Q, What is the background, aims and objectives of the “Sikh struggle?”
A, The Sikh nation rejected the Indian constitution since it had replaced the British Crown with the Indian center. Hindu chauvinism had compelled the writers of the Constitution to deny to the Sikhs their religious identity. For example, the Article 25 refers to them as a member community of the Hindu religious family along with Jains and Buddhists, The Indian Constitution, in its final form, not only lacked the safeguards promised to the Sikhs, but also contained selectively discriminatory provisions against them. Hukam Singh and Bhupinder Singh members of the assembly rejected the Indian Constitution and refused to append their signatures thus disassociating Sikh nation with the Republic of India. Representative of the Sikh nation declared in the constituent assembly at the outset, of its adoption that the Sikh nation were not party toil, For the Achievement of our liberty from under the Indian colonialism we have been compelled to resist the Indian Aggression, because the Republic of India is an Aggressor and a colonial power and the enemy of the Sikh nation, Yet, we are camestly desirous of a Peaceful solution with the with- drawl of the colonial occupation by the Government of Hindu India from our lands and territories- Khalistan.
Q, What compelled Sikh nation to choose the path of militancy?
A, The faith of the Sikh nation has been mocked and abused, how- ever, it has exposed the vacant bona fides of the Government of India; the abstract Indian nation. The govt of India initiated aggression against our Nation by launching military operations in 1984 to destroy Our political and commit a genocide of our people, Arising out of that a resistance movement evolved which has now taken on the role for meeting the oppression and carry the movement forward to liberate court Nation from under the Indian colonialism.
Q, What is your view about the so-called Amritsar declaration by Akali party which proposes a Con- federation structure for the Indian Constitution?
A, Without recalling the History of the events from the beginning of this century about the Sikh Nation under its sufferance under the British Colonialism and the transfer of that colonial power in 1947 during which period the Akali’s failed to appreciate the Sikh national interest, it would not be possible for me to clearly explain to you now in a few words why I Briefly, suffice it to say that ne interests ‘of the Sikh nation rest in an independent Khalistan as al- ready declared by our nation, The Sikh nation has resolved to restore its liberty from under the Indian colonialism.
Q, Do you get help from abroad?
A, we are unable to answer as it is sensitive to verge upon law. However, suffice to say that we have received all sorts of support from Sikh panth.
- Hindu India Press is constantly giving impression to the World that Sikh freedom struggle in Punjab is merely a “terrorist movement” and it is just a law and order problem. Do you agree with it?
A, That is a blatant lie of the Hindu Indian Government to bring the Sikhs into disrepute, Khalsa cannot be a terrorist; however the Khalsa must resist aggression against himself or his people. The use of force by the Sikh nation in response in the on-going Indo- Khalsa War launched by the Hindu India in June, 1984, is in full justification for the rights and claims of the Sikh people and it is in self- defense of its sovereignty.
Q, How can you justify your case’ lo gel assistance as foreign powers believe Punjab problem as an internal armed conflict?
A, The conflict between the Sikh nations with Hindu India is in no way an internal affair of India. As a Republic of India is a colonial *Power’ and the Sikh nation is a colonized nation. | feel sure that the subject matter of the independence of the Sikh nation is international in character, there is general international agreement that wars of National liberation are not strictly internal and conflict. Moreover, the Sikh nation has rejected the Indian claim to the Punjab being an integral part of the India, Just as; we maintain that the Kashmir and Punjab are parts of the Greater Mediterranean and not of the peninsular India.
Q, Any message for the Sikh Panth?
A, Baba Farad’s saying is appropriate: He addressed God thus: Do not-leave me in slavery If my life is to suffer enslavement amongst aliens I beg Thou then please end my life.
Death is preferable by far than a life of slavery. We have resolved that we will not suffer lives of ignominy in slavery under the Hindus. To cut off the shackles of slavery your militants have given up their all and the love and comfort of their homes and marched into the field of battle. We earnestly appeal to all Sikhs of the Guru to participate at this time with whatever share is possible individually physically and or financially or morally.
We are honored indeed that until now Sikhs abroad have responded most generously in every way to help meet with the challenge of the conflict. Such help should continue with even greater vigor for the militants in the field in the on- going armed conflict so that the battle for an end to the slave hood under the Hindus can be brought about quickly. Q. Has any country given you financial help?
A, No, We have been totally self- reliant,
Q, After 30-32 years of armed conflict the P.L.O, sat at the table with Tel Aviv. Are you ready to talk with the Government of India for a peaceful solution to the Sikh problem?
A, Yes. We are desirous of a peaceful solution. All that the Sikh nation demands from their colonial master- the Republic of India je to vacate our land and territories-Khalistan and let us enjoy our inalienable right to the independence.
Q, There is a rumor in the Punjab that the back-bone of the freedom movement has been broken. That there is calm and people can move about freely. Is this for a short while or will this last for good?
A, Were this fact, it would not be necessary to broadcast this about for it is not necessary to illustrate that the day has dawned: when in fact the event of the sun- rise would make that obvious. There is obviously a doubt about the claimed calm and peace. For K.P. S. Gill to perform a bhangra whilst being guarded by a couple of hundred of the security forces does not confirm a state of calm- ness. We would challenge him to pass through a village by himself without a body-guard and that, where we would guarantee our absence. He would never emerge alive from there, If he docs then. We would acknowledge the claim to calm and peace; in an on-going armed conflict it is not uncommon for progressive gains and losses – advances and fall-back. The claim to calm and peace would only have validity had we abandoned the field. That most certainly is not the case.
Q, If Khalistan becomes a reality who will manage is government? Would again be the Alkali’s in a different uniform?
A, (smiling) When Khalistan becomes free you may advertise in your Newspaper “Wanted Ruler for Khalistan!” Then you shall see the great response. (Serious) Those whom are born to tread: the path of revolution to liberty is also blessed to have amongst personalities that would rise to govern.
Address; Office of the Babbar Khalsa International
153, Winson St, Winson green Birmingham U.K. (Fax # (021) – 4564097
Article extracted from this publication >> August 19, 1994