OTTAWA: The new world order is changing rapidly, Old alliances are breaking down, new countries are being created or are resurfacing at a breathtaking pace, the Soviet Union is no more, Yugoslavia is in the midst of Civil war, Check To Slovakia is about to disintegrate and India will be next, S. Gian Singh Sandhu and S, Didar Singh Bains, past and new President of World Sikh Organization International, said in a written statement.

Congratulating the Sikhs all over the world, S .Sandhu and S. Bains said that, “today is a happy day for Sikhs the world over. Rep. Dan Burton, Indiana Republican, has introduced legislation aimed at terminating USA foreign aid to India”.

Burton feels that the Indian government must improve its human rights record in Punjab and Kashmir and repeal certain draconian laws such as the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act (TADA), the National Security Act, the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, The Armed Forces (Punjab and Chandigarh) Special Powers Act, and the Armed Forces jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act. It must also allow non-governmental organizations such as Asia Watch and Amnesty International to freely do their observations and investigations. If India does not abide by international laws and the United Nations conventions, it cannot continue to expect developmental assistance. The Bill, H.R. 5234 “Justice in India” was introduced by Burton and cosponsored by 22 other members (13 Democrats and 10 Republicans), including Rep. Les Aspin who is Chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Similar legislation was introduced last year and was narrowly defeated| Today Dan Burton’s bill has passed. This is a great success for Sikhs and Kashmiris. The world is looking at India’s Human Rights record, and saying, ” Stop! No More!” Just men the world over will not be silent any longer.

On behalf of the World Sikh Organization, We thank Representative Burton for his high principals and his hard work. He saw wrongdoing and he worked tirelessly to make a difference.

This is the first step TO justice for the Sikh Nation. Rep. Burton’s Bill will give our Cause more : credibility. Many more people will now look at the facts and surely public opinion will be swayed in our favor. Thank you, Dan Burton and all 22 co-sponsors. Thank you Democrats Les Aspin, Albert Bustamante, Gary Condit, Calvin Dooley, Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, Vic Fazio, Floyd Flake, Pete Geren, Charles Luken, Jim Moody, Major Owens, James Traficant, and Jolene Unsoeld, Thank you Republicans Ben Blaz, Christopher Cox, Phil Crane, John Doolittle, David Drier, Jack Fields, Wally Herger, Duncan Hunter, and Dana Rohrabacher. From all of us Thank you.

Article extracted from this publication >> June 10, 1994