WSN special CALIFORNIA: Congressman, Dan Burton a prominent politician of the United States and a supporter of the Sikhs, addressed three large gatherings of Sikhs in the Gurdwaras of El Sobrante Fremont and San Jose on Feb.14. He was accompanied by Dr.G.S.Aulakh, president of the Council of Khalistan, Washington, Dan Burton accused the India Government of abusing human rights and of the oppression of Sikhs. He said there was no real liberty, justice or freedom for Sikhs in India and the only answer to it lay in a free state of Khalistan for which the Sikhs must strive. “I have been convinced that the only real answer for there to be freedom and democracy in Punjab is that Khalistan become a reality.”
At Fremont, the congressmen was welcomed to the congregation by S.Balbir Singh Ragi, S. Ram Singh and S. Jaswinder Singh Jandi, president of the Gurdwara, Management Committee. S Jaswinder Singh appealed to the Sikhs to generously support the Congressman who was a true friend of the Sikhs and a great supporter of Khalistan, On behalf of the Sikh sangat present, Bhai Jagjit Singh, the head priest of Fremont presented ‘Siropas’ to Hon. Dan Burton and Dr.G.S.Aulakh. At the San Jose congregation, Bhai Jit Singh Baniwal, president of the Gurdwara managing committee presented ‘Siropas’ to Hon. Dan Burton and DrAulakh.
While introducing Dan Burton to the congregations, Dr.G.S. Aulakh described him as a real friend of the Sikhs. It was he who had introduced the famous ‘Burton Amendment’ known as “The Justice in India Act Amendment.” This was passed by a majority of 219 against 200 in the House of Representatives on June 25,1992, The Burton Amendment took India to task for violation of Human Rights cut$24 million developmental aid to India and shook the Indian Government. It deplored the brutal atrocities inflicted on the Sikhs and the harassment of the Sikhs by the police. The Indian govt. is “scared of him” observed Dr. Aulakh of Cong Burton, Speaking about the recognition of Khalistan as a member of the UNPO at Hague, Dr. Aulakh said, that this was a big achievement for the Sikh struggle for an independent state of Khalistan, After a lapse of years, the Khalsa flag was again flying in the General Assembly of the UNPO. It was another step towards the achievement of Khalistan for which the credit should go to the 89 to the whole world Sikh community. India is bankrupt and it will soon disintegrate like the former Soviet Union It is faced with economic and political Problems and cannot last for long. By the destruction of the Babri Masjid, the Indian Govt. had Proved that there is no place in it for minorities and that it was a is State which will never tolerate the existence of other religions,
Honorable Dan Burton accepting the “saropas’ presented to him by the managing committee Secretaries of the gurdwara said that a lot was being done for the cause of Khalistan but still more was required. Commenting on the poor Human Rights records of the Indian Govt. in Punjab he said that the Indian Ambassador had denied these allegations and said that people in the country were free and there was no oppression in Punjab. Mr.Ray had even invited him to visit Punjab one time, but after that he has never talked to him.
He said that no member of the Amnesty International was allowed to visit Punjab nor any News media person allowed there. “They have something to hide there.” However the Sikhs have a to bring to the notice of the elected representatives, the crimes that are being committed against them in Punjab. They must write letters to their representatives and they must tell the media so that more American sat Washington know the truth, President Clinton and the foreign secretary, Mr, Wiesenberger have been convinced by the Indian Ambassador and the Government that Pakistan is helping Sikh militants in Punjab and Kashmir. They therefore want to declare it a terrorist state. This impression of the President and the new administration can only be removed by a concerted effort by all Sikhs and the friendly Congressmen. Hon Dan Burton said he intended to reintroduce the “The Justice in India Act” amendment this year. He appealed to the people to support the efforts of Dr.G.S.Aulukh for “real freedom, real change and real justice in Punjab to create a free state of Khalistan.”
Threats to Life Hon Dan Burton said he had received threatening letters from Indians who did not support the Sikh cause and this had brought about some restrictions on his activities but they could not deter him from lending his full Support to the Sikhs, “As long as I am in Congress J will do my best to focus the light of public attention on the horrible things that have been going on in Punjab,” and “One day I hope along with many of you will be able to walk down the free Streets in the New State of Khalistan.”
Congressman Dan Burton who was on fund raising tour of California left for Los Angeles after speaking to the congregation at San Jose.
The Sikh congregations at all the Gurdwaras generously donated large sums of money for the Congressman in recognition of his role to support the Sikh cause, Bhai Davinder Singh Babbar made separate donation on behalf of the Babbar Khalsa International.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 19, 1993
