SAN JOSE, CA: An International Sikh conference to pay Homage to Sikh martyrs and to pray to the almighty for the achievement of Khalistan was held Sunday June 21, In recent years, the San Jose, CA Gurdwara on Quimby Road has seen the annual Babbar Khalsa International conference grow out of the hall, B.K.I. leaders from England, France, Norway, Canada and the US were present. This conference was organized by Babbar Khalsa International and World Sikh Organization with S.Didar Singh Bains International (President) and S. Gurcharan SS. Dhillon (US) President attending.
Never forgetting that Sikhs are firstly followers of the Guru Granth Sahib and secondly Khalsa warriors, the day began with kirtan recitation, The rest of the day was spent listening to the various speakers who asked the Sangat to pay tribute and homage to Khalistanis martyrs. “It is from the blood of martyrs that this nation will be formed, Sikhs have tried the ballot box to effect change but this has not worked now is the time for direct action.” This “call to arms” was repeated and emphasized by many who have seen the Indian government fail to abide by the choices of its own electorate. Putting Punjab under ostensible ‘presidents rule’ speaks volumes about the reliability of free choice in Punjab.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
This impassioned plea was part of the Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech decrying the succession of the southern states during America’s civil war in the 1860’s. The same plea was made to Sikhs attending the B.K.I. annual conference, Unity of purpose and unity of principles will be the glue that holds the movement for Khalistan together. Militant organizations and individuals cannot allow personal differences to divide Sikhs who long for the return of their homeland.
The Indian govt, following the pattern of the British Raj has continually used “divide and conquer” to keep minorities oppressed, As groups bicker between and amongst themselves the ruling Hindus use the ensuing rebellion activities as an excuse for virtual “martial law” in the affected states.
Unity of Principles
The focus of the conference’s speakers was unity. In order to effectively fight the Indian govt. the militant organizations must present a Unified front, based on Beliefs in the Principles of Khalistan, not the Personalities of Individuals.
Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal commented that, “History has shown that to depend on an individual is futile. Each time an individual steps forward to negotiate with Delhi he is led down the path by false promises, “accords” agreements that add to Sikhs Oppression.
What is necessary is U.N. over site rather than direct talks with the govt. Past experience shows that intra-govt talks have not prevailed.”
Bhai Sewa Singh Lalli, president of the “Khalistan Government in exile” currently ensconced in the Khalistan House, an “embassy” in France said, “a coordinating committee was formed in England with leaders from all of the militant organizations, In the future they will coordinate such meetings and conferences.”
The conferees were exhorted to “Be Aware!” Many who come to gurdwara stages, claiming to be militants from Punjab may speak the militant line in order to collect money from faithful, but unsuspecting Sangats,
Now is the time to hit the Indian govt. economically while they are weak. It is important for ex western govt. officials, Parliamentarians and Representatives, what is happening in Punjab.
S.Didar Singh Bains said “Today is Fathers’ day and the Sangat is in the presence of their father, Guru Granth Sahib.” He told the gathering of his appreciation of the B.K.I, From 1947, during India’s partition, the B.K.I. has been active on behalf of Sikhs.
Speaking on the economic issue he noted that, first congressman Wally Herger of California had introduced a bill and more recently Dan Burton from Indiana had introduced a bill to halt aid to India while it abuses the rights of its Sikh citizens. Bains asked the assembly to contact their congressman and representative’s to support Dan Burton’s bill. Beware a Wolf in Sikhs’ clothing.
He also repeated the warning that one must be careful of infiltrators in Sikh garb,
We will accept nothing less than Khalistan. By 1999, which is 300 years from the beginning of Khalsa.” Three centuries is long enough to wait.
“Speeches, lectures and suggestions can be debated after Khalistan, that is first.” He urged support of the Sikh Secretariat in Washington, which gives credibility to Khalistan in the eyes of the west.
