WASHINGTON, D.C.: World Sikh Organization (Intl.) has appealed to the Committee on Appropriations, a subcommittee of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US congress to support Congressman Dan Burton’s bill called: “Justice in India Act.” This bill was already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 25,1992. It cuts U.S. aid to India by $24 million.

In a written leer, S.Didar Singh Bains, president of W.S.O, (Intl) has appealed to Senator Patrick J.Leahy, chairman of the Appropriation subcommittee saying, “Now that this Bill has come before your committee, we ask you and your committee to fully support the recommendations in this amendment. India does not deserve any Aid. The reasons for this are twofold, i) Human Rights and ii) Military Armament.

In view of the facts that have been so clearly given to us by human rights groups such as Amnesty International, Asia Watch and others, it is clearly not ethical to support a regime that is both oppressive and inhumane. India, as a democracy is a farce. India abuses its citizens and therefore cannot be encouraged to continue in the same vein as it has been going”, said S. Bains.

He further explained that India claims it needs U.S. aid to feed the poor, yet it is buying $9 billion in arms from Russia (Congressman Torricelli, “Congressional Record”, June 26,1992 H5241), and is now negotiating to buy an aircraft carrier from the Ukraine. India is the largest importer of sophisticated weapons (News India, June 26,1992). India supports an army of 1.2 million men, which makes it the fourth largest army in the world. (“The Tribune”, Chandigarh India).

Preaching to another nation  is neither effective nor advisable. The most effective means we have to voice our displeasure is to cut off aid. Sanctions have worked in places like South Africa, We cannot afford to be so naive as to believe Indian government is controlled by the government, as is any information that may be sent to you and other foreign governments. We must see India for what it is a gross abuser of human rights with an unsuitable appetite for military might and glory. Having looked at the problems in a realistic and dispassionate way, we must then act accordingly. Cutting off Foreign Aid is but a first step. Other measures should be considered thereafter.

Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 7, 1992