SACRAMENTO; “The Panthic Conference” was held Sunday Aug. 2 to honor the martyrs of Khalistan and to celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the World Sikh Organization (WSO) and the 9th anniversary of the Gurdwara Sahib in Sacramento. The Sangat was fortunate to have many distinguished guest speakers as well as traditional religious events.
The program began with the Bhog of Akhand Path and was followed by the ceremony of Nishan Sahib by Punj Piaras, then Kirtan, Katha, and Kavitas, read by; S. Gurcharan Singh Jakhami and Bhai Gurdeep Singh were presented. The Ragi Jathas: Bhai Joga Singh, Bhai Manjit Singh and Bhai Sansar Singh performed and Panthic Organization speakers rounded out the day,
The day was especially devoted to paying homage to recently martyred figures Bhai Amrik Singh ‘Kauli’ and Bhai Rashpal Singh Chhandran including the recently martyred Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, Chief Gen. of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), of whom it was said, “ this is an unbearable loss to the Khalistan Movement. He is dead physically, but his death will serve as inspiration to other young boys.
In keeping with the respect and affection that the Sangats hold for imprisoned figures Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha” and Bhai Harjinder Singh “Jinda” a special Ardas (prayer) was held for them and Turbans and gold pins with the ‘Nishan Sahib’ represented are being sent to them. After the Ardas, 5 jakaras were blown for them to encourage them to carry On courageously and with high Spirits,
A set of resolutions read by S. Gurcharan Singh Dhillon (WSO Int) urged the Sangat to support Panthic organizations and the cause of Khalistan through paying homage to the mart yes and through actively appealing to the US govt. the Indian govt. and human rights Organizations to stem the tide of oppression being meted out to Sikhs.
The Resolutions were:
- The Gurdwara of Sacramento and the WSO pledge to continue to support all Panthic Org, fighting for Khalistan,
2.Sangat recognized the services of Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha and declared them ‘great sons of the Sikh nation”,
- Paid homage to Shaheed Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, Bhai Amrik Singh Kauli and Bhai Rashpal Singh Chhandran,
- Urged US govt. to grant “refugee” status to Sikhs and release those held in US jails.
- Appeal to the US govt to release Bhai Ranjit Singh Gill, ‘Kuk y’ and Bhai Sukhminder Singh Sandhu, ‘Sukhy’.
- Appeal to Human Rights organizations to pressure the Indian govt to release Justice Ajit Singh Bains.
Former assembly candidate David Dhillon thanked the Sangat for their support in the past and asked for support in his bid for a congressional seat. Congressman Vic Fazio, sent a special message through his representative, Sharon Singh, congratulating the Sangat on its anniversary and reiterating his continued support of Sikhs through his position in the House, as shown by his support of the Burton “Justice in India Act” seeking to cut US aid to India. G.S. Dhillon urged the sangat to support Fazio’s re-election bid for Congress as he has always been “a true friend of the Sikhs,” Continuing in the political vein, S, Didar Singh Bains, chairman WSO Intl, said,
Since Indian Independence in 1947 the small Brahmin community has ruled India. They want all Indians to become Hindus. This explains their pressure on Sikhs since Sikhs have always been against Brahmanism, Sikhs need the Gurdwara no doubt, but the money priority should be toward the ‘war’ “ He further reminded the sangat of their duty to Khalistan, saying, “If the Gadder Party sitting outside India could be so instrumental in getting Independence for India, think of what could be done for Khalistan.’ He then urged participation in the coming US elections.
Babbar Khalsa representative, Bhai Jit Singh Baniwal said, “let’s be practical on unity. Don’t just say it, do it, We must help the organizations helping Khalistan,” Bhai Devinder Singh, also of the BKI, acknowledged some of the negative press Sikhs have received and said, “Basically we are not “temperamental” but we are “determined”. Do not lose consciousness of the plan of action; we have a focus, a target and a plan. And we must stay this way to succeed.” Sikh Student Fed. (Fresno) S. Parminder Singh Dhillon urged support of the Sikh media such as WSN and of officials in the congress and assembly who support the Sikh cause and said, “we need to be like Sukha and Jinda”.
The Boparai, S. Jagjit Singh & Bibi Amrit Kaur of Tracy, former producers of Radio Khalistan, urged active support of the cause. Mr. Boparai said, “Sikhs are at war with India. When one is at war, all those jailed become prisoners of war, like Bhai “Sukha and Jinda” and they should be treated according to the international laws governing POWs.” Mrs. Boparai asked the women to join the Kaur organization to support the Sikh cause.
All of the speakers were thanked for their uplifting words and the work of the members of the Gurdwara, especially Mr. Bakhshish Singh Baniwal was noted.
Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 14, 1992
