Sir,
I was very concerned about your report on the statements made by several Sikh leaders at a recent Panthic Convention in Yuba City. The statements encouraged Sikhs to arm themselves and to help the freedom fighters in Punjab with weapons. While I do not know exactly what was said, such statements made publicly only reflect on the political naivety of such leaders. It does not take much political acumen to know that such statements made in public only act as a lightning rod for criticism. It is my understanding that these reports were quoted by India Abroad and various newspapers in India, with the obvious reinforcement of the “Sikhs are terrorists” image that the Indian government media has created.
Furthermore, assuming that such statements were in fact made, it was a serious blunder on your part to report them. If you represent the Sikh point of view, as you claim (and often do a good job of it), you should be more careful and selective about such reporting. I know that it is sometimes unfair for your readers to demand high standards of you when the paper does not have ample resources, but some of these issues are too important to not receive adequate attention.
I have a series of constructive Suggestions which I’ll forward to you in a separate letter soon.
- Singh Boston, Mass
Article extracted from this publication >> February 24, 1989
