CALGARY: Speech delivered by World Sikh Organization Canada president ram Raghbir Singh Chahal at the Gurdwara Sahib Calgary on June 9.
Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh!
The days of June 2-6 are days of Remembrance for the Sikh Community. It was on June 4 1984 that thousands of Sikhs including children and women were butchered in cold blood. The Akal Takhat Sahib highest political seat of the Sikhs was demolished. The Golden Temple and 40 other Gurdwaras were desecrated. Thousands were imprisoned without trials and remain to this day. On behalf of the W.S.O Pay homage to all those who laid down their lives and pray to the almighty to bless their souls Over 40 years ago India became independent. All minorities including the Sikhs had high hopes to live peacefully in a new secular democratic state. The Sikhs had actively participated in the independence struggle out of 121 executions 92 were Sikhs. Over 80% of Indians imprisoned were Sikhs. Sikhs loyally fought for India in 3 wars with Pakistan and a war with China. The Punjab produces over 70% of Indian food.
In return for our contribution the Sikhs have received a legacy of broken promises and discriminatory practices by the Indian state. Nehru made promises which were never fulfilled. Indira Gandhi broke the Punjabi Subha agreement. Water and electricity were diverted from Punjab. Rajiv Gandhi broke his own agreement with Sant Longowal.
The Golden temple attack was the final unforgivable betrayal of the Sikh community.
To quote Abraham Lincoln:
it by mere forces of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written constitutional right it might in any moral point of view justify revolution”
With elections underway in India political assassinations have become a reality. In Punjab the Sikh community is divided and the government takes advantage of the situation. All groups should get together to settle the internal turmoil. Some groups are taking part in the elections and others are boycotting them. United we stand divided we fall.
Khalsa Ji
June 2-6 is dark days in Sikh history Operation Bluestar cannot be forgotten or forgiven. Sikhs have no choice left but to support the creation of a separate Sikh state to protect our religious identity.
The W.S.O. has released a cassette tape. “Parnam Shahida Nu’ in memory of all Shahids from Canada. Once again on behalf of the World Sikh Organization i pay homage to all Shahids of Operation Bluestar and to date.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 21, 1991
