The Sikh Activist Network

Exactly 15 years ago, he was abducted by the Punjab Police, tortured for a month while in illegal police custody and on October 24th he was cut into pieces and thrown into the River Sutlej….Why?

Well.. because..

Jaswant Singh Khalra, was a man of courage, a man who stood face to face with an entire system beginning with the government, stretching into the courts and finally its gang of police officers that was intent on eliminating Sikh youth.

As a concerned citizen and activist, like you the reader, he propelled himself to seek justice. Priding himself on his identity as both a Punjabi and a Khalsa he asked, if the Khalsa does not defend itself, then how will it be the beacon of hope and universal defenders of human rights that it is intent on being. It was this deep rooted philosophy that motivated him to begin an investigation into the disappearances of Punjabi/Sikh youth. Jaswant Singh Khalra was a Punjabi who cared about Punjab and his fellow Punjabis and a Khalsa who took his duty as a defender of human rights not just as expression, but a duty.

In January 1995, Jaswant Singh Khalra issued a Press Release as the head of The Akali Dal Human Rights Wing, claiming he had accumulated evidence proving that the Punjab Police had illegally cremated upwards of 6000 Sikh youth as unidentified bodies in only one of seventeen districts of Punjab.

Jaswant Singh Khalra had essentially exposed a glitch, a track that the government had forgotten to cover in their ongoing genocide by the Punjab Police to execute, disappear and murder Punjabi Sikh youth.

Unfortunately, when bringing forth his evidence, the High courts of Punjab and Haryana denied his case stating that the cases he spoke of him did not concern him, thus he had no right to bring it forth on the behalf of others. However, instead of succumbing to a corrupt judicial system, Jaswant Singh Khalra used this as his motivation to launch an international movement to bring attention to the genocidal acts occurring in the state of Punjab. (more…)

With Honor of Hosting Bibi Paramjit Kaur Khalra,

The Sikh Activist Network in association with The World Sikh Organization will be holding a 2 Day event to uncover and remember the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra and the disappearance/murders of thousands of Sikhs in Punjab.

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SCHEDULE

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DAY 1

September 11th, 1-6pm
Sheriden College (Room H131)
To Register Email:  info@sikhactivist.net

The first day will be a youth event, with free admission.  On this day, attendees will have the honor to meet with Jaswant Singh Khalra's wife and engage in a series of workshops including:

• Intimate discussion with Bibi Khalra
• Joining and working on  SAN’s first ever Graffiti Mural project
• Viewing of a Documentary Film on Torture in Punjab
• Discussing current human rights abuses in Punjab
• Meeting with those who witnessed torture by the Punjab Police

DAY 2

September 12th, 5-9pm
Dixie Gurughar, Hall #5

On the following day, The Sikh Activist Network, The World Sikh Organization, OntarioSikhs, SikhVibes and various other youth organizations will hold a Memorial Keertan in Memory of Jaswant Singh Khalra.

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What’s the Story of Jaswant Singh Khalra?

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In the late 1990′s Amnesty International named Jaswant Singh Khalra one of their Human Rights Defenders to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.  The acheivement, however was bitter-sweet.

The achievement highlighted Jaswant Singh Khalra’s unveiling of evidence regardingthe  thousands of illegal cremations/murders conducted by the Punjab Police in their cover-up to systematically target, torture and murder Punjabi Sikh Youth.  In only 1 of 17 districts in Punjab, Jaswant Singh Khalra unravelled the Punjab Polices murder of approximately 3000 youth.

After the Indian Supreme Court rejected Jaswant Singh Khalra’s effort to bring his evidence to court, stating that since the murders did not concern him directly he had no right to present them, he traveled the world to bring international attention to the issue.  In June 1995, he spoke on Canadian Parliament and in September 1995, after receiving threats from the Punjab police upon his return to Punjab, Jaswant Singh Khalra was abducted.  It witness testimony it was later revealed that Jaswant Singh Khalra had been abducted by 4 Punjab Police officers on September 6th, kept in illegal custody and tortured until October 24th and murdered the same evening by the police, after being cut into pieces and thrown into the river Sutlej.  Five police officers were eventually sentenced to life in prison for his abduction and murder, but the chief architects of systematic killings, including former Punjab Police Chief KP Gill, remain free.

Even after receiving threats stating that if he did not stop his work, that he too would become an unidentified body from the Punjab Police, Jaswant Singh Khalra remained dedicated.  On the 15 year Anniversary of his Disappearance and Murder, we salute his great soul.

sooraa so pehichaaneeai j larai dheen kae haeth ||
He alone is known as a spiritual hero, who fights in defense of religion.

purajaa purajaa katt marai kabehoo n shhaaddai khaeth ||2||2||
He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the field of battle. ||2||2||

Written By: G Singh.

