Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal Editor in Chief World Sikh News Stockton, CA Dear Dr. Grewal:

Thank you for your letter of April 13 to Senator Dianne Feinstein, You inquired about human rights in India and the a new extradition treaty.

We remain concerned about persistent human rights violations in India. In the Punjab, human rights conditions have improved considerably in recent years, but some abuses continue despite the restoration of local self-government and the virtual end of militant violence, Human rights abuses in Kashmir, committed by militants and Security forces, undermine efforts to return the region to normalcy.

Our annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices reflected our concerns on such issues as the Terrorism and Dissipative Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), you may know that TADA has now expired and the Indian Parliament is considering new legislation. We understand it will provide some new protections to prisoners, but may Still contain provisions for lengthy periods of detentions without charge, We will study the new law careful when it is enacted Your reference to Khalistan or a “Sikh Homeland” concerns me, since it lends credence to efforts of a minority Of Sikhs to force their views on the majority of Punjabis through violence, efforts the United States can in no way ‘support, The United States has always supported India’s territorial integrity. The state of Punjab has been an integral part of India since 1947, and we have found no evidence that independence from India is a cause favored by more than a small minority of Punjabi Sikhs.*

You also mentioned extradition treaty negotiations with India, Delegations representing the United States and Indian Governments have held two rounds of negotiations to update the 1931 extradition treaty between the United States and United Kingdom, which is currently in force between the U.S. and India. While the discussions have been productive, the delegations have not yet agreed on a text recommend to their governments. I can assure you that we have the concerns you  mentioned very much in mind.

We will continue to discuss these issues with the Government of India and urge that the human rights guaranteed in India’s Constitution are protected. Ronald D. Lorton Director Office of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan Affairs:  editor’s italics cc: Senator Feinstein

Article extracted from this publication >>  June 16, 1995