The Sikh Human Rights Group
Started the campaign in January, 1988, for the release of Sikh detainees in India with special emphasis on the Jodhpur detainees, Simranjit Singh Mann,
Gen. Narinder Singh and Balkar Singh
In this campaign we will concentrate on the Jodhpur detainees (authorization received) and Simranjit Singh Mann.
Brief History
During the invasion of the Golden Temple in June, 1964, 380 Sikhs were taken in custody and held in an army camp for more than 2 days. When Indian authorities discovered that some of them were members of the All India Sikh Students Federation (advocating an independent Sikh state), all of them were charged with waging war against the state. These detainees included old persons, children and women; most of them were pilgrims and S.G.P.C. employees.
A Special Court set up to try these persons found that the government could not substantiate the charges.
The Bains Commission set up by the government to investigate political. Detentions, pronounced them innocent. Justice Tiwana, conducting the judicial enquiry on behalf of the government, found that many of them were tortured. In spite of all this, some of them are still behind bars and are mentally tortured.
Action Recommended: Approach religious, human rights, political or minority organizations in your area and request them to write to the President of India for immediate release of these innocent people. Let us know of the action taken.
WE NEED: HELP — VOLUNTEERS — SPONSORS
We are a non-political, non-profit organization.
CONTACT: Balbir Singh Brar — International coordinator (416) 450-9087
Dr. Gurcharn Singh Johl
National Spokesman
Kuldeep Singh — Rep. of Sikh Students Federation (416) 677-6298
Sikh Human Rights Group (North America) 2857 Derry Rd. East, Suite 110, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada 14T 1A6
Article extracted from this publication >> October 7, 1988
