FLORIDA: Sikhs of south Florida Celebrated the 386 martyrdom day Of their fifth Guru Arjan Dev Ji and remembered the martyrs who died during the first week of June 1984 when Indian Governments Army invaded the Sikhs holiest Shrine the Golden Temple and 38 other major historical places of worship all over Punjab. It is estimated that over 20000 Sikh men women and children were killed during this attack by the Indian Army.
Ina Press release by Sikh Society of Florida it is stated that the commemoration started on Friday June 5, 1992 at 8:00 a.m. with the non-stop recitation of the Sikh holy Scripture Guru Granth Sahib. The continuous reading concluded on Sunday morning when hundreds of Sikhs from all over south Florida Joined in the celebrations. While the temple was filled with melodious singing of the hymns from Guru Granth Sahib the parking lot of the Sikh Temple was converted into a blood donation center with the help of American Red Cross. The Sikh community had organized a blood drive. Enthusiastic men and women donated blood the gift of life to honor their martyrs.
The Sikh community feels betrayed by the Indian Government. Promises of complete freedom for Sikhs over their own affairs in their home state made by Nehru and Gandhi have not been fulfilled. Their human rights have been systematically violated.
For the past 14 years India has refused to allow international human rights group’s access within its borders. Speakers at the function pointed out that the Sikh struggle for an independent State is with the Indian Government and not with the Hindu community.
The commemoration was concluded with prayers for the martyrs world peace and well-being of mankind throughout the world.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 26, 1992
