Black Cat turned cop - Gurmeet Singh Pinky

Chandigarh (February 4, 2012): Four Days back, on 31 January, 2012 Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed an appeal filed by controversial Punjab Police inspector, Gurmeet Singh alias Pinky seeking acquittal in a murder case.

Pinky once a Police black cat, had been awarded life imprisonment by a trial court in Haryana’s Yamuna Nagar that held him guilty of murdering Avtar Singh, a 20-year-old and the only son of a Ludhiana resident.

A division bench headed by Justice S. S. Saron on 31 January, 2012 dismissed an appeal filed by Gurmeet Singh Pinky wherein he had challenged the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Court of District and Sessions Judge, Jagadhri at Yamuna Nagar in Haryana on October 18, 2006. Pinky murdered the Ludhiana youth on January 7, 2001 following a minor altercation.

As the accused Gurmeet Singh Pinky was allowed to remain on influential position in police department during trial, the trial was first transferred from Punjab to Chandigarh and then to Haryana. A few judges had also recused from the case citing personal reasons.

The other five accused were acquitted by the lower court at Yamuna Nagar. An appeal seeking conviction of those acquitted was also filed by the father of the deceased. This appeal, however, was dismissed by the high court.

Black Cat Phenomena and Mass level violation in Punjab:

It is notable that in order to defame the Sikh militant movement of 1980s and to breakdown its’ popular mass suport base the Indian state introduced the policy of “black cats”. Black cats were criminal people such as goons/gangsters or smugglers employed secretly by the State to act for it’s police or armed forced as “Sikh Militants”.

These black cats pretending to be Sikh freedom fighters committed atrocities on people of Punjab including civilian killings. This way police targetted both participants and supporters of Sikh freedom movement and at the same time defamed the struggle.

After 1990s such police cats were rehabilitated by the Indian State under fictitious names, after being shown as dead. Some of them, such as Pinky, were later formally employed in the Punjab police. Many innocent Sikh civilians were killed by the police showing them as so-called Sikh militants (persons used to work under the names of Sikh militants, but in reality they were  police cats.

Punjab’s former Director General of Police Julio Ribeiro, who first introduced black cats in mid-1980 has admitted the fact of existence and black deeds of these cats in his auto-biography “Bullet for Bullet”.

In 2006 then Director General of Punjab Sarabjeet Singh Virk admitted that Indian State and Punjab police has rehabilitated more than 300 such police cats after showing the as dead.

Punjab’s mass murderer, KPS Gill (former DGP of Punjab), who is presented as “Super Cop” by Indian state and media has also admitted the use of black cats.

One of US Diplomatic cables leaked by Wikileaks also confirm the use of black cats  and secret army called sena kept and used by Punjab police officer Izhar Alam.

“With regard to former Senior Superintendent Punjab Police (Jalandhar) Mohammad Izhar Alam, we can confirm that he now holds the position of Additional Director General (Administration) Punjab Police, a senior police posting. During the insurgency, he assembled a large, personal paramilitary force of approximately 150 men known as the “Black Cats” or “Alam Sena” (“Alam’s Army”) that included cashiered police officers and rehabilitated Sikh terrorists. The group had reach throughout the Punjab and is alleged to have had carte blanche in carrying out possibly thousands of staged “encounter killings.” (NOTE: Former Director General Punjab Police KPS Gill publicly praised the group, saying the Punjab police could not function without them. End Note.) Herkewaljit Singh told us that Alam was “at the top of the list” in authorizing encounters during the insurgency period”.

- Excerpt from US cable leaked by Wikileaks.

(Full Story by Sikh Siyasat) | (Full Cable @ Wikileaks CableViewer)

Gurmeet Singh Pinky was one of them. He was never charged with the violations he committed during militancy period and was convicted in a murder case committed after that period. He was allowed to remain on post even during the pendency of trial.

Mass violators of Punjab enjoy blind impunity even now days.

