VANCOUVER, B.C: A meeting ‘of the representatives of the Khalsa Diwan Societies of New Westminster, Abbotsford, Vancouver, and Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Delta/Surrey, which represent the Sikhs in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, was held on June 15 to discuss the current painful situation in Punjab and its repercussions all over the world and Canada where Sikhs are settled.

It is unanimously felt that, whereas the Sikhs in Punjab are justified in fighting for a separate independent state Khalistan as the only solution thrust upon them to keep their religious and political identity alive and the Sikhs living abroad to support their cause from the bottom of their hearts we want to make it clear to the whole world that the Sikh faith does not at all preach any violence, much less terrorism. We pray and will continue to pray daily, in the name of Guru Nanak, for the universal peace, health, happiness and welfare of humanity as a whole. We stand for peaceful but respectable solutions of every problem. We categorically condemn any such act in which violence is involved, We would like to assure the government of Canada that the Sikhs here are as loyal, faithful and law abiding Canadians as anybody else, but their way of peaceful living and rich contribution to the development of Canada should not be ignored at the behest of the government of India’s sinister propaganda to cover its black deeds. The possibility of the involvement of government of India, direct or indirect, in any evil act in which violence is involved should not at all be ruled out and the concerned authorities and media should always keep this in mind.

In the end we appeal to each and every Sikh living abroad, especially in Canada, to refrain from being involved in any such act which may help the sinister designs of the government of India tarnish their image in the eyes. of the world, Let us take a pledge that, as Canadians, we will do everything within our powers to respect and obey the laws of the Canadian soil.

Signed

Jamnail S, Sandhu, President

Gum Nanak Sikh Temple

Delta/Surrey

Mohinder S, Parmar, President

Khalsa Diwan Society

Abbotsford, B.C.

Gumam S. Gill, President

Khalsa Diwan Society

New Westminster, B.C.

Joginder S. Sidhu, President

Khalsa Diwan Society

Vancouver, BC.

Article extracted from this publication >> July 11, 1986