The following resolutions were passed at the Saddle, Brook W.S.0 meeting ‘on the 15th of February 1986, at the Marriott Hotel, Saddle Brook, New Jersey, U.S.A.
RESOLUTION NO 1: Resolved that to make it possible for Sikhs from all over the world to participate in the rebuilding of the ‘Akal Takhat Sahib and surrounding parts of Golden Temple in accordance with the Sikh traditions, Indian Government must take the following steps immediately.
- All military presence from Punjab be withdrawn.
- All restrictions on the freedom to travel within Punjab be removed.
- The entry of the free foreign press into Punjab be allowed.
RESOLUTION NO 2: Resolved that WS.O. supports the resolutions passed by the Sarbat Khalsa meeting on Jan. 26, 1986 at Darbar Sahib and denounces that Akali Dal’s moves to undermine them, We urge Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Kirpal Singh and Head Granthi Bhai Sahib Singh to respect the decision of Sarbat KhaIsa and resign as they had failed to live up to the Sikh ethics and Principle.
RESOLUTION NO 3: Resolved that W.S.O, strongly protests the abduction of the noted Sikh missionary, Prof. Darshan ‘Singh Ji, by the Haryana Government in violation of all laws of the land. We understand that this has been done at the direction of Rajiv’s Government who feels embarrassed by Prof, Darshan Singh’s religious discourses on the Indian Government atrocities against the Sikhs. This is yet another example of the gross violation of the individual’s right to freedom of speech that has become the trade’s mark of the Congress I.
RESOLUTION NO 4: Resolved that W.S.O. urge President Zia ul Haq of Pakistan Government to show clemency to Sikh freedom fighters who are being tried in Pakistan Supreme Court in connection with hijacking incidents,
It is our hope that you as a religious person understand the planned religious persecution carried out by the dominant Hindu, majority against the Sikh minority and support and stand for religious freedom,
RESOLUTION NO 5: Resolved that each W.S.0. U.S.A. National Delegate should first be a member of the local chapter in his home town (residence area). If there is no chapter i the home town then he should become member of the nearest chapter. No delegate should. be allowed to National Council if he ‘or she does not represent the local chapter. This would increase W.S.O, support in every city and area.
RESOLUTION NO 6: Resolved that the constitution be amended so that annual elections are held on the same day on a regional basis in five regions. The number of delegates should be allotted to each region in proportion to the membership in each region. A list of membership each region should be available at least two months in advance of the ‘lection. Two to four weeks should be allowed for any corrections and the final list should be available in each Chapter at least one ‘month in advance.
RESOLUTION NO 7: Resolved that Issues Resolution Committee be formed consisting of at least five members. Each member of National Council should write or communicate to this Committee any complaint or difference with another Council Member and should not go public unless the Committee cannot resolve this matter satisfactorily. No WSO member or National Council member should go public and try to defame other members. ‘Any such action should result in strict disciplinary action against the erring member.
RESOLUTION NO 8: Resolved that the W.S.0.U.S.A expresses its deepest sympathy to the families of the astronauts who lost their lives in the Space Shuttle. The following message should be sent, “These great patriots have made the supreme sacrifice for the honour of our great country and will always have a very special place in our hearts”
RESOLUTION NO 9: Resolved that the W.S.0, US.A put on record deepest appreciation of the contribution of various Sikh “Scholars in bringing understanding to the SIKN struggle in India. We are indebted to these Gur Sikhs who have undertaken the task of bringing to light the plight of our Sikh brothers in India. A list of such distinguished Sikhs should be prepared by the Secretary of the W.S.0. USA and letters of commendation be sent to them, noting their contributions and offering support for their efforts.
RESOLUTION NO 10; Resolved that National Council expresses our thanks to Bhai Avtar Singh and Surjit Singh for calling the meeting to attempt to unite the National Council members and special thanks and appreciation to Bhai Avtar Singh, Kulwant Kaur and family for preparing and serving langar and making arrangements for the meeting. May Waheguru bless them and give them Strength to carry on doing sewa.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 28, 1986
