Sikh Siyasat News (in English)

Execution of Prof. DPS Bhullar deferred by L-G of Delhi; Decision does not remove Prof. Bhullar from death row permanently

Parmjit Singh — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:50:35 +0000

New Delhi, India (June 19, 2013): It is learnt that citing the “bad physical and mental health” of Sikh political prisoner Prof. Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, the office of the Delhi Lt. Governor of Delhi have deferred his execution.

According to a news reported by Indian Express (IE): “[t]his decision, a source said, was taken after scrutiny of the report submitted by the medical board formed by the Delhi government to ascertain Bhullar’s condition. The file has been forwarded to the office of the Director General (Prisons), Tihar Jail, the source said”.

“An objective, compassionate and humane view of the case has been taken after considering the deteriorating physical and mental health of Devinderpal Singh Bhullar and it has been decided to defer the matter. This decision was taken after scrutinising the report submitted by the medical board. Subsequently, he will be examined by a medical board again and the matter will be re-examined, the source said”, the news reported by IE reads further.

In its report, the medical board is learnt to have stated that Bhullar suffers from severe depression with psychotic symptoms. The jail manual states that a death row convict has to be declared physically and mentally fit before execution.

The file stating the L-G’s views has reportedly been recently forwarded to the office of the DG, Tihar, which will now send it to the home ministry before it is finally sent to the Delhi government.

It is notable that there was strong opposition to the execution of death sentence lashed upon Prof. Bhullar by Indian courts. Prof. Bhullar is sentenced to death in a highly contested manner by the Indian courts, and the Supreme Court of India repeatedly upheld his execution in a surprisingly controversial manner, where the the presiding judge of three judges bench acquitted him but two other judges upheld his death sentence on strange reasoning ignoring the absence of evidence against Prof. Bhullar.

Prof. Bhullar and his family are the victims of state-repression, as seven members of his family suffered severe custodial torture; whereas two from the family – Prof. Bhullar’s father and uncle, were secretly killed by Punjab police during enforced disappearance.

Delhi’s Lt. Governor’s decision is expected to brought a sigh of relief for Prof. Bhullar’s family as the decision has halted the execution of Prof. Bhullar for the time being but it must be remembered that the decision does not remove him from the death row permanently.

3 days police remand of Narain Singh Chaura in a 2010 case

Parmjit Singh — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:20:59 +0000

Amritsar, Punjab (June 18, 2013): It is learnt that the Punjab state police special cell has received the police remand of Bhai Narain Singh Chura for 3 days in connection with a 2010 case.

S. Narain Singh Chaura in police custody

According to a news reported by Punjab Spectrum (PS), Narain Singh Chura was produced before the duty magistrate under tight security by special cell of Punjab police.

Baljinder Singh, son of Narain Singh Chaura reportedly said that in 2010 the Punjab police registered a case regarding alleged recovery of explosives from Pal Singh France. When police tried to link Narain Singh Chaura in this case, who went underground, fearing police torture. He was editing and publishing a Punjabi monthly magazine at that time.

Today, the magistrate sent S. Chaura on three days police remand after listening the arguments of the police.

It is notable that Punjab police had arrested S. Chaura on 26 February, 2013 and he was reportedly interrogated in relation to various cases by the Punjab police.

Main building of Gurdwara Gobind Ghat is safe; No Saroops were lost: Chairman of Sri Hemkunt Sahib Mgt. Trust

Parmjit Singh — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:04:10 +0000

Uttrakhand, India (June 18, 2013): According to media reports, Narinder Jeet Singh Bindra, Chairman of Uttarakhand Minorities Commission, said today that the main building of Gurdwara Sahib of Gobind Ghat in Uttarakhand is safe and none of the Saroops of of Guru Granth Sahib were lost due to rains as was feared.

Condition near Gobind Ghat (June 17, 2013)

According to a news reported on the website of Zee News: “Bindra, who is also the Vice Chairman of Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust (SHSMT), claimed over phone that there was no loss of life reported so far, even though many vehicles have been washed away”.

