Sir

According to Indian government figures since August 1987, more than 7000, Sikh young men have been killed in so-called “police encounters.” Government official figures indicated that from April 90, to August 91, 3008 Sikhs were killed by security forces.

In the last eight months under the newly installed Congress-I government in Punjab over 1500 innocent Sikhs including women and children have been executed by the state security forces.

Inspite of the fact that Sikhs life being devalued to be no more than a mere statistic; Memories of Sikhs especially Khalistanis seem to be failing them. Since last couple of years due to the growing awareness of the Sikhs in Punjab, the atmosphere for persons who are antiSikh or anti-Khalistan is becoming increasingly hostile. Many Sikhs with dubious to blatantly anti-Sikh intentions are either invited by the Sikhs or being sent abroad by the government of India to placate the expatriate Sikh community.

Unfortunately individuals who cannot venture into Punjab without a Posse of body guards are often welcomed by Sikhs abroad. In first week of September 1992; the ignorance of few Surrey ( Vancouver B.C.) based Sikhs was beyond comprehension. Dara Singh a former wrestler and a film star famous for playing Monkey God Hanuman in Hindu epic Ramayana was seen hob knobbing with the organizers of Punjabi Khed Mela, (sports festival), The organizers of this sports festival were managing committee of Surrey Sikh Gurdwara controlled by International Sikh Youth Federation, Dara Singh was even given a ceremonial plaque by the Surrey Gurdwara President, who is also a senior member of ISYF Canada. Other prominent Khalistanis were also seen with Dara Singh on the stage.

My questioning to Dara Singh’s presence in any Khalistanis controlled function is not a casual objection. After the Army attack on Darbar Sahib Amritsar in June 1984, Dara Singh along with film star Dharamendra endorsed the Army attack. After 1984, quite a few opportunist Sikhs have sold their soul to Delhi government for meager gains and Dara Singh is one of them.

Sikhs abroad should realize the grave situation faced by their brethren in India. It is about time Sikhs should start questioning the integrity of any Khalistanis leader associating with anti-Sikh elements. California

Article extracted from this publication >> October 16, 1992