[By Sewa Singh, President, and Republic of Khalistan in exile U.K.],
In order to rally the Muslim people behind the cause of Sikh independence, I intend to write to the head of the ruling party, leader of the opposition, and politically sensitive segments of Pakistan, Moreover, at Least, we believe that an independent Khalistan would be in Pakistan’s best interest. Before concluding my write-up, I would require from Pakistan’s opinion blocks to acknowledge the essence of the Sikh problem and would see the advantages of East Punjab becoming a friendly independent neighbor, said Sewa Singh Lally, President of the Republic of Khalistan in exile, The following is the full text of his statement issued to the Pakistan’s daily newspaper “The News.” Although, government of Pakistan wanted the “Kashmir issue’ to “come into a still sharper focus of the world public opinion,” their oral silence on Sikh issue have pose a disturbing query, conceding the Sikh conscience, We always thought that somehow Pakistan would Support our movement for independence, But whenever Sikh leaders based in foreign countries attempted to approach the Leaders of Pakistan for their concern, we Were met by the stock answer that Pakistan does not want to| interfere in the “internal affairs” of other countries, The logic confounded many, and contradicted the Pakistan’s previous foreign policy stands on the question of human rights abuses in South Africa. And the invasion of Afghanistan and Palestine. Last month while addressing in Ludhiana, India’s former prime minister accused Pakistan for sponsoring regional terrorism. In fact, the contrary is the case, The sad fact is that the Indian intelligence network, are more or less, engaged in spreading Violent anarchy in Karachi and Lahore by extending their support to various ethnic and seetarjun groups. No doubt, Kashmiris gripped by acclimate of fear and the human rights abuses there continue unabated. In this context, one should not ignore that Pakistan’s government is regularly raising the human rights issues at all international forums for Kashmiris. If Pakistan has a right to advocate these issues on behalf of Kashmiris, then, why their leaders have chosen to remain silent on Punjab unrest. I am sorry to write that the leaders of successive Pakistani governments and nongovernmental organizations have uttered virtually no protest and instead have completely, turned their backs on Sikh people. There is no reason to believe that Pakistan wants to appease India but the simple reason which appeals to me is that, they do not want to embarrass India, just for Sikhs. It is time for plain speaking. ‘And do not see any need to explain my critical tone. In fact, the international community has jurisdiction over the governments which violate human rights. They (international community) have a right to raise these issues at all forums and call for redress for those whose rights have been violated. State atrocities and human rights abuses in India area living issues on which many lenders from the western world, including Bill Clinton, have voiced concern. So the first task before the Benazir Bhutto government is to send out strong signals to Indians regarding their respect for human Tights and self-determination; and to develop the world conscience, which would ultimately compel international bodies to take note of State atrocities and to embarrass the government of India with inquiries, With the 1990’s having been proclaimed a decade for the advancement of human rights, the terrible wrongs inflicted ‘on the Sikhs and Kashmiris must be regressed. Ik took more than 20,000 lives before the Sikh underground movement received the blows. The reasons of the failure are well known. The ongoing determination of the rural Sikhs to achieve their goals of national liberation has not waned in 15 years of struggle even as thousands of them have already sacrificed their lives to sustain the struggle. Indian Leaders today may pretend that Khalistan is already a dead issue. But it is certainly not.
‘We are aware that the Kashmiri people who are struggling for their right to self-determination, are bitterly opposed to the elections within the framework of the India’s existing Constitution, Despite repeated calls by various Sikh groups for immediate coordination of strategies and common goals, Kashmiri leaders had paid no heed. By neglecting our desperate appeals Kashmiri leaders, unwittingly or not, are drawing the lines of distinction between Kashmir and Sikh issues. Certainly they would have desire to generate sufficient sympathies in the world so as to attain their freedom first. We share their desires, their aspirations, and the sufferings of their brave struggle. With the view to the ongoing elections in Kashmir vale ley, we wish to rest our present appeal for their solidarity to speak out with a single collective voice against the authoritarian polity of India.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 29, 1996
