HAYWARD CO: A very disturbing development has been noticed in India about the harassment of relations of Sikh asylees in Get many, America and elsewhere. W.S.N has come to know of several.
Bhai Karpal Singh” Gullu” who isa brother of Harpal Singh who is seeking asylum here, was
arrested by Chandigarh police and after inflicting server inhuman torture for 15 days, he was sent to Burail Jail, Chandigarh, Bhai Karpal Singh has no history of militant affiliations. He has been framed in many cases under TADA. Gullu was an employee of Punjab Tourism Department working at Ropar Tourism Complex. His old mother is very much worried about his son’s future as Police is lying to fix him in more cases. She is afraid her son may be killed in extra judicial way as is common in Punjab. His widow mother is pleading before every approachable official o save her son. Bhai Harpal Singh has informed Amnesty International, “London, after consulting his lawyers.
One case is of Inderbir Singh whose relations in Amritsar are being regularly harassed by the police. To their great concern, a temporary CRPF post is being organized just outside their house and whenever they feel like they just walk in the house saying we are looking for “Lali”. Despite being told he has gone abroad, they intrude saying we have orders from authorities.
This is important to mention, these harassments have increased after a news article carried by Indian paper that many militants have managed to escape from India.
Other heart rendering case is of other asylee whose wife and children were taken into police custody. Bhai Prempal Singhwho belongs to Ludhiana tells with heavy heart how his whole family including his wife and small kids were taken to police station and kept without food and basic civic amenities. They were let off after local leaders intervened. His family was warned of more stringent measures if he doesn’t return.
A brother of another asylee Bhai Amarjit Singh Sarkaria was arrested two months back. Bhai Aniarlt Sah who belong to Ajnala, Amritsar said that authorities are not telling about is where abuts. His brother was arrested from a bus while he was travelling to his village near Lopoke, Ajnala police detained him. Bhai Amarjit Singh, who’s very disturbed about his brothers disappearance said that he didn’t know where his rest of the family was, He fears the persecution of is family.
There are more cases of similar nature but people fear further repression if they go public with their stories.
The Sikhs whose cases have been cited have at one time or another Suffered atrocities at the hands of Indian Government because of their Sikh religion and political beliefs.
The law firm of Jobe and Melrod was contacted. Said Robert Jobe, immigration attorney, “basically we are helpless here, the best thing we can do is inform Amnesty International giving details of the case. And Al issues Action Alert through which they inform their branches all over the world and this pressurizes Indian government not to harm the victim.
(IS Sandhu)
Article extracted from this publication >> November 8, 1991
