Sikh Siyasat News (in English) » Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema

S. Mann should contest SGPC from Channanwal only: Justice Bains

Baljeet Singh — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:58:02 +0000

Fatehgarh Sahib (August 10, 2011): As per media reports Punjab Human Rights Organization Chairman Justice (retd.) Ajit Singh Bains today appealed to Shiromani Akali Dal(Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann to contest SGPC election from Channanwal (Barnala) instead of Bassi Pattana constituency of district Fatehgarh Sahib.

Justice Bains was in Bassi Pathana today to express his solidarity with SAD (Panch Pardani) candidate Harpal Singh Cheema, who filed his nomination papers on the seat of Bassi Pattana today. Along with Cheema, Santokh Singh Salana filed his nomination papers for reserved seat of Bassi Pattana. Mann had already filed nomination papers from Bassi Pathana constituency.

Justice Ajit Singh Bains, Mata Gurnam Kaur and others accompanying Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, as he files nomination papers for SGPC elections on 10 August, 2011 | Photo: Sikh SiySasat Network

Bains accompanied by Gurtej Singh former IAS and Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh said in the interest of the Panth, both Mann and Cheema should not fought against each other. Making a fervent appeal to Mann, who has filed his papers on two seats, Bains said he should contest from Channanwala and withdraw from Bassi Pattana.

Commenting on Sant Samaj’s alliance with Akali Dal (Badal), Kanwar Pal Singh termed it unholy and unprincipled. “It’s clear oppurtunitism”, said he and added that Sant Samaj has never followed and implemented the Sikh religious code of conduct approved by Akal Takht and SGPC. He lambasted Badal Dal for paving the way for Sant Samaj to make inroads into the mainstream of Sikhism.

On the new appointment of Dr Gurnek Singh as Acting VC of Guru Granth Sahib World University, they expressed satisfaction and said He was hundred percent better choice than disgraced Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia.

Sikh bodies constitute 1984 memorial panel

Gurtej Singh — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:18:00 +0000

Jalandhar (July 08, 2011): Though once again welcoming the formation of the five-member panel by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parabandhak Committee (SGPC) to decide about space and shape of the June 1984 Memorial, the Panthic organisations on Friday claimed that the SGPC has done little in this regard — The panel was constituted on June 8 and was scheduled to submit its report on August 8 but is yet to hold a meeting.

As per media reports, now, the panthic organisations have called upon Sikhs to come together after August 8 to raise the memorial. It has also formed a four-member Saka Darbar Sahib Memorial Committee, which will prepare a comprehensive memorial monument proposal to assist the SGPC panel. The panel will submit an interim report on August 2 to the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib.

The decision was announced in a press conference called by the four panthic organisation — Dal Khalsa, Khalsa Action Committee led by Bhai Mohkam Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardani) led by Harpal Singh Cheema and Panthic Sewa Lehar headed by Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal.

“The SGPC do not seem serious about the issue. It has been delayed for long,” claimed Panthic leaders.

“To inform and assist the SGPC regarding the scope and possibilities of the memorial, the panel has been formed. Former IAS Gurtej Singh, contemporary author and analyst Ajmer Singh, former bureaucrat A R Darshi, human rights activist Professor Jagmohan Singh are the panel members,” said Kanwarpal Singh of Dal Khalsa and Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema of Panch Pardhani, adding that the panel will seek advice from the masses.

Criminally charge Hanspal, cancel bail of Sajjan Kumar: Sikh Bodies

Daljeet Singh — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:07:43 +0000

Fatehgarh Sahib (April 16, 2011): Sikh bodies have demanded immediate removal of senior Congress leader H. S. Hanspal from the membership of India’s National Commission for Minorities; as he is accused by a witness for attempting to lure her to turn hostile in a criminal case against another senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar. Sajjan Kumar is facing various criminal charges, including murder, in a case related to 1984 Sikh Carnage in Delhi.

Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Secretary General of Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani), while demanding immediate dismissal of Hanspal, as member of NCM, said “Hanspal should be criminal charged with ‘offences against Public justice’ under Indian Penal Code”.

“Taking into account the sensitivity of the matter, the sting operation’s transcript should be treated as a prima facie evidence for registration of case against Hanspal and investigations be carried without any undue delay” he added.

