BY: Amrit Kaur

“WASHINGTON: Historically Sikhs are known to be grateful for good done unto them. That they have always stood by their friends and have kept at all costs promises given by them was the underlying theme at a fundraiser held for Hon. Congressman Dan Burton by the Wash Metro Sikh Community at the residence of Drs. P.S.Ajrawat at Potomac MD on May 27, 1992. Master Sartaj Singh Ajrawat recited the Oath of Allegiance which was followed by tales of sorrow and fury signifying the Indian Governments repression and brutality.

A political activist P.S.Sekhon who managed to escape to the USA narrated his poignant biographical account which speaks volumes for every household in Punjab that is a target of police wrath. His wife and her brothers were mercilessly hanged upside down their thighs torn apart. His innocent one and a half year old baby girl was coated with sweet syrup so ants could crawl over her naked body. This unimaginable cruel behavior puts to shame the likes of Hitler and the Czars These horror stories have no sequel except another woeful story of a Sikh victim of police plots.

In an emotional eulogy Sekhon compared Congressman Dan Burton to Nawab of Malerkotla a Muslim who raised his voice against Nawab of Sirhind when the latter decided to bury a live two younger Sahibzadas. In gratitude the Guru blessed him from his Permanent abode. History bears testimony to this fact that in the blood bath of 1947 the then Nawab of Malerkotla was zealously protected by Sikhs. Sikhs made a promise made about 300 years ago by their Guru.

Dr. Gurmit Sigh Aulakh President I.S.0 declared that “Dan Burton is a loud and clear voice for the Sikhs in the U.S. Congress. History will bear his name in golden letters for the services he has rendered to the Sikh community. He has helped Congress 10 focus its attention on human rights violations by the Indian Government and has introduced several bills in Congress to suspend aid to India till the Indian Government decides to comply with international codes of conduct. Dr. Aulakh lauded the Congressman as having unequivocally declared Khalistan is the only solution to the Punjab problem.

Tejinder S. Dhillon son in law of Col. Partap Singh author of Khalistan Only Solution to Punjab Problem flew in from California for this event updated the audience on the condition of Col. Panap Singh who has languished in an Indian jail since April 31, 992. The 68-year-old author left for India after the publication of the book which is a crime of great magnitude as viewed by the Indian Government. Dhillon profoundly thanked Congressman Burton for exerting pressure on the State Department and the Indian Ambassador to secure the release of Col. Partap Singh. Capt. Dhillon restricted his statement by emphasizing that Khalistan is achievable only if we are unified in body mind action and soul.

Congressman Dan Burton was apparently overwhelmed with this show of massive support. In a highly eloquent speech he declared “sweeping winds of freedom have changed the face of the globe The Berlin Wall has collapsed the mighty U.S.S.R. has cracked and in its place has emerged a number of small sovereign nations. Unfortunately the Indian Government never learned its lesson from history that a nation cannot be held together under the thumb of repression and retribution.” What happened in the U.S.S.R. is very likely going 10 be repeated in India. Punjab and Kashmir will soon emerge as sovereign nations on the sub-continent

He further vowed to continue to fight till Khalistan comes into existence. He has urged all Sikhs to call T.V. networks and newspapers on a weekly basis to have them learn about Punjab

Dr.P.Singh Ajrawat presented the speakers to a group of diversities Sikhs from all walks of life. He articulated his sentiments by stating that Khalistan is a viable reality wailing to happen sooner than expected. It was a crowd overwhelmed with feelings of their homeland. Pride surged in them as they talked about it. Their eyes moistened as they heard of the atrocities committed on their brothers. The atmosphere was charged speeches electrifying and hearts and minds were filled with hopes and designs to turn Khalistan into a concrete reality

It can be concluded that the existence of Khalistan is no longer a concept to be debated by politicians or intellectuals. This dream is going to be translated into a reality very soon.

The gallant and glorious Guru endowed Khalsa with a unique appearance. I only wish all Sikhs here and everywhere who so sincerely and enthusiastically advocate the cause of Khalistan would appear both in form and spirit of Khalsa as envisioned by Guru Gobind Singh.

“Khalsa mero Roop hai Khaas Khalse mein hoon Karoo Niwas”

May WaheGuru bless us with that determination too.

Article extracted from this publication >> June 19, 1992