CHANDIGARH: The creation of a Separate Sikh homeland would be the main aim of the Sikh Students Federation, said party president Amar Singh Mehta.
The foundation for Khalistan was laid by the Indian Government when it sent Army tanks and soldiers into the Golden Temple in June 1984,” Mr. Mehta said, swearing allegiance to’ the ideals of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and former federation chief Amrik Singh. Mr. Mehta and other senior SSF leaders vowed to struggle for the goals set by these leaders, the foremost among which was the establishment of a Sikh homeland. Mr, Mehta however, clarified, “the Federation does not believe in conducting an armed struggle to achieve its aims. But at the same time, we respect all those Sikhs who were forced to take up arms and sacrificed their lives while countering the all-out repression unleashed by the State.” He further said, “The anti-Sikh actions of the Beant Singh Government and the present Brar administration ‘would automatically lead to the formation of Khalistan.”
The Sikh Students” Federation also announced its decision to contest the upcoming Gurdwara elections as part of the Akali Dal Damdami Taksal combine. Mr, Mehta alleged “Harcharan Singh Tohra through his manipulation has turned the Shiroman Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee into his private corporation, of which he is the chairman and sole custodian.” The Federation chief said, Mr. Tohra’s dictatorial attitude came to the forefront when he fired the holy jathedar, who occupies the highest ‘Seat in Sri Akal Takhat. “Without the slightest qualms, he went against the wishes of the Sikh community,” Mr. Mehta said.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 22, 1995