It is notable that there were some reports in media bout the loss of Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib but refuting the media reports Bindra reportedly maintained that “there is no loss of ‘Birs’ of Guru Granth Sahib, we have shifted Birs to higher places.”

He also refuted the reports about Darbar Hall of Gurdwara Gobind Ghat being washed away.

As per reports Bindra confirmed that few rooms of Gurdwara complex were washed away and main building the Gurdwara Sahib is safe as it is on higher place.

I have a right to know that who killed by daughter in cold blood: Mother of fake encounter victim

Parmjit Singh — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:44:52 +0000

New Delhi, India(June 18, 2013): People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has shared a statement by the mother of Ishrat Jehan, a victim of fake encounter.

Ishrat Jehan (19) and others killed in a fake encounter in Gujrat in 2004

It is notable that the Ishrat Jahan encounter took place on 15 June 2004, and involved encounter killings of four people on an empty road stretch between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat state, by the officers of Ahmedabad Police Crime Branch.

The victims reprotedly included Ishrat Jahan Raza, a 19-year old college girl from Mumbai, and three men: Pranesh Pillai (alias Javed Gulam Sheikh), Amjad Ali Rana and Zeeshan Johar. Though at the time, police claimed the victims to be Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operatives, but subsequent multiple judicial inquiries by Indian authorities, in 2009 and 2011, concluded that the encounter was fake, and the victims were killed in police custody

Ishrat Jehan’s mother’s statement shared by PUCL on it’s Facebook Fans Page on June 18, 2013 reads as follows:

My daughter Ishrat Jehan was abducted, illegally confined and killed in cold blood by officers and men of the Gujarat police, in June 2004. She was killed as part of a larger conspiracy which had a political agenda. Ishrat’s murder was projected as an ‘encounter’ and justified by branding her a terrorist who had come with 3 other men to attack the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. This was not the first fake encounter in Gujarat, other Muslims too had been executed in similar staged encounters, committed in the name of protecting the Chief Minster of Gujarat. Some of these other fake encounters, which are nothing but pre meditated extra judicial killings, are already under investigation and prosecution.

My young college going daughter, Ishrat, was studying and working to earn and support her brothers and sisters, after the death of her father. Since the day of her murder, I have been stating hat my daughter was innocent and had no links whatsoever with any terrorist or criminal activity. The same was categorically asserted by me in the Writ Petition field by me in August 2004, before the Gujarat High Court, seeking a CBI enquiry to establish the innocence of my daughter and justice through punishment of her killers.

For 9 long years the Gujarat state, has abused its power, to obstruct, delay and derail the investigation, so that the hands and masterminds behind this heinous crime are shielded from legal accountability. The State of Gujarat and its senior IPS officers have filed frivolous and vexatious petitions in the Supreme Court, coerced witnesses, and deployed many other unlawful tactics. My lawyers have resolutely met each challenge and worked to uncover the truth.

The report of the judicial enquiry by the Magistrate Shri S.P. Tamang, in September 2009, concluded that my daughter was innocent and had been murdered by Gujarat police officers and men. The SIT appointed by the Gujarat High Court, under the Chairmanship of Shri R.R. Verma, too concluded in 2011, that the encounter was fake and not genuine and that Ishrat Jehan had been killed in prior custody. Under directions of the Gujarat High Court the investigation was transferred to the CBI and a FIR for murder and other grave crimes lodged in 2011.

The CBI is investigating the murder of my daughter and 3 others. This investigation is being monitored by the Gujarat High Court and a status report of the investigation is regularly filed before the High Court. I have always placed my faith in the Court and pray that the Hon’ble High Court will ensure that my struggle for justice is not in vain. The CBI investigation has already led to the arrest of many senior Gujarat police officers and men. The CBI investigation has revealed that complicit in the staged fake encounter of Ishrat and 3 others in 2004, were not only police officers of Gujarat, but others as well.

