Dear Sir,
Panthic Committee’s criticism of Simranjit Singh Mann and labeling him as power hungry is very deplorable. Mann had filled the political vacuum created after the Operation Blue Star by the important and defunct Akali leadership.
Mann’s attendance of Bhog ceremonies of Sikh martyrs and his village tours and protest marches, Gherao of police stations are some of the commendable work which helped to educate and organise the Sikh masses. It also showed them their potential to resist oppression.
Panthic Committee should realise that his activity has added dignity to the violent resistance by freedom fighters. Panthic Committee should have been proud of his activities and it is a shame that they chose to criticize him.
It is customary in Sikh politics to lay allegations of misappropriation of funds against people in the front line, so panthic committee is no exception on its allegations of collection of funds is as usual deceptive and treacherous. We all know his sister Bibi Daljit Kaur openly delivered his message at all stages not to collect any fund for him and in his name.
Participation in elections is a debatable issue. It has its own pros and cons. Our past experience shows how a hasty and emotional decision of boycott of elections helped our enemy, the government of India. When masses are ignorant and disorganised and when corrupt and defunct leaders capable of betraying the Panth are in abundance, we should think twice before deciding to boycott elections. Elections is also a tool which can be used to spread the message of Khalistan.
Mann has his shortcomings but his sincerity and commitment to the cause is without any doubt. His immediate resignation from party president ship and Lok Sabha has added to his integrity.
My humble request to panthic committee members is to rise above the petty personality conflicts. They should concentrate on coordination of various panthic activities. I would also request Mann and his party to refrain from reacting and indulgence in filthy propaganda.
Amrik S. Gill Stockton, CA
Article extracted from this publication >> August 31, 1990
