Sikh Siyasat News (in English) » Gurbhej Singh

Sikhs seek SC initiative regarding probe on Chattisinghpora Massacre; 36 Sikhs were killed

Gurbhej Singh — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:32:30 +0000

In Year 2000 When then US President visited India 36 Sikhs were massacred by men in Indian Army Uniforms

Srinagar, Kashmir (February 02, 2012): The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC), a Sikh organization of Sikhs living in Kashmir, on January 31, 2012 sought intervention of the Supreme Court of India for conducting a time-bound inquiry into the killing of 36 Sikhs at Chattisinghpora in south Kashmir in 2000. They welcomed the observations of the Supreme Court in Pathribal killings issue, which is in a way connected with the Chittisinghpura Massacre.

“We have written letters to Chief Justice, Justice B S Chauhan and Justice Swatantra Kumar, hearing Pathribal case, and urged them to direct authorities to conduct a time-bound inquiry into the killing of 36 Sikhs at Chattisinghpora few days before the fake encounter of Pathribal,” APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina is reported to have media persons.

“We welcome the Supreme Court’s condemnation of the Pathribal incident (killing of five civilians) in March 2000 and terming it as a skeptical encounter. All those responsible for it should be brought to book,” Raina added.

In March 2000, 36 Sikhs were massacred in Chattisinghpora village on the eve of the arrival of then US President Bill Clinton in India for an official visit. They were massacred by persons in Indian Army Uniforms.

Some days after the massacre the Indian Army claimed to have killed the “five militants involved in the massacre” a CBI probe has concluded that the deceased were innocent Kashmiri civilians.

The premier investigating agency of India (CBI) filed a charge-sheet against five army men including a Brigadier in a civil court, but Army challenged the move in higher courts on the grounds that sanction for prosecution has not been sought as required under notorious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The matter is pending before the Supreme Court as Army has got no relief from the sub-ordinate courts.

The APSCC chairman said inquiries ordered by the Government and security agencies in the past have failed to unmask the persons responsible for the massacre.

“So far the committees formed by the Government have failed to produce any results. Now we urge the Supreme Court of India to give directions for a fresh probe in the killings of the 36 innocent Sikhs. If they fail to do so, it will be injustice with the Sikhs of Kashmir,” he said, adding, “If Chattisinghpora case is solved, the other cases related with it will be automatically solved. Chattisingpora is the base case for all inquiries including the Brakpora killings.”

Referring to the Pathribal killings, he said, “The bodies of the five persons were burnt and hastily buried in a nearby village and their innocence was proved by Justice Pandian Commission. The inquiry report also revealed that their bodies were charred beyond recognition.”

The decision to write letters to SC Judges was taken at a meeting in which heads of various Sikh organizations including Ajit Singh Mastana, Daleep Singh Deepak, Sant Singh, Niranjan Singh, Dr. Joginder Singh Shan, Dr. J.S. Bali, Harjit Singh, Devinder Singh and several other leaders participated.

British Lawmakers tabled motion against Jay Leno

Gurbhej Singh — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:57:30 +0000

Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar

London, England (January 26, 2011): Jay Leno continues to face opposition on his controversial remark about Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, the sacred Sikh shrine. Now “British lawmakers say Prime Minister David Cameron should complain to the United States over a Leno routine that joked about the holiest site in the Sikh religion”, reports CBSNews.

It is notable that on the January 19, 2012 episode of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on NBC Jay Leno showed a photo of an Darbar Sahib, also called the Golden Temple of Amritsar, as summer home of Republican Mitt Romney. Sikhs consider that this remark was indeed derogatory, given the sacred significance of the place.

“In a motion published at Parliament on Thursday, two legislators said Leno had shown a complete misunderstanding of the Sikh faith. British opposition Labour Party lawmakers Virendra Shrama and John McDonnell proposed a motion demanding Cameron call on the U.S. to show more respect toward Sikhs. The move does not compel Cameron to take any action” adds CBSNews.

Sikh Siyasat has accessed the text of concerned “Early Day Motion 2651″ moved on 25th January, 2012, which reads as:

“That this House notes with concern the sketch on the NBC Jay Leno Show where the most sacred Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple, was disrespected by Jay Leno when it was referred to as GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s summer home; expresses concern and regret that this depiction of the Golden Temple as a home of the rich shows a complete misunderstanding of the Sikh faith and is derogatory to Sikhs across the world; believes that these comments are not acceptable to all those who believe in respect for all religions; calls on Jay Leno and NBC to apologise to all Sikhs for this disrespectful depiction of the Golden Temple; and further calls on the Government to make representations to the US government that while recognising principles of freedom of speech there should be more understanding and respect shown to the Sikh faith.”