• SCI’s decision would impose blind impunity zone in Punjab: SSF
• Two decades of impunity: SCI set aside CBI probe against police officers accused of practising enforced disappearances
• Human Rights Abuses in Punjab and Wikileaks: Alam Sena’s existence find mention in US diplomatic cable
• Don’t patronize Alam-Virk-Saini, all are “killers of Sikhs”, Dal Khalsa to Badal and Amrinder
• Bharat in Bhasmasur mode – by Sirdar Gurtej Singh (IAS)

An excerpt from a News report (as accessed on 30/01/2012 @ 22:48 IST)

Amritsar, Punjab (January 30, 2012): Indian media was reporting since last two months that Pro-Khalistan Sikh leaders, allegedly hiding somewhere in Pakistan, were planning to trigger blasts to halt election process in Punjab. This falsehood was exposed as nothing of the sort happened in Punjab today, rather there are reports of some local clashes between supporters of “mainstream” political parties. These “mainstream” political parties indulged in distribution of cash, liquor, poppy husk, opium and other intoxicants to lure voters.

Media was reporting that there were firm inputs available with Intelligence agencies of India that Sikh militants hiding in Pakistan with support of Pakistan’s agency ISI were planning to trigger blasts on public places and target “prominent” persons, including some politicians and sect-heads.

This is not the first time that falsehood of Indian Media’s propaganda is exposed, rather it is now turning to be a thing of routine occurrence in Punjab.

In November 2009 on the eve of 25th anniversary of genocidal violence against Sikhs, Sikh bodies were organizing one day shut down on of 3rd November (2009). A prominent Punjabi newspaper claimed to possess the copy of “top secret” communication, alleged to have taken place between Senior officer of Intelligence Bureau (IB) of India and Ministry of Home Affairs (Government of India – GOI). The news report warned that despite the repeated assurances and claims made by Sikh bodies that the shut down would be peaceful, there was enough input available with the IB that Sikh militants hiding in Pakistan would trigger incidents of bomb blasts and public  shooting on the 25th anniversary of November 1984 violence against Sikhs.

When the Sikh Siyasat contacted the journalist said to have reported the concerned news report, admitted that even he did not believe that November 3, 2009 shutdown would witness any sort of violence. He said it was policy of his newspaper to carry such reports and it was him employment compulsion to fabricate such stories.

These highly sensitive news reports accusing Sikhs for plotting to hit public with violence are published by Indian media on a routine basis, whenever Punjab is engaged in some process of political importance, such as mass mobilization by Sikhs (to mark ghallughaha or holocaust day or public movement against anti-Sikh activities of certain State patronized cults), SGPC elections or assembly elections etc.

Independent observers told “Sikh Siyasat” that this was part of media-war against the Sikhs and their cause. Such news contents, when published repeatedly on selective occasions, serve a specific purpose of terrorizing the people of Punjab. This way the State projects Pro-Independence Sikhs as a threat to public safety and tries to discredit them and at the same time presents a very negative image of the cause of proposed Sikh State or Khalistan.

Another political observers was of the view that it was not a random phenomena rather an effective tool of psychological warfare initiated by the Indian state against the Sikhs.

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• Another attempt by Indian Media to question the base and legitimacy of Sikh Struggle.
• The Paradox of January 26 – by Prabhjot Singh

Ludhiana, Punjab (January 26, 2012): The Indian government during 2011 failed to hold rights violators accountable or to carry out effective policies to protect vulnerable communities, Human Rights Watch said on 23rd January, 2012 in its World Report 2012:India.

The government took no action to repeal the widely discredited Armed Forces Special Powers Act, disregarding the recommendations of political leaders and advisers, Human Rights Watch said. The government also ignored the urgent need for police reform despite widespread complaints of torture and unlawful killings as well as deplorable working conditions for police personnel.

“The Indian government took few steps to prosecute abusive soldiers, undertake needed police reforms, or bring an end to torture,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Internationally, India missed opportunities to be a leader at the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council in protecting the rights of vulnerable people abroad.”

In its World Report 2012, Human Rights Watch assessed progress on human rights during the past year in more than 90 countries, including popular uprisings in the Arab world that few would have imagined. Given the violent forces resisting the “Arab Spring,” the international community has an important role to play in assisting the birth of rights-respecting democracies in the region, Human Rights Watch said in the report.

