The tragic and shocking incidence at Fremont Gurdwara has greatly traumatized further, already a very hurt Sikh psyche sending much soul searching. What mockery it was for all involved in this despicable incidence to suggest heroism and what nostalgia to connect valor and the missing of martyrdom by a nick. The bigger loser of course was the Sikh Nation and the Sikh Sangat. To add insult to injury no one person, trained from giving nauseating version of the incidence. All the pots were calling the kettle’s black and this vicious cycle is repeating weekly. The least we can do is stop the mudslinging, whether it is against ISYF, Dr. Amarjit Singh, Bhai Balbir Singh Tut or Sikh Youth of America. We may not agree with an individual or an organization, but there should be a way to agree to disagree, in a civilized way. Knowingly fabricating details of involvement of any dividable or misleading statements of one’s family, or name calling are basically against the Sikh religion and is not Sikhism. If any of the above has been done by me personally or S.Y.A. then my humble apologies to the involved.
S.Y.A. neither condones nor fully exonerates itself from the incidence. We have the courage to stand up and accept responsibility, whether it is partial, full or minor. So many want answers to the truth as to what happened, was it spontaneous or otherwise, which organization was involved and to what extent, was it work of the Indian government? The truth whether it goes against S.Y.A. or any individual or organization can be the best derived by an impartial team of credible figures from the Sikh community. Elders and community leaders such as Dr. Balwant Singh, Dr. Manohar Singh Grewal, Dr. Jasbir Singh Mann, Dr. Jasvir Singh Kang and any other person of such calibre and truth are requested to come forward and give their findings in the form of an investigative commission as to what happened and recommend ways of avoiding such from happening again. Those who have done wrong should be brought out in the open to the Sangat and meted punishment as sanctioned by the Sikh Gur maryada. S.Y.A. would abide by the finding of any such commission and accept its recommendations. In the meantime S.Y.A. is going to do some soul searching of its own. In the end of December ‘94 on our general body election meeting we will be announcing unprecedented steps that will heavily involve avoiding dissension where Sikhs, pitch against fellow Sikhs in our quest for Khalistan. We pray that this would be not only be far reaching but historical and encouraging for others to follow suit. Till then, all statements bearing mention of Sikh Youth of America are to be deemed personal and without the approval of SSYZAS On a personal basis an Akhand Path is being planned to seek blessing of Guru Granth Sahib. I was very saddened by seeing Bhai Bhuttarduring my visit at the hospital. Any individual or organization who feels that our actions have hurt our Father Akal Purkh, I humbly request that we get in touch so an Ardas can be offered. The biggest forgiver is the Sikh Sangat. None of us is perfect, we all, including myself, have hurt each other’s feelings. May Waheguru bless us with the prevalence of Gursikh as we pass through these tough times together, struggling for freedom?
Bhajan Singh,
Los Angeles, CA.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 4, 1994