Mr. Virendra Sharma of Labour Party, who is member from Ealing Southall is the primary sponsor of the motion; while McDonnel John, also of Labour Party, who is member from Hayes and Harlington is the other sponsor. Text and recent updates about motion may be accessed from website of British Parliament.

Jay Leno (61) is now being sued by a man in California named Dr. Randeep Dhillon, who argues the comedian is spreading hatred and ridicule of his religion.

Dal Khalsa sticks to original version of Nanakshahi calendar, observes Gurpurab

Gurbhej Singh — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:27:35 +0000

Amritsar, Punjab (January 05, 2012): While SGPC managed Gurdwaras celebrated the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh on 31th- the last day of the previous year, the groups opposed to amendments have observed gurpurab on Thursday sticking to the original version of the Nanakshahi calendar adopted by Khalsa Panth in 2003.

Dal Khalsa while observing the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh vowed to stick to the original version, arguing that the changes are in sync with Hindu religious events. The organization voiced their concern against mixing of Nanakshahi (solar calender) with Bikrami (lunar calender).

Dal Khalsa activists along with local sangat gathered at village Rajdhan, 30 kms from the city and observed the day with great fervor and zeal. After the bhog of Sehaj Path, ragis performed shabad kirtan during the event. The speakers while addressing the gathering renewed their demand and urged the Akal Takht to revert to the original calendar.

While talking with media persons over there, Kanwar Pal Singh said the recent decisions taken by Gaini Gubachan Singh, jathedar of the Akal Takht ranging from mixing of calendar to bestowing of Panth Rattan title to Parkash Singh Badal has time and again landed the community into embarrassing and awkward situation”, adding that this is due to the lack of any norms to select the deserving person for the august post. He blamed that the majority of decisions taken by present incumbent were derived by political considerations of the party that run the SGPC affairs by proxy.

Referring to deferring of case of film star Amitabh Bachan’s at Akal Takht, he said it was done keeping in view the impending assembly elections. “The jathedars’ are under pressure from SAD and SGPC to give clean chit to super star. But sensing the possible outburst from aggrieved families of Nov 1984 genocide, the final decision has been postponed under the pretext that “time was inefficient to discuss the case”.

Prof Inderjit Singh, Sarbjit Singh Ghuman, Kuldeep Singh Rajdhan, SYP head Ranbir Singh and vice-president Paramjit Singh also spoke.

Akali jathedars’ to get marginalized as top cops and babus trying to transgress their political space

Gurbhej Singh — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:20:25 +0000

Hoshiarpur, Punjab (December 15, 2011): Taking exception over the retired bigwigs of Punjab police jumping into the political fray, the Dal Khalsa has warned Akali jathedars’ to be prepared to get marginalized in the party, their elders had nurtured with hardships as a scores of retired top babus and cops have lined up to seek assembly tickets for them.

Dal Khalsa president Harcharan Jeet Singh Dhami urged the second and third rung leadership of Akali Dal led by Badals to either speak their voices against the retired top cops and bureaucrats transgressing their political space or quit in protest in case they were helpless before the all-powerful Badals.

He lambasted SAD (Badal) and Congress leadership for inducting former top cops Izhar Alam, P S Gill, H S Chahal, S S Virk in their party ranks.

“While there was no doubt that every citizen is well within rights to join politics, what concerns us that those who are taking the political route to become lawmakers have a history of violating the law”.

“Families, who suffered at the hands of these tyrant officer’s were waiting for justice and are deadly against their climbing to power pinnacle,” he pointed out.

Party spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh went on to explain to Amrinder Singh that Izhar Alam and Sarabjeet Singh Virk were on same page as far as killings of Sikh youths are concerned. Painting both with the same brush, he said Virk as DIG and Alam as SSP, Amritsar had unleashed a reign of terror on Sikh people with the help of renegades.

On politician’s showing eagerness to invite Anna Hazare to campaign for them in the state, he said Sukhbir and Manpreet Badal intends to take political mileage out of the euphoria Anna’s anti-graft campaign as generated through-out the country. However, according to Dal Khalsa leader the movement started by the “Gandhian” would not yield any results till the people transformed their conscience at the individual level. Notwithstanding the formation of Lokpal, the change has to come from within an individual, only then can the menace of corruption be eradicated from any society, he said.