The evidence collected by the CBI, as expressed to the High Court on the last date of hearing i.e. 14th June 2013, points to a larger conspiracy. The conspiracy appears to include Mr. Rajendra Kumar a senior officer of the Intelligence Bureau. The CBI counsel stated before the High Court on 14th June, 2013, that their investigation shows that IB Officer Mr. Rajendra Kumar not only knew about the illegal detention of my daughter Ishrat but was directing the operations. I am astonished and distressed to hear that attempts are being made to protect Mr. Rajendra Kumar from arrest and custodial interrogation by the CBI.

I am also surprised that the media is projecting the CBI investigation as an attack on the institution of IB. To my mind, what is worrying, if not dangerous, for the security of India, is if high ranking officers in institutions such as the IB, abuse their position and fabricate information, to advance a communal and politically motivated agenda. It is in the interest of the country if such people are weeded out of the IB and the security of all the people of India protected.

Clearly, the investigation of the CBI is moving in the right direction and to thwart it a very crude and motivated move was orchestrated, by planting some audio-tapes with a private media channel viz. Headlines Today. There is not a whisper of allegation against my daughter Ishrat Jehan in these so-called IB audio recordings. Significantly the timing of the broadcast of these tapes, on 13th June 2013, by a compliant private TV channel, the night before the hearing by the High Court, not only makes them highly suspect, but in fact betrays that they are desperate to shield the guilty. I would like to state here that my lawyers will be sending a legal notice and will initiate appropriate legal action against Headlines Today TV channel for the false, scandalous and defamatory statements made against my deceased daughter Ishrat Jehan.

When the next day the Additional Advocate General of Gujarat, brandished these planted and concocted CDs before the High Court, on 14th June, 2013 and made specious arguments for them to be taken on record, the nefarious design and purpose was clear to all. The Gujarat High Court not only rejected this fallacious plea of the State of Gujarat, but also sternly reminded it of its constitutional duty to protect its citizens and admonished it for continually obstructing the investigation into the staged encounter.

I strongly reject and denounce each and every allegation and statement that refers to my deceased daughter Ishrat Jehan as being a terrorist or having any links with any terrorist activity or group. In the past too attempts have been made to taint the name of deceased Ishrat by planting false, concocted and baseless news reports. What is significant is that the judicial enquiry and impartial and professional investigation have always upheld the innocence of Ishrat.

The State of Gujarat has on each hearing before the High Court argued strenuously to disrupt and disturb the CBI team that is investigating the killing of Ishrat and others. As I observe the progress of this investigation, I ask the following questions. Why is the State of Gujarat so keen, almost desperate to remove Mr. Satish Verma, IPS, from this investigation? What does the State of Gujarat fear this diligent and honest investigation will reveal? Who are the persons the State of Gujarat is trying to protect?

I have a right to know the complete truth – who killed my daughter Ishrat Jehan, who masterminded her murder, who stood to gain from the cold blooded killing of a young Muslim girl. I have a right to complete justice, and for that it is necessary that the entire conspiracy is unearthed and all those responsible for eliminating my innocent daughter are indicted, charged prosecuted and punished.

World Sikh Organization of Canada works with fraser Health to prepare Sikh Faith resources

Hainder Singh — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:15:27 +0000

Surrey (June 17, 2013): In a press statement by the World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has announced, in partnership with the Fraser Health Authority, the launch of a compendium on the Sikh faith and best practices for Sikh patients. The announcement came during WSO’s annual inter-community dinner in Surrey. The FHA serves an area that is home to the largest population of Sikhs in Canada.

“The WSO worked with the FHA to provide information and feedback on the preparation of the compendium which provides information on topics such as Sikh articles of faith, dietary requirements and cultural sensitivities. WSO also worked with the FHA to prepare a seminar presentation on the Sikh faith. The seminars were delivered last summer by Fraser Health Diversity Services for managers at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre and Surrey Memorial Hospital”, the statement read further.

WSO’s British Columbia Vice President Gurdit Singh Rangi said, “because FHA serves a community with a very large Sikh population, it is essential for staff to be knowledgeable about the Sikh faith and best practices when interacting with Sikh patients. We believe Fraser Health Diversity Services is serving as a leader in designing these resources and making them available to staff and WSO is more than happy to assist by providing its expertise.”

