Sikh Siyasat News (in English) » Sikhs for Justice

US rights body lodged a complaint with Federal Communications Commission against Jay Leno

Webmaster — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:05:35 +0000

New York, USA (January 24, 2012): A US based Sikh rights group “Sikhs for Justice” (SFJ) has lodged a complaint with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the US Government against the objectionable depiction of Golden Temple by NBC Talk Show Host Jay Leno on January 19, 2012. FCC regulates the broadcast of television programs, analyzes the complaints and conducts investigations.

The SFJ complaint filed with Joel Gurin, Bureau Chief, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at FCC states that “Jay Leno’s depiction of Golden Temple as the home of the rich is racist, derogatory, defamatory, contrary to the reality, inimical to the principles of Sikhism, and thus hurtful to the sentiments of the Sikh community”. The complaint demands imposition of sanctions against Jay Leno for spreading racism and against NBC for airing contents ridiculing a place of worship.

According to attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Legal Advisor to SFJ, “while we value and honor Freedom of Speech protected by the First Amendment but First Amendment is not a tool to ridicule a religion or to spread untrue, biased and racist information.” This is not the first time that Jay Leno has shown disrespect and bias towards Sikhs and their faith, earlier, in 2007 Jay Leno, had called Sikhs as ‘diaper heads’ referring to the turban worn by Sikhs in compliance of their religious edict.

Jay Leno’s wrongful depiction of Golden Temple is more hurtful to the sentiments of the Sikh community because any disrespectful or derogatory remark about Golden Temple brings back the tormenting memories of June 1984 Operation Blue Star in the minds of the Sikhs in which thousands Sikh pilgrims were killed, stated attorney Pannun.

While welcoming the gesture of respect shown by Vayalar Ravi, India’s Overseas Affairs Minister who took up the issue with US Government, attorney Pannun reminded the Minister Ravi that those who planned and executed attack on Golden Temple (Operation Blue Star) in June 1984 have not been prosecuted. “He should also take up the issue of Operation Blue Star with Government of India”, added attorney Pannun.

SFJ announced holding of a protest rally on February 02, 2012 in front of NBC Headquarters in New York City demanding the NBC to sack Jay Leno for his remarks about Golden Temple.

Eyewitness claims to saw Amitabh Bachchan instigating mobs to kill Sikhs

Webmaster — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:12:08 +0000

New York, United States (December 14, 2011): An eyewitness has come forward with startling account of how he was present in front of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on October 31, 1984 when Bachchan shouted pointing towards a Sikh in the crowd “Maro saalon ko, desh ke ghaddaron ko”.

Witness Manjit Singh Saini, 52, originally from Kalu Sarai, Delhi presently residing in California, USA has decided to break his silence after Amitabh Bachchan approached Sri Akal Takhat Sahib pleading innocence. According to Saini, this however is not the first time that he is giving statement regarding Bachchan’s role in instigating killing of Sikhs. Earlier in 1985 he had submitted a written statement to the staff of the then Senior Officer of Delhi Police Ved Marwah, who was then investigating the November 1984 killing of Sikhs. Blaming Marwah for inaction, Saini stated that despite his written statement regarding Bachchan’s inciting violence against Sikh, no action of was taken against Bachchan by Delhi Police. Recounting the ordeal that he faced after submitting his 1985 statement to Delhi Police, Saini stated that he was forced to move from place to place while his house in Kalu Sarai continues to be under illegal occupation since November 1984.

According to Saini, on October 31, 1984 he saw Amitabh Bachchan walking out of AIIMS and screaming on top of his voice “Sikho ne Indira Ji ko mar dala” and then pointing to a turbaned Sikh man in the crowd, Bachchan roared “Maro saalon ko, desh ke ghaddaron ko”. Bachchan raised his arm and continued shouting “khoon ke cheentay Sikhon ke ghar tak puhnchanay chahiyay” and “khoon ka badla khoon”. The crowd, which was calm prior to Bachchan’s slogans became violent and attacked a Sikh in the gathering and how I narrowly escaped, stated Saini. According to Saini, “the whole incident of how Bachchan incited people against Sikhs in front of AIIMS reeled before my eyes as soon as I learnt that Bachchan is denying having incited violence against Sikhs”. In fact Bachchan used his super star status to ignite violence against Sikhs across India, added Saini.

