YUBA CITY, C a .: Mr. Wally Herger, Republican aspirant for the Congress, was loudly cheered when he promised to speak for the human rights of the Sikhs in India, He said that he greatly Appreciated the Sikh support to him and assured them that he ‘would not belie their expectations. Responding to the sentiments of the speakers, his friend Mr. Duncan Hunter, the Santiago Congressman, told the cheering Sikhs that Mr. Wally was aware of the Sikh plight and would carry out whatever he says. Mr. Hunter referred to the massive oppression let loose against the Sikhs in India but ‘confessed that he was not fully conversant with the problem. Mr. Hunter made an impassioned appeal to Sikhs to vote and support Mr. Herger. Supporting Mr. Herger is strengthening President Reagan, he said.

The dinner was sponsored by Yuba City Sikhs and hosted by S. Didar Singh Bains. A plaque was presented to Mr. Herger on behalf ‘of the Yuba City Sikhs in appreciation of his services to the Sikh ‘community. Another plaque was presented to the retiring Congressman Hon. Eugene A. Chappie for championing Sikh cause in the House and for calling upon the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, to respect the human rights of the Sikhs. The plaque was received by Wally Herger on behalf of Hon. Gene Chappie.

 In his introductory remarks, Dr. NSS  Kapani of Palo Alto recounted the atrocities committed against the Sikhs in India and felt that the Sikhs there were being pushed to a point where it would become difficult for them to live with India. Presenting the plaque on behalf of WS©.,, Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal of Tracy, requested the aspiring US. Congressmen not to be influenced by trade considerations. Let not the sale of commuters take precedence over the human rights, he said.

While thanking Mr. Herger and Mr. Hunter for their gracious remarks and assurances, S. Didar Singh Bains focused their attention on the problem of the farmers and the need to make Yuba City an industrial base as well. “It was rated as the worst city in the United States and colossal efforts are required to make it another Pittsburg”, he said. He also refers red to the Sikh problem in India and emphasised that no solution short of Khalistan will satisfy the Sikhs.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 31, 1986