All Sikhs have been affected by the events of 1984 and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale. While we as Sikhs are very fortunate to have many videos, pictures, and audio files of the great Gursikhs of the time, very few video or audio clips exist which document the life of Sant Ji during the months leading up to the attacks on the Akal Takhat. During the last few days, rare footage has surfaced showing Sant Ji conducting an interview during the months preceding the attacks. They go to show his Chardi Kala, fearlessness, and never-waning spirit which continues to be an inspiration to us all.

jo inMdw kry siqgur pUry kI iqsu krqw mwr idvwvY ]
jo ni(n)dhaa karae sathigur poorae kee this karathaa maar dhivaavai ||

Written by: G Singh

The Sikh people are no strangers to religious persecution and attacks on the very principles that define their religion. Two of our Gurus gave their lives defending the rights and freedoms of not only the Sikhs, but those of other peoples as well. Our ancestors had their scalps removed, were cut limb by limb, were bricked alive, Sikh mothers watched their infant children slaughtered in front of their eyes, and our elders lived in forests surviving on a diet of leaves and tree bark. Regardless of the atrocities they suffered, our ancestors always remained in “Chardi Kala” or High Spirits and above all else, they were united as a nation. There was one thing in common with all the Sikhs endured: All attacks on their person and their religion came from external forces.

But that was then and this is now. In 2010, the vast majority of attacks on the foundations of Sikh faith are coming from those who have flowing beards, carry the 5 Ks, and are dressed in the Khalsa Bana.

For example, 15 Gurdwaras across the UK have allowed meat and/or alcohol on Gurdwara premises and in the Gurus Langar.

This is happening despite the teachings of our Gurus which strictly forbid the consumption of both and an Akal Takhat Sandesh from 2006 strictly forbidding any type of meat products being served in Gurdwaras, abandoning the principle of a low common denominator and complete exclusivity for the most common dietary restrictions in the eastern traditions.

Also, In Rochester, New York, The Gurdwara committee has banned Amritdhari Sikhs from entering the Gurdwara with their Kirpans, joining the Gurdwara Committee, or taking part in the Gurdwaras functions/activities in any way, shape, or form.  This highlights a discrimination against practicing Sikhs. Lastly, in the GTA, we have witnessed a brawl between rival committees on Gurdwara property involving weapons such as hammers and box cutters.

Now for the latest development: Surinder Singh, a ragi for Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Society of Alberta, has been allegedly caught on tape slandering Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in the Gurdwara and in a room where Pothi Sahibs, Gutka Sahibs, and Sainches of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are kept. The language used by the Ragi is highly offensive to our mothers and sisters and we can only imagine what was going through his head when he uttered such things.  Although the politics of this Gurdwara may remain unknown to many of us, it is within the right of the community to questions such behaviour and investigate the authenticity of this recording.

It is time we as a community increase the level of accountability, get together and let hold these Gurdwara committees to a standard of knowing that we will not tolerate attacks on our faith and the teachings of our Gurus and will exhaust all peaceful means to oppose their perversion of Sikh tradition and their discriminatory behaviour.

Below are the numbers of the Jathedars of the 5 Takhats to which we can voice our concerns, the numbers and addresses of the 15 Gurdwaras that have allowed meat and/or alcohol, and the Gurdwara in Edmonton which is hosting Surinder Singh. Please take time out of your day and, if possible, let these committees know that we demand the enforcement of Sikh principles in Gurdwaras, that we will not tolerate Beadbi of our Gurus and ancestors, and to demand that strict action be taken against Ragi Surinder Singh. (more…)

As a continuation of their work to seek justice for the victims of the November 1984 Genocide, Sikhs for Justice has not whimpered away from bringing the Badal Regime to accountability.  In a recently issued Press Release SFJ has issued a demand to the Badal Government to not only honor election promises dating as far back as 1994, but to also adhere to the order of the Akal Takht to recognize November 1984 as a Genocide.

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In addition to highlighting the November 1984 Delhi Genocide, Sikhs for Justice has also highlighted the importance of the 1984 Punjab Genocide as well, demanding that the Badal Regime  amongst other demands, “Issue a notice to the Punjab Education Department to include a special chapter in the school curriculam to educate public about the Sikh Genocide (1984-1998)”.

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For more please view the Press Release below.