Saini has given his sworn statement to Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) which is seeking criminal prosecution against Bachchan in Australia under “The Criminal Code Act 1995” which gives Australian courts jurisdiction in cases involving crimes against humanity even when such crime is committed outside Australia. According to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, international human rights lawyer SFJ will submit Saini’s eyewitness account regarding Bachchan’s open call of violence against Sikhs to Australian Federal Police (AFP) to investigate Bachchan’s role in November 1984.

Copies of Red card (Translated to English), Evidence of Property in Delhi and affidavit of Manjeet Singh Saini are available with Sikh Siyasat Network.

Amitabh Bachchan writes to Sri Akal Takhat; After 27 years denies charges of instigating violence against Sikhs

Daljeet Singh — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:39:26 +0000

Amritsar (December 01, 2011): Indian Film Industry’s star Amitabh Bachchan is accused for instigating violence against the Sikhs by raising anti-Sikh slogans on Government Television (Door Darshan) in November 1984 after the assassination of Indian Prime Minister 1984, while he was attending Indira’s funeral. Such accusations were levelled against him since last 27 years, but now he is facing a criminal complaint in Australia under Universal Jurisdiction laws.

Now, Amitabh Bachchan has written a letter to the highest Sikh body, claiming that he had not said anything against the Sikhs during the 1984 violence. This letter has come after he was barred by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Highest Temporal seat of Sikhs, from attending the inauguration of Khalsa Heritage Project, due to strong opposition from many Sikh circles. He was invited to attend the function by Punjab Government.

Amitabh Bachchan (69), who was very close to Gandhi family, in his letter, claimed that he never uttered any wrong words against the Sikhs during the 1984 violence and was not involved in any anti-Sikh activity. The actor has taken a plea that his mother Teji Bachchan was from a Sikh family and so he and his family were fully aware of the Sikh tenets and customs.

“Confirming the receipt of the letter, Akal Takht Jathedar Gyani Gurbachan Singh said that it will be discussed during next meet of five Sikh head priests and the next course of action will be decided later”, reports DNA India.

“Takht had issued directions to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar that Bachchan shouldn’t be the part of the inaugural function”, DNA report adds.

Earlier, many Sikh organisations including Sikhs for Justice, Dal Khalsa, AISSF and Sikh Students Federation had also taken a tough stand against the Punjab government for inviting film-stars for the inauguration of the complex.

Sikhs were massacred in 1984 even in Indian President Pratibha Patil’s consistency

Baljeet Singh — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:05:58 +0000

New York (November 27, 2011): While India’s President Pratibha Devisingh Patil is scheduled to present “The Standards” to 6 Lancer, a regiment of Armoured Corp which took part in Operation Blue Star, infamous and notorious Army attack on Darbar Sahib Amritsar in June 1984, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) a Human Rights NGO, working to unravel the true facts about November 1984 Sikh Genocide, has raised questions and concerns regarding President Patil’s role in November 1984 massacre of Sikhs.

Several hundred Sikhs were killed in Jalgaon District of Maharashtra in November 1984 while Pratibha Patil was Congress (I) MLA and Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra Government, SJF claims in a statement, copy of which is available with Sikh Siyasat Network.

As per Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Legal Advisor, SFJ, in the State of Maharashtra it was only Jalgaon and surrounding areas where several hundred Sikhs were killed in November 1984 while Pratibha Patil was Congress (I) MLA, as per more than 70 affidavits submitted by surviving family members of the victims to Justice Nanavati Commission. In addition to President Patil’s mentor-protégé relationship with late Ms. Indira Gandhi, stated attorney Pannun, the fact that in November 1984 President Patil was Congress (I) MLA from Jalgaon area and a Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra, raises serious questions and concerns about her possible involvement in the killing of Sikhs in her constituency while Sikhs were not killed in the rest of Maharashtra in November 1984.

“As per the findings of Justice Nanavati Commission, it is a matter of record that it was Congress leadership which organized massacre of Sikhs in November 1984. It is evident from the cases of HKL Bhagat, Dharamdas Shastri, Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar and Kamal Nath that Congress MPs and MLAs were actively involved in organizing attack on Sikhs in their respective constituencies during November 1984 , Gurpatwant Singh Pannu informed Sikh Siyasat Network.

