I want to respond to the letter you and a number of colleagues sent me on the human rights situation of the Sikhs in Punjab. I am aware of the chronic tensions between the Indian government and the Sikh militants and share your desire for a peaceful solution that protects Sikh nights.
I am pleased there have been some recent improvements in the Sikhs’ situation: a series of elections with increasing voter tumout since 1992 has restored local self-government the level of violence has declined; and federal authorities have begun to focus on ways to end police abuses. It is clear that abuses still occur however and we regularly raise our concerns about them with senior officials in the Punjab government and the Indian government.
Human rights in an important issue in U.S. Indians relations We will continue to make our concerns known to the New Delhi authorities and J will look forward to your continuing advice as we proceed.
Sincerely Bill
Article extracted from this publication >> January 28, 1994