In India, violence in Jammu and Kashmir state dropped significantly during 2011. The state human rights commission’s investigation of 38 sites in north Kashmir and the discovery of 2,730 unmarked graves was a good first step for providing justice to the victims, Human Rights Watch said. While the government maintains that most of the bodies are those of unidentified Pakistani militants, many Kashmiris believe that victims of fake “encounter killings” or enforced disappearances may also have been buried in those graves. Although the government has promised a thorough inquiry, a credible investigation is impossible without the cooperation of the army and federal paramilitary forces, which hide behind the immunity provisions of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and other laws.

The government belatedly addressed the epidemic of killings on the Indo-Bangladesh border by the Border Security Force (BSF). Although the government ordered restraint and provided rubber bullets to reduce casualties, there were continued reports of torture leading to deaths and other abuses by BSF soldiers. No BSF soldiers have been prosecuted for the unlawful killings of over 900 Indians and Bangladeshis over the past decade.

“Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s call for ‘zero tolerance’ of abuses by the armed forces has been undercut by the near zero progress in holding the abusers responsible,” Adams said. “The government should no longer allow the army to hide behind claims about troop morale or operational needs as an excuse for impunity.”

Residents of areas facing a Maoist insurgency, which in 2011 was active in nearly 80 districts across 11 Indian states, complained of being squeezed between state security forces and Maoist rebels. Security agencies carried out numerous arbitrary arrests and were accused of many instances of torture. The Maoists frequently demanded shelter and information from villagers, who were then punished by security forces for collaborating with the rebels.

Activists working in these areas are at risk from both the Maoists and government forces. Maoists have tortured and killed activists and others they suspected of being government informers, and police in several instances have charged activists with conspiracy and sedition for supporting the Maoist ideology. The Maoists recruit children into their forces and attack schools, often putting students at risk. The government has not fully carried out court directives to end deployment of security forces in schools in areas threatened by the Maoists.

“While the government agrees that the Maoist movement is rooted in failed government policies and speaks of winning hearts and minds, it allows the security forces to commit abuses with impunity,” Adams said. “At the same time, the Maoists claim to speak for the marginalized yet punish anyone who might disagree with their violent methods.”

The government adopted long overdue measures to compensate rape victims and revised its medico-legal protocols to exclude the humiliating “finger” test to investigate rape cases, Human Rights Watch said. Yet the government did little to address the widespread problems of “honor killings,” dowry deaths, and sexual violence. Afurther decline in India’s sex ratio because of sex selective abortion and other abuses against girls and womenpoints to the economic and social disparities that lead families to prefer sons over daughters, and the government’s need to expand educational and economic opportunities for women. The failure to extend maternal health care programs to all mothers below age 19 or with more than two live births also reflected poorly on the government’s commitment to protect women.

The Medical Council of India took an important step in 2011 by recognizing palliative care as a medical specialty. But more than half of government-supported regional cancer centers still do not offer palliative care or pain management, even though more than 70 percent of their patients need it. The result has been severe, unnecessary suffering for tens of thousands of patients.Internationally, although India served on both the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council, it let opportunities pass to support independent, international investigations into conflict-related abuses in Sri Lanka and Burma. Instead of using these memberships to show leadership to protect human rights abroad, India remained silent on even the gravest abuses. While expressing concern about the increased violence in Syria, for example, New Delhi failed to support policies that would ease the suffering of the Syrian people.

“India is now watched closely for signs of responsible global leadership,” Adams said. “Its silence on human rights violations by abusive regimes because of its reluctance to interfere in the so-called ‘internal affairs’ of other countries sits uncomfortably alongside its international human rights commitments and its self image as a rights-respecting nation.”

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Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar

Ludhiana, Punjab (January 23, 2012): NBC entertainer Jay Leno’s remark about Darbar Sahib has hurt the feelings of many who have unmeasurable respect for the sacred Sikh shrine. Darbar Sahib Amritsar, known in the west as the Golden Temple of Amritsar is considered as holiest of the holy places and whole of the Sikh history stands witness for the importance of the place. Enumerable people have laid their lives to uphold the dignity of the shrine.

Sikh Siyasat has taken the opportunity to access the remarks posted by various persons over internet social networking websites life Facebook and Twitter. It shows that people have felt immensely hurt due to a derogatory comment passed by Jay Leno on NBC channel’s “Tonight’s Show with Jay Leno” on 19th of January, 2012. Leno showed an illuminated picture of Sri Darbar Sahib and announced to the world that this was the summer home of Republican Party hopeful, Mitt Romney. Romney, a rich businessman – politician, is under fire these days for amassing wealth and paying lesser taxes.

