YUBA CITY, Ca.: World Sikh Organization pledged its support to the Panthic Committee through a resolution adopted at the International Sikh Conference sponsored by it here on the occasion of the Coronation Anniversary of Si Gun Granth Sahib. The anniversary is celebrated every year with great pomp and show where Sikhs throng from all over America, Canada and the United Kingdom, The resolution also reiterated its determination to continue the struggle for the sovereign state of Khalistan in collaboration with organizations that have a similar objective, Through another resolution, the Organization condemned the arrest of Sikh High Priests and demanded their immediate release and an end to genocidal wave against the Sikh youth.
In all five resolutions were adopted at the conference which included condemnation of the seizure of the Golden Temple and called for the immediate withdrawal of the troops from around the Complex. A “quit Khalistan” resolution was passed amid thunderous slogans of Sat Sri Akal. An ‘appeal was made through a Resolution to all the Sikhs to “include in their daily prayer (Ardas) the determination to liberate Khalistan”.
The National Council of W.S.O, deliberated for two days over various issues facing the community. However, the details of the discussion were not released to the press.
Other active Sikh organizations that participated in the International Convention included the newly appointed Khalistan Council, International Sikh Youth Federation, Sikh Youth of California, representatives of the London based Khalistan Government in Exile and Bhajan Singh Yogi with his train of American Sikhs. Many eyebrows were raised at the appearance of the Yogi on a platform which is primarily used to further the cause of Khalistan. In his speech he did refer to the sad of Sikhs in India and their persecution but carefully avoided any mention of Khalistan. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining Sikhisarup the wearing of Sikh symbols.
The morning session began with introductions and a message from Congressman Wally Herger was read out by a representative from his office. Mr. Herger appreciated the constructive role of the Sikhs in contributing to the economy of California and made a special mention of their broadmindedness and hardworking nature, He also referred to the violation of their Human Rights in India and assured that he would always raise his voice in the appropriate forum to get their rights restored.
The highlight of the morning session was the uninhibited speech of Justice Ajit Singh Bains (Retd.). He presented a graphic picture of the draconian laws, the fake encounters and economic discrimination against the Sikhs. There was no law and no liberty for the Sikhs in Punjab, he declared, He cited numerous instances where judicial processes were undermined and subverted to suit the persecution policy of the Indian government
Mrs. Gurbax Kaur Khalon said that instead of spending time to convince ourselves as to why we need Khalistan, we should examine and explore what needs to be done to achieve our objective, We ‘waste too much time on nonissues ‘and in sorting out unnecessary detail she said.
Dr. Harbans Singh Sraon detailed the contribution of the Sikhs in America. Sikhs, he said, were playing a significant role in developing the American economy and were particularly active in the field of medicine, education and agriculture, the afternoon session began with a scholarly exposition of the river waters problem in Punjab by Dr. Rajinder Singh Bajwa from Washington, D.C. He traced the background of the riparian rights and emphasized that Punjab had exclusive rights over the river waters, The claims of Rajasthan and Haryana were untenable in the context of the riparian laws, he said.
Amarjit Singh Buttar (Connecticut) said that Sikhs don’t worship anything other than God. he condemned cults like Nirankaris, Namdharies and others with similar shops as contradictory to the Sikh values.
Ajit Singh Pannu (Stockton) sought support for the newly constituted Khalistan Council and said that the direction from the Panthic Committee was clear. Not supporting the Khalistan Council is to damage the Sikh cause at this critical moment, he said, Referring to Bhajan Yogi’s speech he said that he had failed to express what ‘Sikhs want and reminded him that Gite want freedom.
Dr, Arjinderpal Singh Sekhon, (Los Angeles), member Khalistan Council said that Sikh situation cannot be compared to the Jews. Jews remained slaves for more than 2000 years and they thought of having an independent country of their own only after six million of their total population of 12 million were killed by the Nazis and other fascist regimes. On the other hand Ahmed Shah Abdali killed 30,000 Sikhs in 1762, But the remaining 35,000 were able to take the revenge within three years as Sardar Baghel Singh conquered Delhi in 1765.Sikhs know how to settle the accounts, he said. The roots of Sikhism are in 72 acres of land in Amritsarand Sikhs can feel at peace so long those roots are secure, he added. The government of India is determined to destroy the roots and to counter this insidious design and to shake Off the shackles slavery, we have no option but to create a sovereign Khalistan, he concluded. Prof. MS. Sidhu (Stockton) traced the nature of terrorism in Punjab and pointed out that the Sikh young men were only performing their religious duty in fighting injustice and oppression. He accused the Indian government for engineering the killing of innocent people and for indulging in naked state terrorism. Dr. Sulakhan Singh Dhillon (Berkeley) said we are one and our small differences will be sorted out by and by and called upon the WSO to work in cooperation with other organizations.
S.Didar Singh Bains, President World Sikh Organization, declared that WSO will not compromise with anything less than full freedom of Sikhs in the Punjab. Dr. Karamjit Singh Rai said that Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale brought a new awareness among the Sikhs and inspired the Sikh youth to return to the Sikh path. He was instrumental for the revival of the Sih he said Dr. Sukhmandir Singh, President North America Akali Dal said we have nothing to do with negotiations, but we must shake off the apathy. He suggested that the Gurdwaras should be used as platforms for developing political consciousness among the Sikhs. Every fourth Sunday should be used for political deliberation in a sophisticated manner, he said. He also advocated Nam Simran as Nam gives strength and enable us to overcome superior powers: S. Bhagwant Singh, Deputy Prime Minister of Khalistan government in exile said that we need a separate home and not a separate room in the same house. He claimed that the coordination between Nawab Kapur Singh’s 10 Jathas even after they were scattered ultimately brought about Sikh Raj (Rule), others who spoke included Sant Kirpal Singh, Ranbir Singh Sekhon, Inderjit Singh Kenya and Dr. Surinder Singh Chohan.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 6, 1987