“President Patil who heads the largest democracy of the World must come clean with details regarding killing of Sikhs in her area of influence during November 1984″, he added.

To trace the possible involvement of President Patil and her party associates in the killing of Sikhs in Maharashtra during November 1984, he announced to file a petition under Right to Information (RTI) Act to obtain the exact number of Sikhs killed in Jalgaon area, FIRs lodged with names of the accused during November 1984.

Sikh bodies seek inauguration of Akal Takhat Jathedar over Amitabh Bhachchan’s presence on inauguration of Khalsa heritage complex

Webmaster — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:37:32 +0000

Amritsar, Punjab (November 24, 2011): Sikh bodies like All India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF), Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and victims of November 1984 approached Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib seeking his immediate intervention to stop SAD (Badal) led Government of Punjab from inviting Amitabh Bachchan to the religious ceremony of inauguration of Khalsa Heritage Comlex.

Inauguration of Virasat-e-Khalsa which is the symbol of Sikh religious history is considered as the prerogative of the head of Supreme Seat of Sikhism, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.

Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani) led by Bhai Daljeet Singh Bittu, has also objected to inauguration of the complex by Parkash Singh Badal, leader of SAD (Badal) as this is considered to be prerogative of Panj Singh Sahibs.

In a statement sent to Sikh Siyasat Network Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, Secretary General of Panch Pardhani said that Badal was working to create confusion among Sikhs at the behest of RSS.

As per information available with Sikh Siyasat Network, AISSF has presented before Giani Gurbachan Singh, Bibi Jagdish Kaur a victim of November 1984 who has seen Amitabh Bachchan on Doordarshan raising the slogan “Khoon ka badla khoon” in November 1984, demanding that a person who instigated Genocide of Sikhs resulting in the killing of thousands of Sikhs should not be invited to the religious function of Sikhism.

According to Karnail Singh Peermohammad, President AISSF, since Khalsa Heritage Project embodies the religious history of Sikhs and the struggle of Sikh nation against injustices, it must be inaugurated by and under the patronage of Giani Gurbachan Singh Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. Since Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has already issued a directive declaring the November 1984 killing of Sikhs as Genocide, Amitabh Bachchan who participated in that Genocide by instigating the killing of Sikhs should not be made a part of Virasat-e-Khalsa inauguration ceremony. Additionally, Sri Akal Takhat Sahib should issue a directive to Sikh community that no film star should be invited as “special guest” to religious functions of Sikhism, added Peermohammad.

While Amitabh Bachchan has not so far been charged by Indian Authorities for his role in the killing of Sikhs during November 1984, SFJ, human rights NGO has filed a criminal complaint with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Australia against Amitabh Bachchan. The complaint filed by SFJ is now under the investigation of “Australian Federal Police”, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, legal advisor of SJF informed Sikh Siyasat Network.

Court Verdict: Sikh victims of November 1984 can not be treated like Kashmiri Pandits

Webmaster — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:18:12 +0000

Note: Text of following judgement of Punjab and Haryana High Court is made available to Sikh Siyasat Network by Advocate Navkiran Singh.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH.

CWP No. 19132 of 2011

Date of decision 13.10.2011

Sikhs for Justice . . . Petitioner
Versus
Union Territory, Chandigarh … Respondent

CORAM: HON’BLE THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJIV NARAIN RAINA

Present: Mr. Navkiran Singh, Advocate for the petitioner

1. To be referred to the Reporter or not?

2. Whether the judgement should be reported in the Digest?

M.M.KUMAR, ACJ.

1. In the instant petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution the petitioner has prayed for issuance of a direction to the Union Territory Administration, Chandigarh to allot booths and houses and other concessions including issuance of identity cards to the victims of 1984 Sikh riots as has been done in favour of the Kashmiri migrants in the Union Territory Chandigarh in the year 1990 and thereafter. A perusal of the averments made in the petition shows that a large number of Sikhs had fallen victims of communal frenzy by unscrupulous people. Likewise living in Kashmir lead to exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir. According to the averments facilities are being provided to such migrants of Kashmir by the Union Territory Administration like monthly relief and free ration. Moreover, they have also been allotted dwelling units in Indira Colony in Manimajra as well as built up booths in Chandigarh.

2. The petitioner has earlier filed CWP No. 7004 of 2011 which was withdrawn with liberty to approach the Union Territory Administration.

