OTTAWA: Mr. Bob Pennock MP, PC (Etobicoke) rose in the House of Commons on Sept. 28, 1988 and raised Mr. Balkar Singhis case.

“Mr. Speaker, the protection of its citizens is a valued right in any country. In this regard concern is being expressed by Canadians and an international human rights organization for the plight of a Canadian citizen, a resident of Etobicoke North. I refer to Balkar Singh in detention in India since Nov. 2. 1987.

The well’ renowned international organization, Amnesty International in a report last month has urged the Indian government to release him or charge him and bring him to trial under normal Judicial procedures with all customary legal safeguards,

While recognizing the efforts of the Government to obtain consular access to the detainee to ensure adequate medical treatment and cessation of torture, I would like Members to join with me in urging the Indian government to bring Balkar Singh to trial at the earliest and urge the Government of Canada to continue in its worthy efforts to bring the matter to an early resolve.”

World Sikh Organization’s International office has been kept busy for the past two weeks to analyze the Amnesty International reports and to follow up with the Parliamentarians. Mr. Balkar Singh’s case has been taken up in the Canadian Parliament twice this week.

The Amnesty International’s August report had quoted that a Sikh Organization from Canada had taken responsibility for “Air India Crash’, although there is no evidence in Canada for any of the organizations claims. This inadequacy has been brought to the: attention of the Amnesty International’s Office in London, England and we have asked them to issue a statement to his effect.

Another ‘Special Report’ on the Jodhpur detainees has also been released by the Amnesty. This probably had’ some impact upon the Indian government and they have now released 138 of them. The reasons for holding the remaining individuals are not known yet. The pressure is being exerted upon the government to release them.

Mr. V.P. Singh has formed a United Front of 7 opposition parties in India and is hopeful of defeating Mr. Gandhi’s Congress party in the next election. He kicked off his campaign in a colonial style last week and the Sikh issue was not on his agenda either.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 7, 1988