Dear Editor, Recently Mr.Asokan Vengassery while writing in the April 16 issue of your paper stated that there is now relief in Punjab after decade of woes and the unfortunate cra of horror in India’s history is nearing an end.
This statement is far from the truth and the real situation as experienced and related by the visitors to Punjab tell different story.
Punjab is an occupied territory (read reports of Amnesty International and Asia Watch) by the uncouth, unethical and unscrupulous rulers of Delhi. Scores of battalions of Indian Army B,S.F,, C.R.PF., and other paramilitary forces are roaming around freely everywhere in the state. Visitors returning from Punjab tell horror stories of rapes and tortures by security forces and other indignities One has to go through the hands of the security forces while uavelling from one place to anouier. The superficial peace and lull should not be misconstrued and misunderstood as a retiim to normalcy.
After Banda Singh Bahadur, the designated general of GuruGobind Singh, was martyred in June 1716, Sikhs in Punjab went into hiding only to reorganize themselves. History tells us that during 17651781, Sikhs conquered Delhi 15 times and S.Baghel Singh hoisted the Sikh Kesri Flag on the Red Fort in 1781. It will not take that long this time as it did not in 1984 to eliminate the tyrant.
I would also suggest to Mr. Vengassery that he should use his good offices or contacts if he has any with the Rau/Sharma clique and arrange the removal of security forces from Punjab and then discover for himself the truth in his information and the statement. Additionally, if as claimed, there is a relief at the so-called peace in Punjab, then why the security around Punjab’s De Facto Chief Minister K.P.S,Gill and deJure Chief Minister Beant Singh doubled?
I also want to set the record straight for Vengassery. Neither Guru Gobind Singh nor Sardar Bhagat Singh “became martyrsby fighting against invaders.” Gura Gobind Singh not only fought, but also taught to fight against oppression and tyranny of the Hindu Rajasof Shiwalik Statesand Muslim rulers of Delhi. (And history again tells us that he sacrificed his father, mother, children.) The Sikhs today are continuing his battles following his message and teachings. Likewise, Sardar Bhagat Singh who was condemned as a terrorist by British (who were not invaders but rulers of the ¢ra) and was hanged for his role in the freedom movement. Itcenainly is NOL Out of place to mention that well known Hindu leader of the time, M.K.Gandhi had refused 16 save his lie from the gallows perhaps because he was a Sikh. Amarjit Singh Buttar Vernon, CT
Article extracted from this publication >> September 10, 1993