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SIKHS FOR JUSTICE: PRESS RELEASE

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August 18, 2010

To

Parkash Singh Badal

Chief Minister,

State of Punjab

Subject:  DEMAND OF NEW REHABLITATION AND REPRESENTATION PACKAGE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB FOR THE VICTIMS OF NOVEMBER 1984 SIKH GENOCIDE

Dear Sardar Sahib:

OUR, human rights advocacy organization “SIKHS FOR JUSTICE” (SFJ) has been directed by Shri Akal Takht Sahib on July 14, 2010 to pursue the cause of justice for victims of November 1984 Sikh Genocide. In this cause of securing justice for victims of November 1984, SFJ is associated with “All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF)”President Karnail Singh Peermohammad and “November 1984 Sikh Genocide Welfare Society” both of which represents the voice and sentiments of victims.

NOW, that (SAD-Badal) and your government is reaping the benefits of public momentum built in the support of the victims of November 1984 by “Justice Campaign”organized by “Sikhs For Justice” (SFJ) and All India Sikh Students Federation (President Karnail Singh Peermohammad), WE, feel compelled to bring to your attention the true economic and social plight of victims and their families members living in Punjab. The victims and their families not only have been disenfranchised during the past more than 25 years but they have also been denied adequate compensation, despite promises made during election campaigns by (SAD-Badal) since 1994.

WE, demand that Punjab Government under your leadership announce a fresh REHABLITATION AND REPRESENTATION Package for the victims and family members of November 1984 Sikh Genocide, which should comprise minimum of the following:

ECONOMIC PACKAGE

1. Grant of Rs.15, 00,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Lakhs) in each case of death during November 1984 Sikh Genocide.
2. Grant of Rs.5, 00,000/- (Rupees Five Lakhs) in each case of injury suffered during November 1984 Sikh Genocide.
3. Grant of Rs. 7, 50,000/- (Rupees Seven Lakhs Fifty Thousands) to each family for rehabilitation, other than any grant for death or injury.
4. Grant compensation at the rate of 30 times, for residential and commercial property lost or damaged during November 1984 Sikh Genocide.
5. Award a pension of Rs.25, 000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand) per month to every living widow or widower, including those who lost their spouses even after November 1984 and family members who are incapable of earning their livelihood.
6. Write off all loans (Agricultural, Commercial or Any Property) of the victims and family members of November 1984 Sikh Genocide.
7. Grant 25% rebate on income tax to individuals and businesses owned by victims and family members of November 1984 Sikh Genocide.
8. 15% quota in employment for children and family members of November 1984 Sikh Genocide victims in all recruitments done by the Government of Punjab.
9. 15% seats for children and family members of November 1984 Sikh Genocide victims in all educational and vocational institutions under the Government of Punjab.

REPRESENTATION PACKAGE

1. As directed by Shri Akal Takht Sahib, recognize November 1984 as Sikh Genocide in the legislative assembly of the State of Punjab.

2. As directed by Shri Akal Takht Sahib, issue an official notification by the Government (published in the official gazette) directing that all Punjab Government documents should refer November 1984 anti-riots as “Sikh Genocide”.
3. As directed by Shri Akal Takht Sahib, issue a notification to the Punjab Education Department to include a special chapter in the school curriculum to educate public about Sikh Genocide (1984-98).
4. Issue notification recognizing “November 1984 Sikh Genocide Welfare Society (Regd.)” as the representative body of the victims and family members of November 1984 Sikh Genocide.
5. Reserve 20% seats in Shiromani Gurdawara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) for the family members of November 1984 Sikh Genocide victims.
6. Create a separate Ministry in the Government of Punjab for the affairs of November 1984 Sikh Genocide.

THE, above demands of the victims and family members of November 1984 Sikh Genocide are completely within your powers as Chief Minister of Punjab.

IN FACT, since 1994 SAD-Badal had won every election using the sentiments and sympathies for the victims of November 1984 Sikh Genocide. This places a religious, moral and political responsibility on your shoulders, as head of the Government of Punjab, to come true on your promises to victims and families of November 1984 Sikh Genocide.

Truly Yours,

Gurpatwant S Pannun

Legal Advisor, Sikhs For Justice

T     718-938-7801

Email: gurpatwant.pannun@gmail.com

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Karnail Singh Peermohammad

President, AISSF

M: 98144-99503

Email: aissf_news@yahoo.com

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Bibi Jagdish Kaur

Jagmohan Singh

NOVEMBER 1984 SIKH GENOCIDE WELFARE SOCIETY (Regd.)

“SIKHS FOR JUSTICE” UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF SHRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB URGES YOU TO JOIN 1984 SIKH GENOCIDE CONFERENCE

To Recognize Sikh Massacre as “Genocide”, Recognize Sikhism as a Separate Religion.

