appraised the congressmen of Indian governments’ efforts to have Pakistan declared a terrorist state urged the Congress to oppose this move in the House of Representatives,

The Congressman pledged his Support to the Sikh and Muslim Cause in Punjab and Kashmir and advised members of both communities to write to their elected representatives to keep them informed of happenings in Punjab and Kashmir. He denounced the Indian government for its repressive policies, its utter disregard of Human rights and promised to oppose these. He appreciated the efforts of the Sikhs and Muslims in India in support of their brethren. S, Didar Singh Bains who accompanied the congressman during his visit said that Sikhs and Muslims should join hands to fight the Indian Govt’’s, oppression. Earlier, Dr. H.S.Chann gave an account of the history of the Carly Sikh immigrants to the USA and how they established them was here.

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 21, 1993