WSO President Prem Singh Vinning added, “we are hopeful that we can use this experience to assist other hospitals and health care facilities across Canada to develop similar educational materials on the Sikh faith. When a family is at the hospital, it’s often a time of stress and it is important that patients receive the best care possible. Knowledge is the first step to doing that.”

The WSO would like to particularly acknowledge the efforts of Sana Fakih of FHA’s Diversity Services and her role in carefully assembling and designing the materials and also the role of Jas Cheema, Leader of Diversity Services, for her assistance throughout.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.

Calcutta opposes Sikh Genocide 1984 memorial; He was instrumental getting signs of June 1984 vanished from Darbar Sahib complex

Daljeet Singh — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:35:54 +0000

Amritsar/ Chandigarh (June 16, 2013): According to certain media reports a former secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Manjit Singh Calcutta has also raised objections against the construction of the Sikh Genocide 1984 memorial inside the historic Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib Complex in New Delhi.

Previously, former DSGMC President Paramjit Singh Sarna was opposing the memorial. Sarna has even moved a petition in Delhi High Court against the construction of memorial for victims of Sikh genocide 1984.

Manjeet Singh Calcutta

After Sarna, Calcutta has also contended that building a memorial inside a Gurdwara complex is against the Sikh traditions and ethics.

According to Hindustan Times (HT): “[i]n a communique addressed to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh on Saturday (June 15, 2013), Calcutta sought to support his contentions with numerous instances in the Sikh history, wherein memorials dedicated to Sikh martyrs were never built within the complexes of historic shrines”.

According to media reports Manjit Singh Calcutta has quoted some instances where no memorial was built by the Sikhs, and he maintained that there was no traditions in Sikhs to built memorials inside the Gurdwara complexes.

Calcutta reportedly said that: “[t]here are no memorials inside the Golden Temple complex to Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Baba Gurbaksh Singh, both of whom attained martyrdom while defending this shrine. The memorial, which is a gurdwara, in the memory of Baba Gurbaksh Singh, was constructed outside the premises of the Golden Temple complex. It was only after 1984 when the complex boundary behind the Akal Takht was expanded that the shrines of Baba Gurbaksh Singh became a part of the shrine complex”.

Calcutta’s contentions are unfounded and misleading, as there are many Gurdwaras itself in form of memorials, then how the question of having a tradition of not building memorials inside Gurdwara Sahib complex could arise?

Gurdwaras at Kahnuwan (near Gurdaspur) and Kup-Rohira (near Malerkotla) are build in the memory of two eighteenth century Ghallugharas holocausts of Sikhs.

Moreover, Baba Deep Singh Ji’s memorial is there in the Darbar Sahib Parikarma (complex). Recently, Gurdwara Yaadgaar Shaheedan is built as a memorial for martyrs of June 1984 inside Darbar Sahib complex.

It must be remembered that after the June 1984 attack of Indian army on Sri Darbar Sahib Complex, Manjeet Singh Calcutta was instrumental in having the signs of the attack vanished from the complex.

It is notable that after June 1984 the SGPC had adopted a resolution to preserve the signs of destruction done by Indian army during the armed attack; but Manjit Singh Calcutta, who was not a member of official of SGPC but was close of Sidharth Shankar Ray, arranged a meeting of SGPC members with Indian authorities where is was decided that all signs of June 1984 attack would be vanished. Therefore Calcutta’s opposition to Sikh genocide memorial is also being viewed as continuation of his anti-Sikh activities.

Canadian Sikh body welcomes the lifting of Quebec Soccer Turban Ban

Jagdeep Singh — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:45:00 +0000

Ottawa (June 15, 2013): It was announced today by the Quebec Soccer Federation (QSF) that it will immediately lift its ban on the wearing of turbans by Sikh players. The World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomes the long overdue move and hopes Sikh children who had previously been excluded will now be given the chance to rejoin their friends on the pitch.

Sikh children playing soccer

The QSF’s announcement follows yesterday’s statement from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA expressly authorizing the wearing of male head covers in all areas and on all levels of Canadian soccer.

WSO President Prem Singh Vinning said, “the lifting of the turban ban by the QSF was long overdue. Common sense would dictate that if the turban is worn on soccer pitches across Canada without incident and was worn even in Quebec for many years prior to 2012, it can and should be permitted. It’s unfortunate that it took this long and this much effort for the QSF to realize that Sikh children should be allowed to play.”

WSO had initially written to the QSF about its prohibition on religious headgear in June 2011, which was followed by several subsequent attempts. The WSO’s most recent letter requesting a dialogue with the QSF was sent on June 6, 2013. No reply has ever been received from the QSF.

WSO Vice President for Quebec Mukhbir Singh said, “while it’s certainly good news that the ban on the turban has been lifted by the QSF, we hope that those Sikh children who were not able to register for this season because of the ban will now be given an opportunity to do so. It would be incredibly unfortunate if despite the lifting of this ban, Sikh children in places like Lasalle will have to sit out another season because registration has now been closed.”

Quebec Soccer Federation officially lifts ban from Sikh turbans/ patkas/ keskis

Parmjit Singh — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:38:41 +0000

Quebec/ Canada (June 15, 2013): According to a CTV news: “[a]dopting an apologetic tone, the Quebec Soccer Federation has lifted its ban on players wearing turbans, patkas and keskis on the pitch”.

Dilpreet Singh plays in a pick-up soccer game in Montreal. The Quebec Soccer Federation has lifted its ban on the wearing of turbans in organized games.

QSF director general Brigitte Frot reportedly announced the reversal of the contentious ban during a news conference on the morning of June 15, 2013.

“Since the beginning we were waiting for official advice that FIFA authorized wearing turbans,” she reportedly said.

That clarification came Friday, when FIFA said it permits players in Canada to wear the Sikh headwear.

“It has been our intention from the onset to get a confirmation that the FIFA allowed wearing of turbans, patkas or keskis,” Frot reportedly said in a statement.

“We are very happy that the FIFA responded to our request and by the same token dispelled ambiguities created by a lack of clarification.”

In the statement, Frot said that the ban was made strictly from a technical standpoint, and “had absolutely nothing to do with religious matters or political issues.”

“We were unwillingly led to this path while we were only trying to get information on a regulation issue that falls under the body that governs our sport,” she said.

“We sometimes had difficulty communicating our intentions over the last few days. If we have offended or appalled some people, please know that it was not intentional nor voluntary and we are deeply sorry.”

Coach Ihab Leheta helps soccer player Shokhab Haydari with the FC Brossard U14AA team, put on a turban prior to soccer practice on Monday June 10, 2013 at Poly-Arena park in Brossard.

The Quebec federation had previously maintained that the ban was made out of safety concerns, as well as the fact that FIFA had not specifically endorsed the headwear.

Frot, who had initially said that Sikh players banned from the province’s soccer fields should “play in their backyards” instead, said Saturday that FIFA made the QSF policy decision an easy one.

“FIFA is like God, they decide the rules,” she said. “I’m happy to say to them that now they can play soccer in Quebec, there’s no problem.”

According to FIFA, wearing turbans is permitted so long as players meet the following conditions:

- Headwear is the same colour as the player’s jersey

- Cannot be attached to the player’s jersey

- Not pose any danger to the player or others players

- Maintain a professional appearance

It is notable that earlier in the week, the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) had suspended QSF over the turban ban.

In a bid to have the suspension lifted, Frot said the QSF has sent a letter to the national association letting them know that the turban ban is no longer in effect.

It may be recalled that the ban imposed on turban by QSF drew widespread criticism from a number of politicians and sporting associations.

US: Sikhs for Justice challenges dismissal of Human Rights violation case against Badal

Daljeet Singh — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:01:06 +0000

New York, United States (June 15, 2013): Rights group challenged the dismissal of human rights violation case against CM Badal and filed appeal with the US Circuit Court. The Sikh group has challenged the May 17 order of Federal Judge dismissing the case against CM Badal for failure to effectuate service and the order denying rights group’s motion to conduct jurisdictional discovery. Judge Adelman had dismissed the case holding that that CM Badal was never served with the court summons as claimed by the rights group ‘Sikh for Justice’ (SJF) and SAD (Amritsar).