3. We have heard the learned counsel at some length and are of the view that when policy is framed by the State Governments by keeping in view the rehabilitation of certain migrants, then huge financial liability is involved. To a query posed by the Court, the learned counsel was not able to give any satisfactory answer as to how the Court can issue directions for framing of a policy which have huge financial implications. It is for the State Government to frame policies. It appears that the problem in Kashmir is alive and whereas it is apparent that the problems of 1984 victims is past us. We are not inclined to entertain the instant petition. The same is hereby dismissed.

(M.M.Kumar)
Acting Chief Justice

(Rajiv Narain Raina)
Judge

Sikh Genocide 1984: Advocate HS Phoolka says evidence against Indian Minister Kamal Nath is well documented

Webmaster — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:25:30 +0000

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Canadian Law Makers say “ November 1984 – Sikh Victims are Denied Justice “

Gajinder Singh — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:57:52 +0000

Rally Remembers November 1984 Victims

Ottawa, Canada (November 1 , 2011 ): Several hundred Canadian Sikhs stood strong together outside the Parliament of Canada today to remember the victims of November 1984 and were greeted warmly by Canadian politicians, who acknowledged the need to pursue justice by bringing the perpetrators of such violence to trial.

Prominent politicians like Sheila Copps, who is currently running to become the President of the Liberal Party of Canada spoke to the gathering to lend her support. Likewise, The Honourable Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough-Agincourt) met with the crowd to voice the need to remember the victims and to pursue those responsible. While addressing the justice rally, both politicians emphasized the need for accountability, the denial of justice and just how horrific the events of 1984 were. The strong show of support energized the crowd, who raised their voices even louder in demanding justice through chanting and singing.

The noise outside also echoed in the chambers of the House of Commons when Conservative MP Parm Gill (Brampton-Springdale) stood to raise the issue and to advocate for perseverance until justice is fully served.

Parm Gill’s Statement:

“Mr. Speaker 27 years ago today following the assassination of Indira Ghandi thousands of innocent Sikh men, women and children were mercilessly killed in the streets of Delhi and other parts of India. During this violence at great risk to themselves, Hindus, Muslims, Christians and others sheltered and rescued their Sikh neighbours from the mobs. As Prime Minister Singh stated in his apology on behalf of the nation in 2005, what took place in 1984 is the negation of the concept of nationhood enshrined in our constitution. He also said ‘I bow my head in shame that such a thing took place.’ Last year, during his trip to Canada Prime Minister Singh also indicated that the perpetrators of these crimes need to be brought to justice and I agree Mr. Speaker.”

Navkiran Singh, Chief Legal Counsel for Sikhs for Justice in India:

“The recognition that justice has been denied is a huge step forward. For too long, it has been easy for the people behind these crimes to hide behind the political machine in India to skirt justice. Today, Canadian politicians are helping us publicly and behind the scenes to raise the issue in India. We are also fortunate to have the support of progressive political leaders in India, who recognize that we cannot forget this shameful part of our past. Justice must be a part of the healing process.”

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Legal Advisor for Sikhs for Justice in North America:

“The Genocide that took place in November 1984 will never be forgotten, nor will we stop in our pursuit of justice. It has been a struggle, but it’s encouraging to receive the support of politicians who genuinely care about what took place and can recognize how the hurt lingers in the Sikh community. Families were destroyed and the impact transcends generations. It’s not just the older generation, but our young people feel the impact too.”

Jatinder Singh Grewal, Sikhs for Justice Youth Coordinator:

“Today’s rally was another step in the right direction for our community. Our emotions run deep during this time of year. And while we mourn for the victims, we also share in the joy of bonding with our brothers and sisters around this issue. It feels like we’re making headway with politicians in Canada and internationally, who recognize that justice must prevail. I’m truly proud to be Sikh and I’m proud to be a Canadian.”

Sikhs for Justice led today’s rally with the support of Gurudwaras across the country. The group’s goal is to introduce a motion in Parliament to debate whether organized killing of Sikhs in India during November 1984 was “Genocide” as defined in Article 2 of the UN Convention on Genocide.

It is notable that during the tenure of India’s first propagated Sikh Prime Minister’s tenure many culprits of Sikh genocide are enjoying high posts in Government. Kamal Nath, who is facing suit in US Federal court under Alien Torts Act and Torture Victims Protection Act and is a suspect of genocide, is a minister in Manmohan Singh’s cabinet.