As per information accessed by the Sikh Siyasat a number of people from around the world are joining the campaign started by a USA based Sikh, Bhai Harjot Singh Khasla, to register strong protest against concerned infamous remark.

People are singing an online petition and also writing the reasons that why they have singed it. Most of the signatories say that they have felt immensely hurt due.

Simran Kaur, one of the recent signatories to the Petitions wrote: “That particular joke made by Jay Leno involving Sikh’s holiest shrine was in bad taste and hurts my religious feelings. Jay Leno must apologize and promise not to make any direct or oblique references to Sikhs or their places of worship”.

Rajdeep Kaur, another signatory says: “Sri Darbar Sahib is a respected place for whole Sikh community and our emotions are attached to Sri Darbar Sahib and Darbar Sahib is the palace of our Sri Guru Granth Sahib, a [...] person can’t say like this to hurt our emotions”.

Some like Jacquelyn Judd, has accused Jay Leno of racism, who simply reasoned that “These remarks are clearly racist”. Meet Kaur also held a similar view.

“There’s a lot of other things to make fun of in this world. Why he picks something over someone’s religion or beliefs. NBC needs to take action against him” Amrinder Singh has added.

Sumit Pal, who signed the petition 8 hours ago (relate to time of post), is of the view that “to speak against a religious place any religious place is the most stupid thing one can do”.

Naeem Akbar wrote: “I am a muslim but in my view it is very unjustice that somebody give any statment against any religion !! All are holly and all are respectable!”

Simarjot Khalsa, wrote: “It did hurt my feelings. I felt bad. So so bad”.

“Darbar Sahib is such a respectful place that any person existing in this world is not even equivalent to a dust particle in front of this sacred place. Jay Leno, you don’t know anything about this religion and this place and you are definitely guilty if you say anything wrong about it” wrote Karanbir Singh.

Harjinder Randhawa, justifying the campaign said: “Even though i believe ‘jasee mat deh tesa purgas’ but still ignorant people need to know that we will not take insults sitting down. We may not raise arms against such stupidities but we will not sit and watch. May Waheguru give us strength to make the world understand who we are and what our religion is all about”.

“Signing as a protest against the remarks made by Jay Leno against Sikh” said Harjit Singh.

Note:

(1) Readers can read more comments by following this link.
(2) Sikh Siyasat request all the also readers to read and sign the Petition, at their will. To access the petition click here.

• NBC Entertainer Jay Leno’s derogatory remark about Darbar Sahib sparks strong wave of criticism
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Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar

New York, USA (January 21, 2011): Sikhs have taken strong exception to Jay Leno’s remark about holiest of holy, Sri Darbar Sahib (Amritsar), commonly known as the Golden Temple of Amritsar. Leon and his associates passed a remark about Darbar Sahib a show titled “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” aired by NBC channel on 19th of January, 2012. They showed an illuminated picture of Sri Darbar Sahib and announced to the world that this was the summer home of Republican Party hopeful, Mitt Romney. Romney, a rich businessman – politician, is under fire these days for amassing wealth and paying lesser taxes. This derogatory depiction of Sri Darbar Sahib, as the home of rich, is contrary to the reality and hurtful to the sentiments of the Sikhs.

Keeping in view the sacred importance and the history of Sri Darbar Sahib, Sikhs of America have protested en-masses by calling up the studios of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and voicing their concern. Calls have also been placed at the NBC offices in New York and San Jose, California.

“This is not the first time that this show host has targeted Sikhs in his monologue. Previously, in 2007 he called Sikhs ‘diaper heads.’ In 2010, he remarked, falsely so, in his monologue that President Obama could not visit Sri Darbar Sahib because of requirements of wearing a turban. Clearly, Jay Leno’s racist comments need to be stopped right here” Bhai Harjot Singh Khalsa, who has created a Facebook Group called “Boycott Jay Leno (For Derogatory remarks about Golden Temple)” has informed.

An online petition is also started by Bhai Harjot Singh Khasla to send a strong message that the sentiments of Sikhs worldwide are off limits to his monologues and cannot be used further his TV ratings.