Sikhs for Justice (SJF) challenges dismissal of Human Rights case against Parkash Singh Badal in US court of appeals

The appeal to the Circuit Court is based on Judge Adelman’s refusal to grant additional time to SFJ for discovery of evidence showing nexus between Badal and Kalra who claimed to have received summons instead of Badal and not allowing to depose Badal who is the main witness on the issue of service.

Urging the US Court of Appeals to hear the Sikh human rights violations case against CM Badal, the rights group will present the contemporary evidence showing witness tampering; obstruction of justice and harassment of US based victims of human rights violation by Badal administration. SFJ and SAD (Amirtsar) are represented by Ian Levin of “Pavich Law Group” a former US Federal Judge with experience in rights violation cases under Alien Tort Claims Act and Torture Victim Protection Act.

The appeal to the US Circuit Court argues that Judge Adelman should have strike down Kalra’s testimony, the interpreter who claimed to have been served instead of Badal and disqualified him as witness, because Kalra admitted during his deposition that he “remained in closed door meeting with Punjab Government Officials at Hotel Pfister in Milwaukee immediately prior to testifying in the court.” Kalra could not explain to the Court purpose of his three hour long meeting with Badal government agents Ananya Gautam DIG Counter Intelligence, Sanjeev K Rampal SSP and head of CM Badal’s security chief and Advocate General Sidhu.

According to attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal advisor to SFJ, the appeal to US Circuit court raises several crucial questions, like, why there was no video of Badal at the Boelter store; why armed State Department agents confronted Kratochvil, the process server at his home and would not produce — even for Judge Adelman’s eyes — a statement they say process server signed and why Badal’s attorneys never produced even an affidavit denying that he was not at Oak Creek High School and was not served.

Terming the appeal to be vital to the cause of Sikh human rights, attorney Pannun, stated that evidence showing the threat and filing of false cases against SAD (Amirtsar) activists by Badal administration will also be presented to the US Court of Appeals.

Rights group and SAD (Amritsar) will follow closely the foreign tours of CM Badal and Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, and vows to take appropriate legal action against them for their role in commanding and shielding the police force which is responsible for extra judicial killings and continuous human rights violations against the Sikh community in Punjab.

The rights group SFJ, victims Jeet Singh Auloarkh, Gurdeep Kaur, Jagtar Singh and SAD (Amritsar) a political party headed by Simranjit Singh Mann filed a human rights violations case against CM Badal on charges of commanding and shielding the police force which is responsible for extra judicial killings and continuous human rights violations against the Sikh community in Punjab.

Pakistan to declare Panja Sahib as ‘Holy City’

Parmjit Singh — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 10:16:32 +0000

Chandigarh, Punjab (June 15, 2013): It is learnt tht Arif Chaudhry, President of Pak-Indo Friendship Association reportedly hinted on June 14, 2013 that the Government of Pakistan may declare “Panja Sahib” as a holy city. Panja Sahib (Hassanabdal) is located near the frontier province of Pakistan. Panja Sahib is believed to house a rock with the hand prints of the founder of Sikh religion, Guru Nanak. It is considered to be a holy pilgrimage site for Sikhs all over the world and thousands of Sikh devotees pay visit to Sikh place every year.

Panja Sahib to be declared as holy city by Pakistan

It is learnt from media sources that decision of Pakistan Government was made known during Chaudhry’s meeting with the Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal in Chandrigarh.

As per media reprots during his visit, Chaudhry also extended an invitation to Parkash Singh Badal to attend a function arranged by the association marking the occasion in Pakistan, the timings of which would be confirmed in accordance with his availability. Badal reportedly accepted the invitation.

There are only several thousand Sikh who reside in Pakistan but the country has seperate marraige law for the Sikhs and a University is being set-up after the name of Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, at Nankana Sahib.

On the other hand, there is no seperate marraige or personal law for Sikhs in India and they are subjected to Hindu personal law. There had been a consistent demand to declare Sri Amritsar as a ‘holy city’ but despite all effort and sacrifices India did not acknowledge the holy city status of Sri Amritsar.