Pre-Trial stay in Professor Bhullar’s relatives’ disappearance case: SCI may pronounce decision on 7 December

Gurbhej Singh — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:10:49 +0000

New Delhi, India (December 06, 2011): Supreme Court of India may pronounce it’s decision in case related to killing of father, uncle and friend of Professor Devender Pal Singh Bhullar. Senior Police officers, including IPS (Indian Police Services) officers are facing the charge. Professor Bhullar’s father, uncle and friend were abducted by Punjab Police in 1991 and were never heard about thereafter, a CBI investigation, carried under the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2008, revealed.

IPS officer Sumedh Saini, main accused in this case, is enjoying high post in Punjab Police, as he is chief of Vigilance Bureau of Punjab.

“Tomorrow is pronouncement of judgment in Supreme Court, in case relating to killing of father and maternal uncle of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar” Advocate Navkiran Singh has posted on his Facebook Wall. “The family needs a lot of prayers. Hope Justice prevails.” he added.

It is notable that no trial has taken place in this case so far, as the Indian Supreme Court stayed the trial in 2008.

Enforced Disappearance has remained a common phenomena and part of police policy in Punjab. It was widely and systematically used in Punjab in 1980s-90s. Jaswant Singh Khalra, who revealed the fact of widespread and systematic practice of enforced disappearances in Punjab was also subjected to the same notorious practise on 6 September, 1996 and was secretly killed by Punjab police.

“Indian State and even the judiciary is least interested in opening or proceeding with these case, as they may hamper the State’s interests. As a result impunity is widespread” said Parmjeet Singh Gazi, President of Sikh Students Federation.

The State’s policy of impunity in Punjab has been documented by Ensaaf and Human Rights Watch in a report titled “Protecting the Killers”.

Badal should apologize for giving clean chit to infamous cop Izhar Alam

Gurbhej Singh — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:00:13 +0000

Hoshiarpur, Punjab (October 30, 2011): The Dal Khalsa has said Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal must unconditionally apologize to the Sikh Panth for giving clean chit to retired police officer Mohammad Izhar Alam who was among of the most cruel officers notorious for the killing of Sikh youth in fake encounters.

The organization also said that the move has also once again reflected Badal’s opportunistic and unprincipled politics.

In a statement issued here today, Dal Khalsa chief H S Dhami said Badal’s memory was not that short that he was now shielding the killer of Sikh youth whose name had come to be associated with Alam Sena comprising hard core criminals which targeted even members of the families of the militants including women and children in the name of fighting militancy.

Was it not because of the fact that the fake killings in Punjab started during Badal’s the first tenure as the Chief Minister when even an 80 year old Baba Bujha Singh was killed in fake encounter, he asked.

Hitting at Badal for showing ignorance about Alam’s role, he termed the chief minister as a liar. Stating that it was a matter of record which Badal try to conveniently overlook, he said newspapers and books have listed scores of incidents of human rights abuses committed by Alam and his hit squads.

Journalist Jagtar Singh in his book ‘Khalistan Struggle: A Non-Movement’ has quoted Alam admitting to such tactics of eliminating militants in extra-judicial methods at a public function at Patti.

Dhami said it was Badal who had unleashed Hindutva forces represented by the BJP in Punjab at the cost of Panthic interests as part of his opportunistic politics despite the fact that all along, the BJP has been highly critical of the issues the Akali Dal had been fighting for.

Now the Badals (including his son Sukhbir Singh) were hell bent to provide political ladder to Alam by allotting him party ticket for the assembly elections.

He pointed out even Sant Samaj, the alliance partner of the Akali Dal in the SGPC elections, had to express disgust on the Alam issue. However, Dal Khalsa leader was skeptical whether Sant Samaj chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma would be able to persuade Badals in denying ticket to Alam.

The Dal Khalsa leader made it categorically clear that in case Badal led SAD fielded Alam as their official candidate, their group would oppose it tooth and nail. “We, along with victims of state-terrorism in general and Alam Sena in particular would campaign to ensure Alam’s defeated ”.