“The Right to Speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution excludes defamation and spreading hate, incitement and false advertising” adds the petition.

It is notable that Punjabi Radio USA is playing a vital role in organizing the campaign, especially in USA.

An overview of relative activity on various social media networks (including facebook & twitter) show that there is worldwide wave of criticism as the infamous remarks have outraged feelings of the Sikhs.

• Derogatory remark against Darbar Sahib – People have felt hurt personally
• British Lawmakers tabled motion against Jay Leno
• US rights body lodged a complaint with Federal Communications Commission against Jay Leno
• Dal Khalsa writes to US Ambassador on Jay Leno issue
• SGPC, SSF oppose Jay Leno’s remark

Stephen Grosz, Head of Public Law & Human Rights at London solicitors Bindmans, who was engaged by United Sikhs to file a communication to the UNHRC on behalf of  Bikramjit Singh, a French student who was expelled from a French school for refusing to remove his head covering after the 2004 law was passed by France that banned religious signs in schools:

 “The Human Rights Committee’s decision is very heartening. The Committee recognises that even a one-off requirement to remove a turban for the purposes of an identity photograph interferes with a Sikh’s religious rights; and it considers that the French Government advanced no argument that the Committee considered sufficient to justify this interference. The Committee will shortly consider the restrictions placed on the wearing of turbans by French school students, and the Committee’s approach is encouraging.”

Eric Rassbach, National Litigation Director, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty:

“The Committee has struck a major blow in defence of religious liberty. This is a victory not just for Sikhs, but for people of all faiths who seek to live up to their beliefs. The Becket Fund congratulates Mr. Singh and United Sikhs for their persistence and bravery in standing up for the rights of all.”

Francois Jacquot, lawyer who represented Ranjit Singh in the French courts: “This is the first time that the UNHRC has sanctioned the French State for violation of Religious freedom of a member of the Sikh Community in regards to the Turban. In that respect, the decision is historical. Ranjit Singh is finally recognized in his rights for freedom of Religion and respect of his Identity, after numerous years of frustration. The French State has not been able to “explaine(d) how, specifically, identity photographs in which people appear bareheaded help to avert the risk of fraud or falsification of residence permits.”, while it was the reason invoked by the French authorities and the French Court to justify the violation of the religion Freedom of Sikhs.”

Carla Clarke, (acting) Head of Law, Minority Rights Group International: “This is a welcome decision which makes it clear that where states interfere with peoples’ basic human rights they cannot expect simply to invoke the phrases “public order” and “public safety” to justify such interferences but must show concretely why their measures are necessary to ensure such public order and safety. In this regard, the Human Rights Committee has shown itself prepared to take a more pro-active and investigative stance than the European Court of Human Rights when faced with similar cases.”

Avtar Singh Makkar, President, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC): “Its a great victory for which SGPC had supported United Sikhs when the case was filed in 2008. We are very pleased that the UN has recognised the challenges faced by Sikhs in protecting our identity and held that Sikh should not be required to remove his turban. We will ask the Punjab government to put pressure on France to comply with the UN’s decision and fulfil their obligations under international law.”

Mrs Praneet Kaur, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs: “I am very happy with the UN’s decision and congratulate the United Sikhs team for making everyone realise what the turban means to Sikhs, their identity and pride. I am very pleased that the UN has recognised the fundamental right of a Sikh to practice his/her faith by wearing a turban. We respect France’s sovereign right to frame laws. I will ensure that the Indian Government continues, at the highest level, to raise this issue with France. This UN decision will certainly help us advance our case with France.”

Shiromani Akali Dal Panch Pardhani

Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind (Member SGPC) and Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema of Akali Dal Panch Pardhani: “This is a matter for great relief for Sikhs living all over the world and is a strong step forward. UNHRC has rightly upheld the right of a Sikh to live his life according to Sikh way of life”.

Paramjit Singh Sarna, President, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee: “We are very grateful to United Sikhs and the UN for this great victory for the Sikhs’ right to wear our turban. We wish United Sikhs the very best and are ready to do any seva you request.”

Sikh Federation UK

Bhai Amrik Singh, Chair, Sikh Federation (UK): “It is excellent news that the UN Human Rights Committee has come out in support of Baba Ranjit Singh’s fundamental right to wear his turban for the photograph on his resident card. The Sikh Federation (UK) was delighted to join Sikhs from across the globe in New York to submit the cases to the UN in December 2008. Sikhs must now come together again to see what diplomatic and political pressure can be exerted on the French Government to recognise the UN decision in support of the Sikhs right to wear the turban.”

Parmjeet Singh Gazi, President of Sikh Students Federation: “Congratulations to the team of United Sikhs for it’s hard work and continuous efforts in this legal battle. This decision has opened new ways to uphold the Sikh’s right to wear Dastar, no matter where he/she is. Sikh Sikh Students Federation welcomes this decision”.

Jaspal Singh Anand, Chair, European & International Affairs Committee, Sikh Council UK: “The Sikh Council UK congratulates United Sikhs and other Sikh organisations that have worked tirelessly in representing Baba Ranjit Singh’s rights as a Sikh to wear his Turban for the photograph for his identity card and on the landmark decision announced by the UN’s Human Rights Committee in providing unequivocal support in recognising the Sikh Turban as an integral part of it’s religious identity while declaring France in breach of Article 18 of the UN’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which it is a signatory.”

Dr. Pritpal Singh, Coordinator, American Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (AGPC): “AGPC welcomes the UNHRC decision on Sikh religious identity under Article 18. We ask France to respect UN’s decision and allow turbaned Sikhs in school, public offices and on photographs of ID documents. We congratulate United Sikhs for its persistent effort and tireless work.”

Amarjit Singh Mann, President, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee: “This is a news of pride for all Sikhs and we hope the UNHRC ruling helps resolve the Sikh identity issue in various parts of the world.”

Bhupinder Singh Ubbi, Ontario Sikhs & Gurdwara Council: “I congratulate the Sikh community for their collective efforts and hard work to achieve this success.”

Giani Kewal Singh and Darshan Singh Brar, Manitoba Sikh leaders: “This ruling will provide more knowledge and understanding about the Sikh community to the whole world and we are proud of United Sikhs’ work.”

Baljit Singh Dadduwal and Jasbir Singh Boparai, Panthak Sewa Lehar Canada: “Congratulations to Sikhs and thanks for getting it done. This UNHRC ruling sends a direct message to the entire world to respect the right of religious freedom.”

Jaspreet Singh and Daljit Singh Rana, Sikh Federation of Australia: “This is a matter for great happiness, especially for the Sikh diaspora, that this case is decided in our favor, and right of religious freedom is maintained by UNHRC”.

• Singh v France [CCPR/C/ 102/D/ 1876/2009] – France Turban Case: access the documents
• Sikhs win turban case against France at the United Nations
• Global Sikh Civil Rights Conference discusses how Sikhs can protect their Identity
• France turban Ban Case: UNHRC asked France to ensure measure against violation of religious freedom; Its’ victory against Ban – United Sikhs
• UK Sikh body responds to SGPC’s call regarding 1984 memorial

Mejinder Pal Kaur, legal director of Sikh NGO, United Sikh today informed in Paris that following today’s observation of UNHRC, the Sikhs had won the turban case against France at UN.

Quoting the media conference held in Bobigny, near Paris, by the United Sikhs legal team that had filed a communication in December 2008 on beahlf of Ranjit Singh, she said the UNHRC had concluded that France had violated the religous freedom of Ranjit Singh.

The committee observed that France had failed to explain how the turban hindered identification since the wearer’s face would be visible and he would be wearing the turban at all times, Manjinder Pal Kaur said.

“I had faith that truth and justice would prevail and I patiently waited for this day. I pray that France will now fulfil its obligation and grant me a residence card bearing my photo without baring my head” the appelent Ranjeet Singh is reported to have said on being informed about the observation of UNHRC.

Mejinderpal Kaur said that they were happy with the Committee’s observations that France was under obligation to provide Ranjit Singh with an effective remedy, including a reconsideration of his application for renewal of residence permit and a review of the relevant legislative framework and its application in practice.

“We now look to France to fulfill its treaty obligations under International law and its moral duty to ensure that the freedom of religion and belief is upheld for everyone who lives within its territory,” she added.

“In 2004, a ban on turbans began to effect Sikh children in France–they couldn’t attend public school wearing a turban. Shortly, the ban was more widespread and eventually overtook all facets of government services for young and old alike” Sikh24.com has added.

