SACRAMENTO: The convention of World Sikh Organization at the Motel El Rancho echoed with “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” as: speaker after speaker made the demand for Khalistan.

 After the Ardas, said by Bhai Tejinder Singh Raipur a welcome address was read by the gurdwara secretary S Bakhshish Singh Banwait. S Didar Singh Bains, the founder president of WSO opened the convention listing major achievements and drawbacks of the organization. He appealed for panthic unity and a commitment from members to step up membership drives.

Didar Singh said that Waheguru was with us in our struggle for Khalistan. He deplored the infighting which had been the bane of most Sikh organizations. WSO president S Gurcharan Singh Dhillon welcomed the delegates who had come from all over the U.S.A. He spoke of the need for total commitment of Sikhs. Sikhs, after operation Blue star, have only one demand Khalistan. Any compromise will not be acceptable to the Sikh masses. Any formula or accord will meet the fate of the Rajiv Longowal accord, he said.

S Dhillon said that the longstanding demand of a permanent home for WSO has been fulfilled with the purchase of “Khalistan House” this month in Washington D.C. at a cost of $640,000.

He appealed to all to rise above local politics and should work unitedly towards achieving our major goal. Khalistan will not be easily gained if we lack collective effort, he said.

Gurcharan Singh stressed the fact that lobbying efforts could be effective only at the local level as representatives would listen to their constituents.

Harbhajan Singh Gill, vice president (East) spoke of the achievements and shortcomings of WSO. He said that he was instrumental in getting asylum to 17 youths. He deplored the lack of communication in the organization. Any change of address of the office of ‘W.S.0. Should be intimated fort with. He also lamented the lack of participation in demonstrations and inadequate supply of demonstration materials. He appealed for move involvement of truth at all levels of the organization and requested the service members to accommodate Youth in local chapters and Gurdwaras.

Amolak Singh, vice president Southwest told the members of achievements of his region. The members participated at a Republican Convention. He attended W.S.O. meeting at Slough, England and represented W.S.O. U.S.A. He has been instrumental in building a Gurdwara and dedicating it to Sikh martyrs. He has also been meeting Dr.Birk in jail off & on.

Harjap Singh Sangha said that his region has launched a membership drive and helped many youth in getting political asylum and also stressed on the need to develop Communication.

Gurnam Singh Pamma, Senior Vice President cautioned the members to be watchful of the mischief mongers and govt of India’s agents who are planted in most Gurdwaras. He appealed to the members to believe truth and support the truth. There is only one objective the creation of Khalistan. We should support all those who are working for this .W.S.O. is supporting all the Sikh organizations freedom fighters and said W.S.O. is the only organization which is openly supporting them in every way.

Director of administration, Surinderpal Singh Kalra appealed for the support to Sikh Youth Freedom Fighters of Punjab and the Sikh media World Sikh News. The Sikh Sangat of Chicago area participated in all the demonstrations and also Sikh Parade in New York and Yuba City traveling hundreds of miles. He stressed the need of harmonious relations with local Gurdwara management committees and support to them. He appealed for the removal of the short comings before it is too late.

Harbans Sigh Sraon, director finances, read the financial report within zero balance. He informed the members that all the office bearers spent from their pocket for travel and other expenses.

Dr. Gurinder S. Grewal stressed on the need to work unitedly. As long as our goal is service, there can be no problem in helping each other and working unitedly. Even America needed six years to write its constitution. There can be differences of opinion.

Balwant Sigh Hansra appealed to the members to work with one objective in mind and to work to overcome the shortcomings. He suggested to create a think tank. Balbir Sigh of Babbar Khalsa, Toronto, and Kabul Singh Newjersy also spoke.

Article extracted from this publication >> August 3, 1990