He said the insensitivity of the Badals to the Sikh sentiments was also reflected from the inauguration of kabaddi extravaganza from November 1, the brain child of Sukhbir Badal. Does Sukhbir not know that November 1 is the 27th anniversary of anti-Sikh carnage? Though it was highly disturbing, it’s again part of the anti-Panth psyche of the Badals, he added.

Punjab: HR bodies worried about impunity to mass violators

Gurbhej Singh — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:40:33 +0000

Chandigarh, Punjab (October 27, 2011): Human rights bodies, in Punjab, are concerned about the continuing policy of impunity and political accommodation of “mass violators”. Recently opposition is expressed, by such bodies, to proposed candidature of former DGP Mohd. Izhar Alam on Shirmoani Akali Dal (Badal) ticket for State Assembly Election from Malerkotla.

Punjab Human Rights Organization (PHRO), led by Justice (Retd.) Ajit Singh Bains, has asked chief minister Parkash Singh Badal to explain to the people of Punjab and especially the Sikhs how Alam could be his blue-eyed boy “when he was responsible for killing several innocent Sikhs in fake encounters”?

PHRO said by projecting Alam as a SAD candidate from Malerkotla, Badals have also mocked at Sikh history, which proudly mentions Nawab Sher Mohammad for raising his voice against execution of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh by Sirhind ruler Wazir Khan.

“Now Badals are siding with a person who committed atrocities, instead of raising their voice for innocent victims,” they said. They announced that if Badal would remain adamant on fielding Alam on SAD ticket then along with other human rights organizations they would campaign against him in the constituency.

They said that Alam and his Alam Sena’s deeds were well documented in a white paper issued by Punjab Students Union and “101 fake encounter killings” documented by Paigam group. Alam Sena was a group of State’s unofficial armed personnel who worked under the direction of Izhar Alam and mass violations against Sikh militants and civilian sympathisers of Sikh movement.

“No comments”, was the cryptic answer that Izhar Alam is reported to have chose to give to a section of media when asked about his views over the issue. The former top cop has never commented on the issue, either in the past or in the recent times.

Peer Mohammad to stop Advani’s Rath Yatra from entering Punjab

Gurbhej Singh — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:03:41 +0000

Moga, Punjab (October 14, 2011): Karnail Singh Peer Mohamman, head of Peer Mohammad faction of All India Sikhs Students Federation (AISSF – Peer Mohammad) announced that it will not allow L.K. Advani’s Rath Yatra to enter the State of Punjab because of Advani’s history of spreading communal disharmony and provoking violence against religious minorities during his previous Yatras.

According to Karnail Singh Peermohammad, BJP leader LK Advani in his book “My Country, My Life”, proudly takes credit for having a hand in Indian Government’s military action on Sri Harmandir Sahib in June 1984. The military action on Sri Harmandir Sahib supported by Advani resulted in demolition of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, death of thousands of Sikh pilgrims in June 1984 and subsequent wave of violence against Sikhs all across India which continued for more than a decade.

According to Peermohammad “We will not allow LK Advani to disrupt Punjab’s communal harmony” because Advani has a history of provoking violence against religious minorities. In 1992, it was Advani’s Rath Yatra which caused the demolition of Babri Masjid and his party BJP is also responsible for 2002 killing of Muslims in Gujarat and 2008 massacre of Christians in Orissa.

Federation Secretary General Davinder Singh Sodhi stated that on November 01, after paying obeisance at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, AISSF (Peer Mohammad) will launch a campaign to stop Advani from entering Punjab. AISSF (Peer Mohammad) will do a State wide tour to mobilize Sikhs to gather at Shambhu Border near Rajpura to stop Advani’s rath from entering Punjab. During this tour of Punjab AISSF (Peer Mohammad) will solely focus on reminding Sikhs about LK Advani’s role in military action on Sri Harmandir Sahib and SAD (Badal)’s alliance with BJP.

“It is unfortunate that SAD (Badal) is in alliance with BJP, whose leader takes pride having hand in military action on Sri Harmandir Sahib and desecration of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib”, added AISSF President Peermohammad.

AISSF (Peer Mohammad) Leaders Dr. Karaj Singh Dharamsinghwala, Gurmukh Singh Sandhu, Advocate Parminder Singh Dhingra, Jagroop Singh Cheema and Darshan Singh Gholia appealed to Sikhs, Muslims, Dalits and Christians to come forward and join AISSF’s campaign to stop Advani’s Rath from entering the State of Punjab to protect the communal harmony.

