Yuba City: Addressing a fund-raising dinner organized by the Sikh Constituents, the incumbent Congressman from Chico, Hon. Wally Herger said that Sikhs are America’s friends as they “‘share the same work ethic, and belief in the free market, not to mention democracy, that we Americans hold as basic elements of any just society.”
He complimented Sikhs for emerging as successful businessmen, farmers, scientists, teachers and political leaders both in India and in the U.S.
“In spite of this success, or perhaps because of it, the Sikh population has been unfairly discriminated against by Indian citizens as well as the ruling Congress (I) party,” he said. And went on to add, “Thousands of innocent Sikhs were murdered by angry Hindus in 1984 following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards. This followed by only months the infamous desecration of the Golden Temple by Indian combat troops. To this day, few of those responsible for these episodes have ever come to trial.
“Violence against the Sikh people has continued to this day. Only last month, several young Sikh men were murdered by Hindus during registration at the Nanak Engineering College in Western India. State Department sources tell me that Indian police were informed that violence was likely, but failed to take any steps to prevent the massacre. My calls to the Indian Embassy have not been returned.
“Fake Encounters,” police beatings, and Hindu vigilantism have all increased in recent months. In fact, earlier this year concrete evidence surfaced that the government had issued gun permits to members of the Communist Party and hired them to kill young Sikhs suspected of criminal violations.
“Although the record of violence and oppression during the past year has certainly not been reassuring, progress has been made in one area — that of Congressional support for the human and_ political rights of the Sikhs.
“Support in both the House and the Senate continues to grow. I recently joined Representative Dan Burton in co-sponsoring H. Con. Res. 343, which expresses the sense of congress that India should stop its discrimination against the Sikh people. So far, 43 other members have joined us in signing this legislation. These members represent all points on the political spectrum, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that the situation in the Punjab is one which is becoming increasingly important in the eyes of Congress.
“Indeed, the congressional Research service recently completed a 56 page report on the crisis in India, a report which accused the Indian Government of violations of human rights, as well as a general failure to live up to their promises to the Sikh people.
“These actions are significant, and give us hope that, together, we can make a difference.
“The success adds credibility to the arguments of those of us who have been attempting to bring this persecution to light, and thus, makes it more likely that others will become involved.
“It also makes it more likely that the Congress will take concrete steps against India. Congressman Bill McCollum and I have suggested suspending India’s “Most-Favored-Nation” status, and while such a move seems unlikely in the near future, the day is fast approaching when this might be considered a viable option.
Welcoming the Congressman, S. Didar Singh Bains traced the progress of the Sikhs in America and assured Hon. Wally Herger that the community will solidly stand by him.
Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal thanked the Congressman for espousing the Sikh cause. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire Sikh Nation and hoped that with the determined efforts of leaders like Wally Herger, the human rights of the persecuted minorities will be recognized and respected.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 11, 1988
