WSN Staff Report
NEW YORK: Five years after their arrest on May 141987 from a New Jersey gas station Ranjit Singh Gill and Sukhminder Singh Sandhu sit in a U.S. prison their future unknown These handsome and brilliant young Sikh activists and members of the Sikh Student Federation were accused falsely arrested tried and incarcerated in a case of collusion between the government of India and that of the United States. They have received the brunt of bureaucratic red tape that is the epitome of inaction and injustice Sent to trial in chains they have appealed extradition on charges that were part of a coerced confession. They have fought a losing battle that has seen the original U.S. attorney declared insane for producing false threats against her and the trial judge still their faith and fortitude abides.
Last week W.S.N. Editor Gurinder Singh Grewal and Manager Inder Singh interviewed them at the M.C.C facility in Manhattan The following is a summary of the W.S.N interview. Editor.
Upon arrival at the prison one is struck by the beauty of the modem architecture. But as the saying goes “You can’t judge a book by its cover” Inside cold concrete corridors iron bars and shuffling prisoners in the ubiquitous jail jumpsuits are the order of the day. We pass through a security system that would do the Israeli Airlines proud. One set of guards prepares to search us from camera case to turban. A supervisor allows us to proceed untouched our turbans and dignity intact.
Ranjit known as Kuki and Sukhminder known as Sukhi have these nicknames from their childhood days “Kuki” and “Sukhi” as they have become known to their many friends and supporters sit patiently awaiting their visitors. Breaking into smiles they greet us with affection and respect. Our hearts were touched with a mixture of pride sadness and love for these boys whose serenity and humility have remained steadfast in the face of their unknown fate.
There is a philosophy that says that men have only four enemies man against man man against himself man against the elements and the last and most fearsome; man against the unknown that is the enemy of Sukhi and Kuki. Their youth passes slowly in a windowless cell on the 11th floor.
Twice weekly they are allowed one hour of recreation on the roof. Those two hours are the only times that fresh air and sunshine enters their lives.
For four hours each day Ranjit who has a Master’s degree in Agriculture and Sukhminder who has a Master’s degree in Economics work in the prison kitchen. Yet this doesn’t change the fact that they have forgotten the taste of the food of Punjab. And because of prison rules visitors are not allowed to bring in prepared dishes.
The Khalsa Panth remains for most in their minds. Their religion at-least is respected and they have been allowed their beards turbans and holy books (Gutka). They spend much of the days in prayer.
W.S.N is their main source of news on the Sikhs. They are also allowed to receive newspapers from the Punjab England and Canada. They are frequently visited by close friends from California New York New Jersey and Canada. However it seems that local Gurdwara managements stay away. Is it possible that local Gurdwaras are not familiar with the political prisoners in their own backyard? Family support has been strong and unstinting. Thankful the two expressed their hope for a brotherhood of Sikhs the family that will be at the heart of the nation of Khalistan.
In bondage themselves their concern is the Sikhs struggle for freedom. The level of violence in the Punjab and the number of Sikhs killed weekly is disturbing to them. Saying Traditional Akalis must join the underground movement to accelerate the fight against injustice and for freedom if under the proper circumstances a referendum is held in Khalistan Sikhs should participate. This would enhance the image of Sikhs in the International Community.
Sukhminder and Ranjit responded thought fully to our questions about their feelings. Following the path of the Guru they have no regrets ask for no sympathy. Under similar circumstances they would act the same again. Sure that if they are extradited they would face execution or death in a false encounter they are mentally prepared for the worst. During this somber moment they reflectively asked for our prayers. Pray to the almighty that we can live up to the Sikh tradition of Sacrifice with Dignity.
They expressed thanks to the Sikh Community in the U.S. for supporting their case in particular and the freedom movement in general.
“The recent incident of the U.S Coast Guard returning Haitian refugees is particularly distressing though. The U.S. Is seen as a champion of justice and Human Rights It should play its role aggressively and effectively”
This gives concern regarding” their own case not for themselves personally but because theirs is an example of the Sikh struggle against state terrorism and the political repression of the Indian Government. During our visit we were able to convey to them the support of the World Sikh Organization. S. Didar Singh Bains president W.S.O. and S. Gurcharan Singh Dhillon president W.S.O.-U.S.A. advised that W.S.O. would continue to provide support for their legal defense. The W.S.O. leaders expressed their appreciation to at torneys William Kunstler Ronald Kuby and Mary Pike for their representation of our boys Gill and Sandhu. Later the same day they were visited by S.Gurcharan Singh Dhillon who reiterated the W.S.O.s support for their plight.
W.S.N. feels this case is of most importance to the Sikh nation. No stone should go unturned to win their fight —
Article extracted from this publication >> June 26, 1992
