Rasamrit Singh Khalsa Satnam Kaur Khalsa
IN our last report on the Condition of the freedom fighters jailed in the Federal Prison in Oxford, Wisconsin, we spoke of the tribulations suffered by our Sikh boys because of their having to stay in the cell with smokers and. Other characters, Jasbir Singh complained repeatedly about the Cellmate who would hang obscene pictures on the walls, Although it is against the prison policy, nobody would stop this man, The Sikhs could not meditate in such an atmosphere.
We requested the Chaplain of the prison to place them in a private situations wells to allow them to bath early for prayers and meditation, He said that it would be difficult because of the procedure and long waiting list. We are pleased to inform you that by Guru’s will, their minds were changed and now Sukhwinder Singh and Virinder Singh have been moved to quarters where they are not locked up in their cells, and are allowed to bath anytime, Jasbir Singh Sandhu is scheduled to be moved in two days. This should be a valuable lesson to us that pressure from the outside can make a tremendous difference. Without intervention from the concerned citizens, the prison officials rarely pay attention to the inmates’ grievances. So more Sikhs should become involved, Now we are presenting an appeal to Sikhs from the New York and New Jersey area. We have been having programs in the (Oxford prison for several months now. Meanwhile in the Lewis burg, Pennsylvania Federal Penitentiary, Dr. Gurpartap Singh Birk ‘has not once had a kirtan program arranged for him, Recently we heard of his dismay at the apparent neglect in this matter. We have already contacted the prison Chaplain in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. We hope to obtain permission soon to have Gurdwara programs there on a regular Basis. Several Sikhs from the Chicago and Madisonarea will attend the first kirtan, but considering that Lewisburg is perhaps 18 to 19 hours’ drive from us (Wisconsin). Sikhs from the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area must volunteer to continue the program. The prison regulations require that names and social security numbers be sent in at least a week in advance of the program. Persons wishing to do this sewa are asked to contact the Sikh Religious Society of the Midwest, 600 E. Main Street, Horeb, Wi. 53572 of Call (608) 4374555.
The tentative date set for the first kirtan at Lewishburg, Pennsylvania Prison is October 25th, Sunday. Although we have sufficient volunteers from the Midwest area, it would be good for some representative from the East Coast to attend and learn the procedure. We can schedule another program two weeks from that date. Sikhs from the East, please contact us so that this program will be a success. Our hearts ache for the freedom fighters jailed and being tortured in fascist India, We never forget them and their selfless contribution to an independent homeland of Khalistan. Their principles are lofty indeed, that they have sacrificed all for upholding the glory of the Sikh nation.
At least one dedicated volunteer is needed to organize the program and invite Raggi Jathas and speakers on a regular basis.
In Sikhism, we feel it quite a healthy idea to compete, so we the Sikhs of the Midwest challenge the Sikhs of the East Coast to do something for Dr. Gurpartap Singh Birk, otherwise we will continue to make the long trip ourselves. Sikhs who support our freedom fighters, please send books, Shabad Gurbani tapes, and VHS cassettes relating to Sikhism to the following address: Pastoral Care Department, Sikh Community, U.S. Penitentiary, Lewisburg, Pa. 17837.
‘These materials will go to Dr. Gurpartap Singh Birk. Persons wishing to donate material to Virinder Singh, Sukhminder Singh and Jasbir Singh Sandhu may send them in care of the S.R.S. Midwest.
This week at Oxford prison our guest speaker was Bhai Gurdarshan Singh, a very learned and scholarly Youngman. He spoke eloquently on the Sikh identity and independence. Bhai Mohinder tan, He is a source of inspiration to Singh of Chicago performed kit us all.
NOTE:
Petitioning the Parole Board is very important as we have seen that prisoners are often released because of pressure from the public. Remeber that the pressure from the Indian government is there to keep these young men in jail. We must push to release them. Please hurry and mail the below forms in, parole date is set for November.
TO:
U.S. Parole Commission
5550 Friendship Boulevard
Chevy Chase, MD 20875
Dear Sirs:
We, the Sikh Community of the United States and Canada respectfully request you to release Sukhwinder Singh, Virinder Singh, and Jasbir Singh Sandhu, who are held in the Federal Correctional Institution at Oxford, Wisconsin.
We feel strongly that these boys have been made scapegoats in the international politics between India and the United States.
We are sincerely concerned about the lives of these young men. We feel that they have already served enough time in prison and their families, friends and community desperately needs them. We assure you that they will live a peaceful and law-abiding life after their release.
Thank you for hearing our request,
Yours Sincerely,
Name: Address:
Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1987