- Gurcharan Singh of Norway said on the unity theme, “If we could unite with the Hindus in
1947 against the British, why can’t Sikhs unite against the Indian Govt”?
S .Shingara Singh, ‘foreign minister’ of “Khalistan government in Exile” said, “help the cause by getting the Amnesty International Current report on India. You may have to search to buy this book because the Indian govt’s agents are purchasing the book in large quantities so, it won’t be easily available.”
How the West was won. S. Mohinder Singh, Immigration attorney, tried his 1st asylum case on July 27,1987 for client, Harbhajan Singh, Until 1991 he had no further cases, but since then he has had 25 successful asylum cases. This shows that, “at least in San Francisco judges are convinced that Sikhs/Punjabis are true political refugees. Yet a question exists, why are refugees who deplane in California sent to jail while those who arrive in New York released on bail?”
The Deputy Dist. Atty. of Santa Clara County said “We are aware of the actions on June 1984 be assured that this cannot happen here.”
Taking care of the Family.
S.Gurcharan S.Dhillon (WSO) said “we regard all militant organizations as equal and recognize them. But, we also need to see the difference in quantity and quality, But we assure you the WSO will be supportive with no conditions to be dictated.”
Bibi Amrit Kaur Boparai of Kaur Organization appealed to the Sikh women to come forward to serve the Sikh nation like Bibi Bhago.
- Surinder Pal Singh Khalra, Adm. director (WSO-USA) said, “there are 20-25 young Sikhs killed daily. These families need your help and support.” He noted the rise of infiltration, “No betrayal will be spared, they will be tried and sentenced,” he said of the traitors to Khalistan,
Bhai Tejinder Singh Raipur, member Panthak Committee of Canada, thanked the Sangat for Paying homage to the martyrs by attending. He voiced his appreciation to the WSO and the BKI for their joining to arrange the conference,
Given the lack of leaders we need unity to hit the Indian Govt, in principle. We need to understand and accept our weaknesses but we must work to improve,” Saint Gurbachan Singh Kamblivalia aroused the emotions with his words and he ended “Khalsa rules in Punjab, we just need to take possession of it.
Thanks to the management committee and all who participated to make this conference a success. Speaking to the Sangat The speakers on this day were; S, Ajit Singh from Stockton, S. Surat Singh Khalsa, S. Bachitar Singh, Bhai Sewa Singh Lalli, President Khalistan govt in exile, Bhai Shingara Singh, foreign minister in France of Khalistan govt in exile. $.Gurcharan Singh from Norway S.Didar Singh Bains W.S.O. International President, S. Gurcharan Singh Dhillon President W.S.O. (U.S.A), S. Surinder Pal Singh Kalra Administrative Director W.S.0. (U.S.A.),S. Gurnam Singh Pamma of Live Oak, Bibi Amrit Kaur Boparai of Kaur Organization, Bhai Tejinder Singh Rai Pur Member Panthak Committee, S. Sohan Singh Randhawa,
Grewal, S. Lakhbir S. Chima, president W.S.N., Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal W.S.N. editor-in-chief 5 S. Davinder Singh from England. S. Mohinder Singh Attomey and Bhai Gurdip Singh Sohal who also thank the Sangat. From the Heart Earlier a dozen poets from around the world, Participated in a poetry symposium on Saturday June 20 at the San Jose Gurdwara.
Held in conjunction with the B.K.I. conference on Sunday, the Event was organized and coordinated by Bhai Jeet Singh Baniwal Whose fine efforts were a credit to him. Kudos also to S. Bachittar Singh Virk for his excellent stage Managing,
Some of those who praised the Sainted martyrs with lyrical songs of sorrow were S Jagir Singh Masat, the well known poet, Prof. S.S. Arman Chahal, S. Sarwan Singh, S Jit Singh Pannu, S. Bachittar Singh Virk and S. Balwinder Singh. The motion and sentiments raised by their words will be long remembered.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 3, 1992
