Dear Editor:
Those of us who had the opportunity to witness the annual parade held on November 3rd in Yuba City can testify to the accuracy of its coverage in World Sikh News. I also had an opportunity to read the India West version of the event, which was not only distorted but was presented with a completely different twist. Mention of local Hindus participating could only draw laughter. The sub charged atmosphere for the liberation of Khalistan was deliberately ignored.
The policy of Yellow Journalism is nothing new for India West. It stoops low to the extent of writing its editorial letters to project the Hindu Government Views. I have documentations of two such letters to prove this claim. In the August 24th 1984 issue of India West a letter with the caption “Ill feelings counterproductive” was published with Mr. APS Dhariwal of Bakersfield and Mr. Hakam Singh of Alhambra California as signators. The exact contents of this editorial letter were mailed to several Gurdwaras and individuals for endorsement, none other than these two individuals endorsed it. In another instance a letter to editor published in the September 7th 1984 issue “Curb Rowdyism, speak up now” with Mr. Baldev S. Sangha of Cruthers, California as signator. Mr. Sangha in a written letter denied ever having written a letter or consenting in any form to the contents of this letter published by India West. Indian Government supported views have been published under fictitious Sikh sounding names. The Hindu Government knows the power of media and through its stooges knows how to use it to the fullest. Sikh aspirations for a sovereign homeland is down played, while third class individuals with no standing are portrayed as prominent, influential or moderate Sikh leaders. No individual with any degree of intelligence can give credence to the coverage in India West, especially to matters pertaining to Sikh issues and aspirations.
I hope that the staff of World Sikh News is alert and not would allow the Hindu Government to project its views through its stooges.
Yours Sincerely,
Ranbir Singh Sekhon
Article extracted from this publication >> November 22, 1985
