WASHINGTON, D.C.: Recent front page editorial in a noted Indian Magazine, “India Today” strongly criticized the Indian Ambassador for his failure to contain growing concern by U.S. Senators. and Congressman in regard to Sikh Human Right violations in India, in spite of both numerical and financial superiority. Last year’s Judy Russel case (an attorney who faked personal threats from U.S. Sikhs at the Instigation of Washington based Indian Embassy) caused embarrassment to the Indian Government. As a result Indian Government has chided its Ambassador for his competence in the face of growing Sikh influence among USS. Politicians. Concern of Sikh’s Human Right Violations
Until now, 52 U.S, Congressmen have openly expressed their concern both in the House of Representatives and outside regarding human rights violations of Sikhs residing in Indian territories and their number is still growing. Another similar bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Boshwitz from Minnesota and Senator Levine from Michigan continuing sympathetic tones towards the Sikh cause. The Indian Government is especially concerned over the statements made by a few Congressmen mentioning militant Sikhs as freedom fighters, fighting for the independence of Khalistan. Both Sikh bills if passed, may not immediately change the State Department’s attitude toward Sikh cause, but it will definitely give impetus to the growing concerns of the Americans regarding planned genocide and systematic extermination of Sikhs from Indian soil. Indian Government’s Concern.
These developments have concerned the Indian Government and its Ambassador to the United States, Mr. P.N. Kaul who has been instructed to act aggressively to thwart the challenges posed by US. Sikhs. The Indian Government feels that favorable response from the U.S. public toward Sikhs will further inflame the Sikh separatist movement at home.
Mr. Kaul has previously lobbied for Indian Government at Capital Hill in order to wean off U.S. Congressmen and Senators from the growing Sikh influence. His efforts to lure U.S. lawmakers with promise of increased trade between the U.S. and India has not convinced many as the question of human rights violations still lingers on. Ambassador Changes Strategy.
Now under duress to keep his job secure, Mr. Kaul has shifted his lobbying activities from Capital Hill to the periphery: virtually in the American street. He, with his coterie have started activating Americans from Indian descents to help him to contain Sikh influence in America. He advised his Indian associations and influential Hindu organizations to hold local conferences in which he and his associates are active participants, He asks friends to invite U.S. Senators and Congressmen along with their aids to attend such meetings. During such meetings, he, himself, bears lamb’s garb, projects the Indian government as sheep (victim) and Indian ethnic minorities including Sikhs as lions (aggressors). He makes wild observations regarding India’s religious and human values. He also tries to bribe lawmakers indirectly with promises of votes and financial support during their election campaigns. All this is done to influence politicians to stay away from Sikhs.
Such politically motivated meetings are arranged in spacious hotels. Free dinners are served to the attendees. Audiences are generally handpicked and only those who can sing his tune are invited. Sikhs, Muslims and Tamils are generally not invited because of fear of embarrassment in front of American guests. Source of Money
However, holding such meetings is a costly deal. The attendees to such meetings are generally surprised over the money spent by the 6th poorest country on the earth whose two thirds of the population lives below poverty line according to American standards, Questions are generally asked: Why to hold such meetings in the first place? From where the money comes? Can such political involvement by the Indian Ambassador in America be considered interference in the internal affairs of America? It is learnt from reliable sources, though still unconfirmed, that several million dollars’ worth of money has been diverted to the Indian Embassy in America. Sikh Attendance Needed Several Sikhs who have attended the Ambassador’s political meetings in the past, feel that boycotting such opportunities, leaves the field open to play for the Indian Government. Rather, they feel that Sikhs should attend such meetings, in a disciplined way. Questions should be asked regarding human rights violations of Indian ethnic minorities and their systemic genocide. During such meetings, reports by Amnesty International regarding gross human rights violations should be circulated. It is learnt that many a time, Ambassador Kaul doesn’t have answers to such questions, and it leaves the impression among his American guests that probably he is trying to cover up the facts. It is widely felt that this approach is going to slow down his recent onslaught to counter Sikh freedom: movement in this country.
Even otherwise, it doesn’t hurt to attend such meetings. “Good dinner in a prestigious hotel,” remarked an Indian, “who will not attend?” I hope he arranges another such meeting soon” said another burping Indian, after his heavy dinner.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 20, 1989