On the other hand, Parmjeet Singh Gazi, President of Sikh Students Federation, has claimed that it is doubtful that a fair trial could be held in any court unless Sajjan Kumar’s bail is cancelled and he is arrested. “Sajjan Kumar was able to evade investigation and judicial proceedings for more than two decades due to his high political ranking. How a fair trial could be expected when he is free on bail and could easily threaten witnesses or otherwise interfere with court proceedings” he asked. He said that judiciary should show some sensitivity in this matter and suo moto action should be taken to cancel bail of Sajjan Kumar.

Sikhs across the globe condemn Badal Govt’s action of desecrating Dastar (Sikh Turban)

Prabh Singh — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:27:36 +0000

SJF to campaign to declare Punjab Police as ‘Terrorist Organization”
You Tube video sparked wave of criticism of Punjab Government across the Globe
Increasing incident of Human Rights abuse – a major cause of concern: Sikh Federation Australia
AISSF demands resignation of Punjab CM
Culprits should be brought charged as per law: SFHR

Ludhiana, PUNJAB (March 30, 2011): In a disturbing incident in Mohali, a young Sikh man’s turban was forcibly removed in broad day light by a police officer on the orders of another senior officer of Punjab Police. The incident proves that SAD (Badal) have not only failed to protect the dignity of Sikh articles of faith but they are also engaged in intentional desecration of Sikh turban.

The incident took place on March 28, 2011 when pharmacists from Punjab exercising their fundamental right gathered in Mohali for a peaceful sit-in to high light their demands. Punjab police on the orders of Badal Government first cane charged the gathering in which women were beaten mercilessly by Punjab Police. Not satisfied after beating the women, senior officers of Punjab Police then ordered the police to forcibly remove turbans of Sikhs who were present in the gathering. A footage with audio and video clearly showing a Sikh police officer order another police officer to forcibly remove a Sikh’s turban has emerged.

According to human rights lawyer and legal advisor to SJF Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, forcibly removing the turban of a Sikh is the worst form of religious persecution and violation of Sikh human rights, especially when it takes place in Punjab, the homeland of Sikhs under the government headed by a Sikh.

Concerned with the growing slogans of revenge for Mohali incident vocalized on the web, SFJ coordination committee appealed to the Sikh community not to take law into their hands and instead support SFJ and AISSF in perusing legal course of action over the Mohali incident.

SFJ will approach the governments of United States, Canada and European Union to declare Punjab Police as a “terrorist organization” for the recent incidents of torture in custody, extra judicial killings and blatant desecration of Sikh articles of faith in Mohali, all of which establish a practice and policy of Punjab Police of violating Sikh human rights.

Many other Sikh organizations including the Khalsa Action Committee, SAD (Panch Pardhani), Dal Khalsa, Sikh Students Federation, Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satikar Sabha, All India Sikh Students Federation (Peer Mohammad) Sikh Federation Australia and Sikhs for Human Rights have also strongly condemned the incident and severely criticized the Punjab Police and Punjab Government.

Talking to SikhSiyasat Network, SAD (Panch Pardhani) leaders Bhai Harpal Singh cheema, Daya Singh Kakkar and Baldev Singh Sirsa blamed the Badal Government for protecting culprits police officers who insult and torture Sikhs.

“Sikhs should understand that Badal Dal’s policy of granting immunity and free hand to the culprit police officers is no less harmful than the policy of Congress, often termed as anti-Sikh party by SAD (Badal) leaders, which protects the genocidaries who were involved in killing Sikhs in 1984.” said Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema.

“This video shows the criminal intentions of the police as the turban was deliberately remove just to insult the Sikhs and hurt their feelings. said Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur of Sikhs for Human Rights. “Persons responsible should be proceeded against as per law for blasphemy and use of criminal force” he added.

According to Karnail Singh Peermohammad, President AISSF, Mohali incident proves that SAD (Badal) have not only failed to protect the dignity of Sikh articles of faith but they are also engaged in intentional desecration of Sikh turban.

“Sikhs are forced to remove their turban in police custody throughout India, including Punjab. There is not law validating such actions and this extra-legal practise encourages notorious elements to repeat Mohali like incidents” said SSF president Parmjeet Singh Gazi.

