WASHINGTON (D.C.) The World Sikh Org., at it’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. is scandalized at the “divisive” approach which Prime Minister Rao adopted in his Independence Day speech to the Indian people. While asking for the cessation of discussion by all political parties and for a three moratorium on all “divisive issues,” he utterly failed to heed the cause of the most unjust and inhuman treatment meeted to the Punjab one of India’s foremost and richest states, let alone even mention the finding of a reasonable solution to the Punjab issue.

In a written statement WSO international president S. Didar Singh Bains said that India’s Prime Minister Rao, once again, proves the lack of respect that the Indian government has manifested since years, in its dealings with the Sikhs, despite angry world opinion. Atrocities of the most inhuman nature are perpetrated daily in the Punjab Social, Religious and Economic justice is denied and the dignity of every Sikh flaunted.

We, here in the U.S.A. are deeply offended and pained that AO Mention whatsoever is made by Prime Minister Rao as to the status of the Punjab issue. Other religious groups the Hindus, the Muslims are articulated by him in his speech and promises are made to them, provincial states like Kashmir are talked about and yet more promises made to them. Where then, is the place of the Sikhs and the Punjab? Promises made in the past have since been denied to us, Does the Prime Minister not prefer installing a moratorium on the violence and utter absence of human rights suffered by the Sikhs, rather than calling for a moratorium on the debate of a key issue like the stats of the Punjab? Is the Prime Minister, in this major speech, eschewing all responsibility for an honest solution to the Punjab problem? We strongly and vehemently protest the speech made by the Prime Minister of the world’s so called “largest democracy” and voice our deepest concern at the lack of respect shown to the Sikhs and to the Punjab, where human rights continue to be violated daily in the worst manner.”

Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 28, 1992