YUBA CITY, CA: The streets were resplendent with brightly dressed, Sikhs and beautifully decorated floats as Northern California Sikhs attended Yuba City’s annual Gurgaddi parade and celebration. According to reports, over 10,000 people attended this year’s function, sponsored by the Tierra Buena Gurdwara whose management is to be congratulated for yet another successful show of Sikh Unity.
Besides the fantastic floats, free food, and fine goods arrayed at the many booths, the crowd was also given the opportunity to see and hear both local and national luminaries speak on issues close to the fears of many. Prominent speakers included, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh; Council of Khalistan, Mr. Gurcharan Singh Dhillon; WSO, Dr. Amarjit Singh; Khalistan Affairs Center, Congressman Mr. Wally Herger and his friend and associate Mr. Cliff Lefebvre and Ms. Mary Pike, attorney for political prisoners, Sukhwinder Singh Sandhu and Ranjit Singh Gill.
The many speakers emphasized the need for a free and independent Punjab and the many human rights violations committed against the Sikhs and other minorities in India. It was the consensus that Khalistan was the answer and that a plebiscite to decide the issue was a necessity.
Ms. Pike later spoke to a prominent group of citizens about the ongoing case of Bhai Gill and Bhai ‘Sandhu whose extradition case has been fought for the past six years as they stay in jail in New York.
Later that weekend a successful fundraiser was organized for Cong. Wally Herger who has been a strong supporter of his Sikh friends and constituents.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 11, 1994
