WASHINGTON (CAPITOL HILL): In an unprecedented move, some U.S. lawmakers ranging from Senate Foreign Affairs Committee chairman to House Budget Committee Chairman, lent their support to the cause of human rights at a reception for the U.S. Congress. Organized by the International Human Rights Organization, (IHRO) Congressman Dante Fascell was honored for his services to the cause of human rights.

Significantly, the reception was also attacked by the officials of the Russian, Greek and Algerian embassies and the religious leadership of other faith communities in the Washington me to area. Sikh leadership across the nation were conspicuous from their presence at the function.

Congressman Dante Fascell was given a plaque by D.S.Gill, Chairman, THRO, in recognition of his “tireless efforts for the cause of human rights and leadership as chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee.”

In his speech, Dante Fascell Expressed his concern on the violations of human rights in India, particularly in Punjab. He Eloquently shared his experiences with Sikhs during World War II.

Rep. Dante Fascell is retiring after serving U.S. Congress for 38 years and 19 years as chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. In the recent past, he wrote a strongly worded letter to Secretary of State James Baker which said, “If the Indian government is unwilling to end these human rights violations, the (Bush) Administration should consider withdrawing U.S, support for loan programs to India in the IMF and the World Bank and addressing this issue in the United Nations.”

In his address, IHRO Chairman D.S.Gill appreciated the concern shown by the U.S. Congress about the grave human rights situation in Punjab and Kashmir, and said, “the mere fact that a majority of the people of Punjab stayed away from the assembly polls and the subsequent resignations by most of the 13,000 village mayors and council members in protest against unabated repression in the state of Punjab shows that the Sikhs are fed up with the present political system”, adding that “ the Punjab conflict is not a law and order problem but a political crisis which needs to be solved politically.”

Concluding his speech, the IHRO chief called upon the American Nation, the U.S, Congress and the Bush administration to exert their pressure on India to put an end to state repression and help find a political solution to the Punjab conflict.

Over 20 members of Congress and Senate attended the program and about 12 addressed the audience. Congressman Dan Burton (Ind) welcomed everybody and Cong. Vie Fazio (CA) introduced the main speaker, Rep. Fascell. Other members who addressed the group were; Cong. Torricelli (NJ), Cong. Leon Panetta (Ca), House Budget Committee Chairman, Rep. Pete Peterson (PA), Senator Claiborne Pell, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rep. David Price (NC) Rep. George Brown (CA) and a few others. About 20 other law makers sent their representatives to this program.

Many Sikh leaders from various organizations were present, Among them were Dr, Amarjit Singh, spokesman of the Panthak Committee, S.Didar Singh Bains, W.S.O. President International, Dr.Gurcharan Singh Dhillon, President WSO -US, Dr.Gurmit S.Aulakh of the Council of Khalistan, Harpreet S. Toor and Jatinder S. Sabharwal of Sikh Cultural Society NY, Jarnail Singh Grewal of Sri Guru Singh Sabha of N.J. and representatives of Sikh Youth of America, were present in large numbers, Representatives of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation,

Guru Nanak Foundation, Sikh Foundation of Virginia, Sikh Broadcasting network were also present from the Washington area. Various other Sikh organizations nation-wide endorsed this program, Sikh Students Federation from California and members of Sikh Generations in NY helped to make this program a success. This was a good show of unity and strength.

Dr.Rajwant Singh, president IHRO -North America said, “We thank all the honorable members of Congress who joined us in this event. This would not have been possible without the support of the entire community.

Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 14, 1992