FRESNO,CA: A function was organized on Feb.15, by the Muslim community to honor congressman Dan Burton republican from Indiana, for his commitment to raise the issue of human rights violations in India and the aspirations of Kashmiris and Sikhs. A large number of Sikhs also joined to extend their support. Congressman Dan Burton was introduced by Dr.Mohammad Ashraf, A documentary depicting the broken promises by the Indian Government regarding the Kashmir issue and atrocities committed by the Indian troops in Kashmir and elsewhere was shown. The Sikh students from Fresno State University displayed photographs of tortured victims. “This is of course a fraction of photos available considering thousands of Sikhs have been killed in the police custody or in fake encounters remarked a one Sikh student”.
As a strong supporter of human rights neither the congressman needed much education on violations in India nor did the majority of the audience, about his work on the Congress. The congressman assured the audience to continue working for human nights, because it is a issue of conscious without religious boundaries and he will do so despite threats against him and his family. The Indian Government agents are suspected to have carried out threats against Sikh and Kashmiri leaders engaged in lobbying activities.
The Congressman further stated that he alone cannot effectively change events unless other congressmen join him, and asked the audience to contact their representatives in the house, senate and media to educate the American public, He criticized the Indian Government for press censorship and for keeping the disturbed regions un accessible to independent observers. This clever policy has greatly hindered in making the world aware of what is happening in India. He applauded Dr.Gurmit S.Aulakh for his persistence and efforts in bringing the plight of Sikhs to the attention of the world community.
The guest speaker Khadijah A.Ghafur, a Human Rights activist spoke about the “Atrocities in Kashmir” other speakers representing Kashmiris and Sikhs praised the congressman for his commitment.
Dr.Ranjit S.Rajpal informed the audience of a counter organization being formed and sponsored by the Indian Government to negate the efforts of Dan Burton and other supportive congressmen and sought active participation.
The organizers pleased with the turnout pledged more such events, if sentiments were of an indicator of those present, India is certainly on the path of disintegration.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 19, 1993