Harkirat Singh and Jaspreet Singh of Sikh Federation Australia condemned the incident and raised their concern regarding increasing incidents of torture, custodial killings and other forms of Human rights abuse in Punjab. They also criticized the Indian media for shielding the truth by not reporting these incidents.

He further informed that despite direction of Punjab and Haryana High Court the Sikhs detainees are not provided with half meter long cloth to cover their head while in police custody. He appealed to the Human Rights organizations to voice against this extra-legal practise of compelling Sikhs to remove their turban in police custody.

A special talk show was aired by Punjabi Radio USA to discuss the gruesome Mohali incident. Former SGPC member Tirlochan Singh Dupalpur and SSF President Parmjeet Singh Gazi discussed various aspects of this incident and called upon the Sikhs living across the globe to protest against these misdeeds of Punjab police. Various callers also expressed their concern regarding deteriorated situations of civil liberties in India and Punjab.

Sikh leader Bhai Daljeet Singh gets bail in Ludhiana case

Daljeet Singh — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:26:02 +0000

Chandigarh (February 7, 2011): The Punjab and Haryana High Court today granted bail to Bhai Daljeet Singh, Chairman of SAD (Panch Pardhani). The decision has come from Justice Ajay Tiwarei’s bench, as the court considered that the prosecution was unduly harassing the appellants. Besides Bhai Daljeet Singh, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, Bhai Palwinder Singh Shutrana and Gurdeep Singh Raju were also granted bails today, in the same case by Justice Ajay Tiwari.

It is notable that this case was registered by Punjab police against above mentioned leaders and workers of SAD (Panch Pardhani) in August 2009. The police had alleged that Panch Pardhani, led by Bhai Daljeet Singh Bittu, was indulged in “unlawful activities” and was working to revive militancy in Punjab.

“Bhai Daljeet Singh was the first person, in Punjab, to be falsely charged under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967; as amended on December 31, 2008” informed Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, Secretary General of Panch Pardhani. He informed that Punjab Government, through prosecution, was indulged in delay tactics while dealing with bail application in this case just to keep Bhai Daljeet Singh behind the bars.

“Ironically the prosecution was opposing the bail application by alleging that Bhai Daljeet Singh was a “dangerous person”, but had nothing to prove this allegation.” Cheema added.

Bail was applied in this case in March 2010 and was pending before Justice R. C. Gupta till December 2010, when the benches were scheduled to be reconstituted. In January 2011 the application was scheduled to be heard by Justice Rajan Gupta, who eventually refused to listen it. Then the file came before Justice Ajay Tiwari for hearing on 2 February, 2011; who heard the case on daily basis.

Justice Ajay Tiwari is said to have passed strong comments disapproving prosecution’s efforts to cause undue delay in deciding the bail application.

“The charges framed by the prosecution warrants maximum 5 years term. Applicants have already spent eighteen months behind the bars. None of the 53 prosecution witnesses have deposed before the trial court till date. In this situation, what is the justification with the prosecution to oppose the bail?” Justice Ajay Tiwari, is said to have asked the prosecution.

“There was no reasonable answer with the prosecution in response to prime question raised by the court” informed Harpal Singh Cheema, who was present in the court at the time of hearing.

It is expected that Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, Bhai Palwinder Singh and Gurdeep Singh Raju shall be released from Nabha jail in coming days in accordance with today’s HC orders. Bhai Daljeet Singh Bittu is also framed in two other cases, at Mansa and Ropar, by the police therefore he could not be released in coming days until the bail is also secured in those cases also.

SSF President Parmjeet Singh Gazi and vice-President Makhan Singh, Dal Khalsa leaders Harcharan Jeet Singh Dhammi and Kanwarpal Singh Bittu; and various leaders of Panch Pardhani, including Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, Bhai Daya Singh Kakkar, Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind, Baldev Singh Sirsa, Surinder Singh Kishanpura

Bhai Harpal Singh is also named in Lilli’s murder case

Baljeet Singh — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:31:08 +0000

Mansa (January 21, 2011): Addressing a press conference over here, Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, Secretary General of SAD (Panch Pardhani) revealed that even his name was also mentioned in charge-sheet filed by police in Lilli Kumar’s murder case. He said that holding him accused in this case, the police claimed that it was yet to collect evidences against him.

“All this is being done to target the leadership of Panch Pardhani in wake of upcoming SGPC election” he claimed.

The facts of the case are that the deceased Lilli Kumar (Resident of Mandran Village, Mansa) was a follower of Dera Sacha Suada (Sirsa), and was a Patwari, (Revenue Officer). As per FIR filed on the basis of complaint filed by Bali Singh, brother of Lilli Kumar and eyewitness to the murder of the deceased, on 28 July, 2008; Dr. Chhinda, Daljeet Taini and Mithu Singh (all of Mandran Village), along with one unidentified person, killed his brother in front of his eyes while he and the deceased were returning from the Mansa court. As per FIR there was enmity between the named accused persons and the deceased and the deceased had filed a complaint under section 307 IPC (attempt to murder). It is interesting to note that the police after making arrest of all the three named persons, got them discharged from the court, and made additions to the FIR on the basis of its’ “investigations”. It arrested some workers of SAD (Panch Pardhani) and on their alleged disclosure statements, made in police custody, arrested Prof. Gurbir Singh (Gen. Sec. of Panch Pardhani); and upon his alleged disclosure statement made in police custody arrested Bhai Daljeet Singh Bittu, Chairman of SAD (Panch Pardhani). It first registered the case under 302 IPC and 24/54/59 of Arms Act but latter added 120-B IPC (Criminal Conspiracy) to link Professor Gurbir Singh and Bhai Daljeet Singh to this case. Later another addition was made, and various sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 were inserted, as the police claimed that Daljeet Singh Bittu and others had hatched a conspiracy to kill Lilli Kumar, and by doing so they wanted to threaten the security and integrity of the country.

When case went for trial Bali Singh stood by his first statement, on the basis of which FIR was registered, and deposed in the court that police was pressurising him to falsely depose against Bhai Daljeet Singh Bittu and others.

Conviction of Dr. Binayak Sen, a black spot on the face of Indian judicial system: Sikh bodies

Gurtej Singh — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:20:21 +0000

Fatehgarh Sahib (December 27, 2010): Various Sikh bodies have condemned the conviction of Dr. Binayak Sen by Raipur Court. In a conference organized at Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab) on December 27, Sikh bodies including Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani), Dal Khalsa, Sikh Students Federation, SAD (International), AISSF; Human Rights bodies like Lawyers of Human Rights International and Sikhs for Human Rights adopted a resolution, approved by the gathering, in this regards.
In this resolution the conviction of Dr. Binayek Sen is termed as clear instance of misuse of process of law and so-called Law of Sedition. The annual conference was held by SAD (Panch Pardhani), led by Daljeet Singh Bittu who is currently confined in Amritsar Jail for political reasons, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of younger sons and mother of Tenth Sikh Guru; Guru Gobind Singh.
“Registering a case of sedition against renowned writer Arudhari Roy for expressing herself; convicting Dr. Binayak Sen, a human rights activist who was also engaged in extending medical services to the tribal people, for sedition and sentencing him for life, and charges framed Daljeet Singh Bittu, Chairman of SAD (Panch Pardhani) are clear instances that process law is being misused to suppress free voices, human rights and dissenting political ideologies. While condemning such a practice, as is adopted by India state, the gathering calls upon all those who have faith in respect for Human rights to oppose these undemocratic and dictatorial activities” reads the resolution.
While talking to media SAD (Panch Pardhani) leader Harpal Singh Cheema said that their party strongly opposes the conviction of Dr. Binayak Sen, as the decision of the court does not carry any logic and has resulted in grave injustice.

Student leader and President of Sikh Students Federation, Parmjeet Singh Gazi, termed the decision as a dark spot over the face of Indian judicial system.

Dal Khalsa leaders, Harcharnjeet Singh Dhammi and Kanwarpal Singh, also slammed the state system for stifling free voices. “It shows that how far judiciary is functioning independently in ‘largest democracy on earth’?” they asserted.

Scrap Section 5 of PTAA; Challenge authenticity of Secs 78, 79, 80 of Reorganization Act: Panch Pardhani

Tejashdeep Singh — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:27:27 +0000

Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani) has called upon Punjab Government to hold special session of Punjab State Assembly to scrap controversial ‘Section 5’ of Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004. In a statement issued under the signatures of Panch Pardhani Secretary General, Harpal Singh Cheema, it is claimed that Section 5 adversely affects the interests and ‘riparian rights’ of the State, as it legalizes the alleged illegal allocation of river waters of Satluj-Beas-Ravi, to the States of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi. It is notable that trio-rivers do not enter Rajasthan, Haryana or Delhi, and these states are considered to be non-riparian states. “Ruling parties, current or former, of Punjab; including Congress, SAD (Badal) and BJP, committed a grave err by passing Section 5 of PTAA (2004); and now they should set it right without undue delay” says the statement.

“As per entry 17 to Second list of Seventh Schedule of Indian Constitution, river water is a States’ subject and Union parliament cannot legislate on it.” informed HS Cheema, himself an Advocate. He further added that Sections 78, 79 and 80 of Punjab Re-organization Act, 1966 are ultra-vires, and thus unconstitutional; as these sections violate the policy of Center-State relations, embodied under three lists of the Constitution, by authorizing Center to control river waters of Punjab. Panch Pardhani has insisted that Punjab Government should challenge the ‘vires’(authenticity) of Section 78, 79 and 80 of PROA (1966) in order to safeguards the interests of the State and its’ people.

Panch Pardhani further called upon the Punjab Government to hold a meeting of all political parties, Farmers’ Associations and other concerned organizations and individuals; to chalk out common and open strategy to pursue the legal battle, which is set begin in the Supreme Court of India from first week of next month. “A committee consisting representatives of all concerned parties should be formed to look upon the Court proceedings” demanded HS Cheema.

Fatehgarh Sahib (June 24, 2010): Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani) has called upon Punjab Government to hold special session of Punjab State Assembly to scrap controversial ‘Section 5’ of Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004. In a statement issued under the signatures of Panch Pardhani Secretary General, Harpal Singh Cheema, it is claimed that Section 5 adversely affects the interests and ‘riparian rights’ of the State, as it legalizes the alleged illegal allocation of river waters of Satluj-Beas-Ravi, to the States of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi. It is notable that trio-rivers do not enter Rajasthan, Haryana or Delhi, and these states are considered to be non-riparian states. “Ruling parties, current or former, of Punjab; including Congress, SAD (Badal) and BJP, committed a grave err by passing Section 5 of PTAA (2004); and now they should set it right without undue delay” says the statement.

Pro-Khalistan slogans raised on 6 June

Tejashdeep Singh — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:02:29 +0000

Amritsar (June 6, 2010): Slogans of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ filled the skies at the Amritsar on Sunday, as Sikhs in large numbers had assembled to observe 26th anniversary of the beginning of third holocaust of Sikh history. Armed attack by Indian forces on Sri Darbar Sahib (Commonly known as Golden Temple) in June 1984 is considered to be the beginning of third holocaust by Sikhs. Code named as “Operation Bluestar”, this armed action was on June 3, 1984, by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi of India. Thousands of Sikh devotees were killed by Indian armed forces that used heavy arms, tanks, bulletproof vehicles, helicopters and navy divers in their 72 hours long struggle to overpower just about 125-150 Sikh warriors.

On Sunday, the Dal Khalsa activists and kins of those martyred during this attack, staged a protest against the failure of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) to raise a memorial of the Sikh martyrs.

S. Simranjeet Singh Mann Addressing the Gathering in front of Sri Akal Takht Sahib

Senior Akali leader Simranjit Singh Mann led a number of supporters at the Akal Takht to raise pro-Khalistan slogans as soon as Akal Takht head priest Gurbachan Singh completed his address to the gathering.

“A separate Sikh state was the cherished goal of all those who laid down their lives during armed attack of June 1984and we all would strive to achieve that goal,” Mann said.

In his address, the Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht, strongly criticised the army and the then prime minister Indira Gandhi for executing the Bluestar.

Dal Khalsa Leader Satnam Singh Paunta Sahib breaking his fast near Sri Akal Takht

Dal Khalsa secretary general Kanwarpal Singh said a 72-hour fast was observed by party president Satnam Singh after a memorandum was given to the SGPC for construction of a memorial for the martyrs. He said the silence of Akali leadership about memorial to 1984 martyrs even after 26 years of the deadly attack was disgusting and disappointing. He said, meeting of all panthic bodies would be convened shortly to decide the further course of action.

Sikh activists of various Panthic bodies holding portraits of Sikh Martyrs in front of Sri Akal Takht

On the occasion SAD (Panch Pardhani) activists led by Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema and Kulbir Singh Barapind, gathered in large numbers before Sri Akal Takht. They were holding patriots of Sikh Martyrs including Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh, Baba Thahra Singh, General Subheg Singh. Bhai Harpal Singh, Narain Singh and Bhai Mohkam Singh also addressed the gathering in front of Sri Akal Takht.

Khalsa Raj (Khalistan) March held to mark tri-century

Gurtej Singh — Thu, 13 May 2010 01:54:11 +0000

Sikh Leaders saluting Khalistan Flag at Fatehgarh Sahib

Fatehgarh Sahib: (May 12, 2010): On May 12, Khalistanis made their presence felt, albeit briefly, on the streets of Punjab during a parade to observe the tercentenary of Sikh rule established by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in 1710.

Pro-Khalistan flags, posters, banners were raised and photos of Sikh “martyrs” displayed at a parade (nagar kirtan).

Pro-Khalistan slogans were also raised at the Khalsa Raj Parade organized by the Dal Khalsa to mark the tercentenary of first Sikh rule established by Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Hardliners and family members of slain militants in large numbers participated in the parade, which started from Chaparchiri and concluded at Sirhind in the evening.

Floats carrying Khalistani banners and photos of Sikh Martyrs was source of attraction.

A float carrying Khalistani banners and photos of ‘martyrs’ including Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, Sukhdev Singh Babbar, Talwinder Singh Parmar, Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, Gurbachan Singh Manochal (all heads of Sikh militant groups), Dilawar Singh, Jagtar Singh Hawara was source of attraction.

A large size poster of Dal Khalsa’s mentor Gajinder Singh, whose names figures in 20 most wanted persons, was distributed amongst masses all the way. The message on the float having pictures of Sikh Martyrs was Sikh Martyrs last will: Khalistan. Most of the young participants were wearing Bhindrawale’s T-shirts.

Khalsa Raj March organized by Dal Khalsa

The Parade was organized by Dal Khalsa which has a support of SAD (Panch Pardani), Khalsa Action Committee, Sikh students Federation and UK based Council of Khalistan.

On reaching at Fatehgarh Sahib, the organizers unfurled, saluted and paid respect to Sikh Flag, which they claimed symbolizes the Sikh sovereignty.

Striking a discordant note, the organizers honoured Dilawar Singh, the assassin of former chief minister Beant Singh with ‘Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Bravery Award. They claimed that Dilawar Singh, like Baba Banda Singh ended the tyrannical rule of present times.

In his address, S Harcharnjit Singh Dhami, the president of the Dal Khalsa said Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was a true Sikh warrior who fought against injustice and slavery.

“This is a historic moment. We have gathered here today to reaffirm that Sikhs as a Nation has been struggling for its freedom against all odds, refusing to submit to those who aim to eliminate their identity and crush their rightful aspirations”.

By unfurling and saluting Sikh Flag, we are keeping alive the memory and dedication of all those martyrs who laid down their lives to establish the sovereign self rule for Sikhs in the recent times”, he pointed out in a emotional tone and tenor.

Spelling out his party’s agenda, he said we were fully convinced that the future of our people lies in seeking and obtaining the right to self-determination.

Bhai Mohkam Singh while addressing the spirited gathering of Dal Khalsa activists lambasted the present leadership for not adhering to Sikh principles and traditions.

Harpal Singh Cheema, leader of SAD (Panch Pardani) took Akalis to task for creating hurdles in establishing the Khalsa rule. The gathering called upon the Sikh masses to recognize and reject that leadership who for their personal benefits are damaging the collective cause of the Sikh nation.

Kanwar Pal Singh while addressing the gathering expressed concern and displeasure on the unsavory situation arisen after Prime Minister raised the issue of rising activities of Sikhs in Canada with his counterpart Stephen Harper in Washington in April. Since then the Canadian Sikhs are passing through a phase of turmoil, uncertainty and suspicion, he said.

He said that Dr Manmohan Singh’s unnecessary intervention in the internal affairs of Canada and his portraying the Sikhs over there in poor light was condemnable.

The organizers called upon the energetic Sikh individuals and groups especially Council of Khalistan (UK), Khalistan Affairs Centre (USA), World Sikh Organization (Canada) and other world bodies to lobby for the associate membership for Sikh Nation in the UN.