It is notable that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had justified the denial of justice to the victims by saying that Sikhs should “forgive and forget November 1984″.

1984 Victims Demand Countrywide Investigation By Supreme Court

Gajinder Singh — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:42:46 +0000

New Delhi (November 1, 2011): On the 27th anniversary of November 1984 Massacre of Sikhs, victims and widows of 1984 held an Insaaf Yaatra from Hondh-Chillar, Haryana to Supreme Court of India. Victims urged the apex court to take suo moto action by ordering country wide investigation to determine the true nature, scope and scale of attack on Sikh population of India and resulting deaths during November 1984. Yaatra was attended by people numbering in several thousands, carrying placards and lamenting utter denial of justice despite lack of 27 years.

Victims and Sikh organizations submitted a Memo to the Supreme Court addressed to the Chief Justice of India and all justices of the Supreme Court, urging the court to order a countrywide investigation regarding November 1984.

Karnail Singh Peermohammad, President AISSF stated that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked the victims of 1984 “forgive and forget November 1984″ while no justice has been delivered. PM Singh and his government is determined not to deliver any justice to the victims of November 1984 that is why, the victims have decided to approach the Supreme Court of India.

Davinder Singh Sodhi, Secretary General AISSF stated that with the newly discovered mass graves of Sikhs killed during November 1984 in several states, there remains no doubt that Sikhs were attacked and killed throughout India and not Delhi alone. It is unfortunate that no judicial inquiry has ever been conducted to determine the true scale and scope of this gross human rights violation. Supreme Court of India must take suo moto action on this matter, added Sodhi.

Babu Singh Dukhiya, President National 1984 Victims Justice and Welfare Society stated that widows and orphans of November 1984 has been denied justice for the last 27 years because, to date, not a single leader and organizer of attack on Sikhs has ever been convicted. This appeal for Suo Moto action to the Supreme Court is our last hope in India, added Babu Singh Dukhya.

Engineer Manvinder Singh Giaspur who first found the Mass Grave in Hondh-Chillar, Haryana, stated that in March 2011, Sri Gayani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib laid foundation stone of Sikh Genocide Memorial Cite at Hondh Chillar, however, Badal Government and Badal controlled SGPC has turned its back and has completely ignored the project of Sikh Genocide Memorial Cite.

Insaaf Yaatra was organized by All India Sikh Students Federation along with National 1984 Victims Justice and Welfare Society; Sikhs for Justice; Engineer Manvinder Singh Giaspur; Sardar Santhok Singh Sawney, President Gurudwara Singh Sabha Sabzi Mandi, Gurgaon, Haryana; Sardar Onkar Singh Faridabad, President Gurudwara Singh Sabha Faridabad; Sardar Surjeet Singh Dugree, President, November 1984 Sikh Nasal Kushi Society; and Bibi Gurdeep Kaur President Women Wing, November 1984 Sikh Nasal Kushi Society

Nov. ’84 genocidal violence against Sikhs is an international crime: SSF

Jaspal Singh — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:00:20 +0000

Patiala (November 01, 2011): Remembering the genocidal violence of November 1984 against the Sikhs, the Sikh Students Federation stated that it was crime with a peculiar horror deriving from the fact that fellow human beings are capable of conceiving and committing it, thereby diminishing us all. Such crimes are not only unforgettable; but they are unforgivable.

In a statement released over the website of SSF, the students body pointed out that November 1984 genocidal violence against Sikhs fulfils the definitional criteria of “Crimes against Humanity” under international law, thus it was undoubtedly an international crimes.

Pleading for the international initiatives against culprits of November 1984 Sikh massacre, who are enjoying impunity, State protection and high offices in India, SSF President Parmjeet Singh Gazi stated that crimes of this kind cannot be subject to amnesty or of time limits on persecution.

“In cases like this, punishment cannot be left to history, which depends, after all, on who writes it or to the hellfire, because history is full of instances that such attitude leads to further persecution of the victims group” he added.

SSF stressed that there is dire need of international initiatives to secure prosecutions of Kamal Nath, Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and others suspects. It also praised the efforts of US based advocacy group, Sikhs for Justice, for work done in this direction.