Stop shielding killers of Prof. Bhullar’s family members

Gurbhej Singh — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:28:08 +0000

Amritsar (September 27, 2011): AISSF demanded that Punjab Government lead by SAD (Badal) should immediately ask Delhi Administration to transfer Prof. Bhullar who is admitted in a Hospital while waiting to be executed, to a facility in his homeland Punjab. AISSF also demanded that SAD (Badal) regime should stop defending the police officers responsible for the disappearance of Professor Bhullar’s father and uncle.

In December 1991 Professor Bhullar’s father and uncle were abducted by the police under the orders of then SSP Sumedh Saini. In July 2008, on the orders of Punjab & Haryana High Court, CBI has filed a criminal case against Sumedh Saini for “abduction with intent to kill” Professor Bhullar’s father and uncle. Against the High Court’s order to prosecute Sumedh Saini, present Punjab Government has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court asking to quash the prosecution orders. The present Punjab Government has also refused to accept the transfer of Professor Bhullar to one of the prison in Punjab stating that Professor Bhullar is a dangerous terrorist.

Addressing the media, Karnail Singh Peermohammad, President AISSF, stated that “since SAD (Badal) is now playing Bhullar Card to garner Sikh votes by seeking clemency, SAD (Badal) should stop defending Sumedh Saini from prosecution and should also ask Delhi Administration to transfer Professor Bhullar to his homeland Punjab.”

Ever since the Sikh community in Punjab and all over the world has become united to save Professor Bhullar’s life, SAD (Badal) sensing the electoral mood of the Sikhs has cleverly took a U turn in support of Professor Bhullar. However SAD (Badal) government still continues to shield the police officers responsible for abduction of Prof. Bhullar’s father and uncle, added Peermohammad.

AISSF asks Sikhs to say “No to Hindu Marriage Act”

Gurbhej Singh — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:38:24 +0000

Amritsar (August 30, 2011): All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) accused the Government of India of usurping the identity of Sikhs by denying their demand for Anand Marriage Act. The Government’s action of forcing Sikhs to register their marriages under Hindu Marriage Act is in violation of “equal rights” provided under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India. AISSF announced that it will file a constitutional petition before the Supreme Court of India challenging the Government’s refusal to pass Anand Marriage Act. The petition will request the Supreme Court to order the Government of India to give equal rights to Sikhs under Article 14 & 15 of the Constitution by passing Anand Marriage Act.

AISSF announced that it will also launch “Proud to be Sikh Campaign” to build public movement in support of Anand Marriage Act and Sikhs’ Right to Self Determination. Under “Proud to be Sikh” Federation will urge Sikh community to say “No to Hindu Marriage Act” by refusing to register their marriages under Hindu Marriage Act. The Federation announced to collect “one million signatures” in support of Anand Marriage Act.
According to Karnail Singh Peermohammad, Federation President, the Government’s decision regarding Anand Marriage Act is discrimination against Sikh community and an open attack on the Sikh identity. This decision to deny Anand Marriage Act is another step to dissolve separate religious identity of Sikh nation. As per Article 14 & 15 of the Constitution, the Government cannot deny Sikhs to have Anand Marriage Act as Muslim, Christians, Parsis and Jews already have their own marriage acts.

On August 15, 1947 India gained independence for which thousands of Sikhs laid their lives. However for Sikhs, independence from British Empire resulted only in further usurping of their rights, extermination of separate status of Sikhism and eventually to an open genocide of Sikhs in India, added Peermohammad.

According to Davinder Singh Sodhi, Secretary General of AISSF, the campaign “Proud to be Sikh” has been launched because Sikhism is a separate religion but the Government of India is constantly usurping the separate religious identity of Sikhs. Refusal to pass the Anand Marriage Act for Sikhs and forcing them to continue registering their marriages under Hindu Marriage Act shows the intentions of Indian Government towards Sikhs.

Since present SGPC, DSGMC and SAD (Badal) have failed to achieve Anand Marriage Act for Sikh community and have betrayed the faith of the community, Federation which is contesting the SGPC elections independently, will take this issue to the Sikh community and will expose the ineffectiveness of present SGPC, DGSMC and SAD (Badal) leadership.

Once given an opportunity to represent Sikhs at SGPC, Federation will vehemently take up the issue of Anand Marriage Act and will use all the resources, power and influence of SGPC for passage of Anand Marriage Act.