VANCOUVER, CANADA: A seminar on Human Rights and the Sikhs was held at the University of British Columbia (UBC) on January 26.
The seminar organized in cooperation with the World Sikh Organization was chaired by Prof. Fritz Lenemar of the UBC. Approximately 200 students and another 100 guests attended the seminar.
Ron Dart a Ph.D. student represented the international human rights organization Amnesty International outlined the objectives of the organization and expressed his concerns on the political detainees as well as the killings of Sikh youths in staged encounters.
Dr. John Spellman presented a well-researched report on “Human Rights Violations in India”. Robert Matas the Bureau Chief for Western Canada of the influenced daily Globe and S Mail presented a critique of Dr. Spellman’s analysis.
Political & Financial Pressure Prof Bill Holland, retired head of Asian studies at University of British Columbia added his voice to the analysis by Dr. Spellman and presented a Canadian viewpoint to the situation. He also suggested possible solutions to the Punjab crisis.
Professor Holland insisted that the governments of United States Canada and United Kingdom should be able to apply political and financial pressure to get the government of India to “start acting like a responsible government.”
Article extracted from this publication >> February 24, 1989