• UNHRC’s decision in France turban case widely applauded world-over
• Singh v France [CCPR/C/ 102/D/ 1876/2009] – France Turban Case: access the documents
• Sikhs win turban case against France at the United Nations
• Global Sikh Civil Rights Conference discusses how Sikhs can protect their Identity
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A File Photo of Heritage Haweli related to Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Gujranwala, Pakistan

Amritsar, Punjab (January 10, 2011): As per certain media reports a Heritage Haweli related to Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjeet Singh located in Gujranwala (West Punjab) in Pakistan was today destroyed by a certain group of persons, who want to built a commercial shopping mall at that place.

Surinder Kochar, a historian based at Amritsar, today called a press conference at Ram Bagh, Amritsar to inform about the destruction of Haweli. Surinder Kochhar is said to have informed media persons that around 11:30 (IST) he received a call from his Gujranwala based friend who informed his about the happenings.

“My friend Mohammad Kasim Raifq, who lives near the Heritage Haweli called me at around 11:30 today and told me that Haweli of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh is being bulldozed by a group of persons.” Surinder is said to have told media.

Mohammad Kasim Raifq is said to have attempted to prevent the destruction along with others living in the vicinity but they were allegedly threatened by the land mafia involved in the destruction of the Haweli.

This Haweli was preserved as a protected heritage building by archaeological department of Pakistan, the news reports have added.

A view of Ropar Heritage site destroyed by Swaraj Mazda

It is notable few years back another historic site near Ropar (East Punjab) in India where Maharaja Ranjeet Singh had signed a bilateral treaty with the British, was destroyed by Sawraj Mazda. These destruction  indicate it hard for the heritage of those nations to survive that have lost their state.

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This case was initially framed against Mahinder Singh Chairian, Baljeet Singh Bhau, Buta Singh and Mohinder Singh under FIR 165, dated 15 November, 2009 at Sadar Police Station, Ropar Punjab. The case was registered under section 16, 17, 18 and 18B of UA(P)A, Sections 4 and 5 of Explosive Act and Section 25 of Arms Act. Bhai Daljit Singh was framed in this case at a later stage.

The court also acquitted all other persons charged in this case from all charges, except Mahinder Singh Chairian who is convicted under section 25 of the Arms Act, and is sentenced to undergo 3 years imprisonment. MS Chairian was also acquitted from charges under UA(P)A and Explosives Act.

Throughout the trial the prosecution was not able to produce even an iota of evidence against Bhai Daljit Singh in support of allegations of  ”unlawful activities” levelled against him.

It is notable that Bhai Daljit Singh was charged in this case for incurring travelling expenditure of Sikh Sangat to attend a socio-religious function.

“There was no evidence or witness to support the prosecution’s allegations against Bhai Daljit Singh, therefore the court acquitted him” informed Advocate Sarabjeet Singh Bhangu, the counsel of Bhai Daljit Singh. “The whole case was based on baseless imaginary stories, having no factual or legal relevance and was liable to be dismissed” he added.

Advocate Bhangu further told Sikh Siyasat that during the trial the prosecution had once told the court to close the case against Bhai Daljit Singh as it had nothing to produce against him. But that day Bhai Daljit Singh was not produced in the court by Jail authorities and Punjab police, therefore in his absence the prayer of prosecution was not entertained. Later the prosecution, apparently under political pressure, refused to withdraw the case.   He said that the court accepted supplementary chargesheet charging Bhai Daljit Singh in the absence of prima facie evidence.

“Though Bhai Daljit Singh is acquitted today, but taking into account the facts and circumstances of the case and the fact two years long custody during trial, I could say that in this case – the process has amounted to punishment” said Advocate SS Bhangu.

Bhai Daljit Singh has been acquitted in four cases, including three charges of Sedition, since his arrest in August 2009 but he is still confined in Central Jail of Amritsar, Punjab due to another false charge that is pending against him in Mansa Court.

Since he was first arrested in 1995, Bhai Daljit Singh has spent 12 years in prison without conviction. He was charged in 28 cases, of which he is acquitted in 25 cases while 3 are still pending. Most of the cases were of political nature and he is targeted due to his dissenting political ideology and activism.

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