L A: Dr.Sukhjeet Kaur Gill, vice chairperson of Punjab Human Rights Org. was hosted by the Sikh Community of Southern California, at Fullerton, California on January 23,1993. Hundreds of Sikh gentlemen and ladies attended this dinner, Dr. Sukhjcct K.Gill spoke on human rights violations in India, with special reference to the Punjab situation. She revealed heinous crimes committed by Punjab Police and military and paramilitary forces i. She gave statistical references to a study published by PHRO, in which police claimed 3008 militants were killed in 17 months, but only the names of 897 were given, the rest of the 2111 were listed as ‘unidentified suspected terrorists’. “I wonder how they could be labeled such, without their identity” Dr.Gill questioned. Just 24 dead bodies were handed over to next of kin that too was under great public pressure. The other bodies were disposed of or cremated mostly at nights within few hours of false encounters. This is a routine happening in the Punjab.
Dr. Gill went into greater detail in her hour-long talk, (which is being published in question/answer form). The session was open for other speakers to talk and ask questions. This clarified many issues and to bring the community together.
What is you mission of this tour to the West?
Dr.Gul:”To disseminate true information on human rights violations in India and specifically in Punjab (as I work in that area most of the time), to masses and the world leaders.”
What made you to decide to come info human rights movement?
Dr. Gill: “When I saw state sponsored injustice and oppression on the law abiding people, I could not sit and watch. My deep faith in Sikhism inspired me to raise a voice against tyranny. AS 8 professional medical doctor, my duty is to save lives, but senseless killings bothered me especially by the government which is supposed to save and protect the lives of its cozens, So as human, practicing Sikh and a doctor, I felt it as my duly to speak up for human rights.
What is the current situation in India and Punjab in terms of human rights?
Dr.Gill: “Violations of human rights by the Indian government is widely spread. States like Nagaland, Assam, Punjab, Kashmir, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar/Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and the recent one at Babri Masjid issue in Uttar Pradesh to name a few of the victims of state oppression.
The State Punjab, particularly the Sikh community is worst hit by Indian government. The government has killed close to 100,000 Sikhs in two massacres and daily quotas of false encounters since 1984. Not only it is physical genocide, government has destroyed Punjab economy, by refusing mdustrial development, taking away irrigation water and electricity. The Worst one is the moral genocide, in which every Sikh is suspect and under attack. Thousands of Sikh young men are being eliminated, just because they happened to be Sikhs. Draconian laws have been passed in which anybody can be picked up by the police, locked up or killed without any trial. The corrupt policemen have been given powers to become prosecutors, judicial and executioners. There is no such thing as Human Rights in India. It is chaos under the name of democracy. That is the current situation in India.”
What are the reasons for this crisis?
Dr.Gill: “The main reason can be summed up in two words, “Brahminical thinking.” There is small group of people in India who would like to control the rest by suppression, Oppression or whatever means would help them to hold dominance. Anybody who would speak against their policies would be eliminated. Democracy in India is by name only. Minorities are treated like slaves.”
Are the Human Rights Organizations allowed to observe and report the truth?
Dr.Gill:” Amnesty International has been repeatedly refused entry to Punjab and Kashmir and other oppressed areas. Same is true for Asia Watch. Any Jouranlist who dared to write against police accesses, either arrested or eliminated. Chairman of Punjab Human Rights Organization, Justice Bains, who has boldly exposed Indian government oppression, was arrested, harassed and tortured in jail. He was a heart patient, and treatment was refused and he was allowed to suffer. Ram S.Biling, a journalist, &human rights activist was made to disappear about a year ago by the Indian government. There are hundreds of such incidences.”
What is your message to the masses?
Dr.: I would suggest followings to every freedom loving citizen of the world: “Unite to raise voice against Stale Sponsored genocide. Let the press and world leaders know about the truth before it is too late Let Amnesty International and UNO observe keep an eye on Indian government as to violations of human rights Allow free press in India and let the truth be brought lo surface. Pul corrupt police officers on trial and punish the culprits.”
Article extracted from this publication >> January 29, 1993