More than 30, 000 Sikhs were massacred throughout India in 3 Days.

STAND FOR JUSTICE

Date: SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH , 2010
Time: 5:00 PM TO 8:00 PM
Contribution: $ 100  (free for students/youth)

Place: CROWN BANQUET HALL,
6835 PROFESSIONAL COURT,
MISSISSAUGA, ON
CANADA, L4V 1X6

Calling all Sikh sisters!

Find an empowering place to unite and contribute ideas on how we can improve the status of women.  Come out and join us for a  social gathering in a space only for  those who self identify as Sikh women between the ages of 15-30.

It’s important for a community to support its “local” and homegrown talent.  In todays world, the artists are the orators/storytellers of our community. With their art they act as ambassadors in telling our story to the world, while they inspire and evoke emotions right at home. With this in mind, that is why we often look to provide a platform and space for artists to showcase any positive work on this website. This time around we want to highlight the work of 2 Artists we haven’t mentioned in the past.  But, we’ll definitely be showcasing more of their stuff in the future.

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SAINT SOLDIER

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Click here to find out what inspired this track and/or download it by clicking here

Biography

Saint Soldier was born in Punjab, India in 1984, a politically tumultuous time in the country for certain ethnic and religious groups. As for many Sikh families, it was not a hospitable place to be at the time. Shortly afterwards, he and his family moved out of the country to United Arab Emirates and then to Canada to pursue better opportunities and a healthier environment. Following an enjoyable but oblivious childhood in an immigrant neighborhood in Calgary, Alberta, he moved with his family to live in British Columbia, and now resides in Coquitlam, BC. His music entails a variety of topics and has been influenced by controversial social issues that face South Asian youth of his generation, but issues that are perhaps relatable to youth from many backgrounds. The music is a rebellion against cultural and religious indoctrination of our young generation which has lead to hypocrisy and empty ritualism. As such, Saint Soldier’s music is a discussion and rebirth of old ideas in a new, more up-lifting, organic and realistic manner that young people may find they can relate to. Although he knows that the name Saint Soldier and the content of his music may not align with main-stream views, he believes he is on the right path and if anyone may not agree, he is unaffected by this.

Contact

• Facebook
• Bandcamp
• Record Label Website

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DUSTY LOOPS

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This brothers a talented, visual artists and producer, check out this video below. We’ll be posting more of his stuff shortly

Visual Art

Contact

• Website
• Myspace
• Twitter

Just heads up to all the women that KAURS UNITED TORONTO will be holding a 4 day outdoor retreat this year.  For more information visit kaursunited.org/toronto2010. The camp will be from Aug 12-15.

The information below is taken from Kaursunited.org

Mind, Body, and Soul

At this year’s Kaurs United Toronto Camp you will learn to connect and uplift your Mind, Body, and Soul. Why is this the theme of this year’s Camp? Sikh women need to enlighten their mind, let their body be natural, and reconnect their soul. We are all capable of creating an atmosphere full of energy of Love, Unity, Peace, and Happiness! The power of unity is indescribable! This spiritual awakening can only be sought if you look to grow, learn, meditate, and enlighten you Mind, Body, and Soul. Excited yet? Well keep reading forward.

Kaurs United Camps provide you with amazing sangat, inspiring and motivating workshops, personal discussions, the ultimate blessings, an awakening of the senses, and much more! The prospect to come together and unite with Sikh women in one another’s companionship doesn’t come too often. You will not only enjoy, laugh, grow, learn, but also cry, be moved by stories, and have an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!

This year’s Camp is an overnight camp, held at Camp Sauline Retreat Center, and this is what you should look forward to:

• Girls and women your age who are also there to learn and grow.
• Well-organized, inspirational workshops and lectures by a variety of speakers, suited to Sikh girls and women like yourself.
• Personal discussions on a variety of topics.
• Early morning (Amrit Vela) meditation and Nitnem as well as evening Kirtan.
• Exciting recreational activities including:
  • swimming
  • yoga
  • hiking
  • arts and crafts
  • sports
  • the renowned annual Kaurs United talent show
  • and more.
• Beautiful, serene, and safe surroundings.
• The opportunity to bond with the Guru and his daughters over the course of three energizing, moving days.

Above all, before launching this adventure, Kaurs United Sevadaars took this Hukamnama to get Guru Ji’s Blessing.

“Simran in the park” is  grassroots community building. The Network will be meditating in the warm summer breeze with a crew of  youth, joined by elders strolling in the park every Wednesday this summer.

For those of you interested,  “Simran in the park” is held at the park on Kaiser Drive in Mississauga. It will continue for the duration of the summer on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm.