Pyara

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=135449609828125&v=photos&ref=mf#!/group.php?gid=135449609828125&v=info&ref=mf Name: Free Pal Singh Category: Organizations - Advocacy Organizations Description: Respected Pal Singh lovingly known as Bhai Pala Singh a French National whom had gone to Punjab to serve humanity. He was picked up by police on 22 July 2010, they came again at around 1:00PM and took Pal Singh, his car, laptop and other belongings. The next day on 23 July 2010, they raided his house with his brother, young children and a handicapped young man living with Pal Singh. He was first picked up from his fields at around 7pm on 18-July-2010. He was returned next day only to be picked up again. On 22 July 2010, they came again at around 1:00PM and took Pal Singh, his car, laptop and other belongings. The next day on 23 July 2010, they raided his house with his brother, young children and a handicapped young man living with Pal Singh. Pal Singh is an elderly spiritual man who’s given up comforts of living in west to go back to promote spiritual life style without drugs, drink and other intoxicants to which Punjab youth are increasingly addicted to. PLEASE write to your local representative to urge Government of India to Free Pal Singh. More about Bhai Pala Singh http://www.topnews.in/bhai-pal-singh-sikh-preacher-and-social-reformer-2117245

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Does anyone have access to the Hukumnama issued by Sri Akal Takht on the printing of Gurbani? I think they released the Hukumnama around 2008. Thanks

This report released today seems to highlight reminisces of what happened in the 80s and early 90s when the Indian government gave Sikhs a bad images through releasing regular unsubstantiated news reports....Still not seeing an Sikh body speaking up against this current scaremongering campaign http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/29/nation/6757192&sec=nation No proof of Sikh group base here, say police KUALA LUMPUR: There is no evidence to support a recent claim by the Punjab police that the Sikh separatist group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) has set up base outside Kuala Lumpur, said a senior-ranking police officer. “We can confirm there is no such group based here,” said Federal Special Task Force (Operations and Counter Terror­ism) department director Comm­issioner Datuk Mohamed Fuzi Harun in a press statement. He added the police kept close contact with their counterparts throughout the world to monitor militant activities. A Bernama report from New Delhi yesterday stated Punjab police believed KLF had set up base outside Kuala Lumpur, with at least four of its members hiding in Malaysia. Information on the KLF base in Malaysia was obtained following the arrest of a suspected militant in Punjab on Monday. The report stated the 22-year-old man was linked to a series of bombings in the state early this year. Intelligence reports reveal he fled to Malaysia where he sought shelter from another wanted KLF militant who had been residing in Seremban for about a year. “They are using Malaysia to carry out their activities,” said Patiala senior superintendent of police Ranbir Singh Khatra. Intelligence agencies suspect that Sikh militants based outside Punjab are preparing to create mayhem in New Delhi before the Commonwealth Games in October. The KLF movement was started by Sikh hardliners who staged an armed struggle against the Indian Government in the 1980s and 1990s, seeking a separate Sikh homeland to be called ‘Khalistan’. Although the group was crushed by Punjab police, remnants of the KLF now operate from outside India, supported by foreign elements.

Sikh Channel are filming at this Gurdwara on 21 August for the Panth Paneeri programme. It's aimed at kids and I suspect the Sikh Channel will not be addressing the controversial sausage, bacon and eggs langar scenario Any queries can be directed to info@sikhchannel.tv or telephone 0121 380 1050 (they can also be PM'd on this forum). I think as direct debit supporting stakeholders of the Sikh Channel, we have the right to polietly request the Sikh Channel to obtain a statement from the committee of Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara Southampton on behalf of the UK sangat regarding their abuse of the langar....

The arrest of 5 more Sikhs (including a French national) announced in Indian press today. Now as per UNITED SIKHS Bhai Pal Singh is a French national who was running a alcoholic/drugs rehab programme for Punjabi youth in Punjab. Again we see no official comments from the Sikh leadership, jathebhandi's etc regarding these arrests or confessions being taken. Either that or their comments are not being published......How did the police obtain the confession of Kulwant Singh? Travelling to Pakistan to visit Gurdwaras seems to give grounds for an accusation of terrorist links... http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/five-terrorists-including-french-national-arrested-punjab-two-ak-47-rifles-recovered/22362 Five terrorists including a French national arrested in Punjab, two AK 47 rifles recovered Talking to media persons here, Mandip Singh SSP SOC disclosed the names of alleged terrorists as Pal Singh (French national), Kulwant Singh, Gurmukh Singh, Jagtar Singh and Darshan Singh Dhadi. They have been arrested under sections Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Official informed that all the arrested accused were attempting to revive terrorism in the State of Punjab. He said that accused Kulwant Singh who is known to both Narain Singh @ Chaura and Pal Singh had received the consignment of RDX and weapons from Jagtar Singh which was later on handed over to Narain Singh Chaura and subsequently a part of that consignment was handed over to Pal Singh. Kulwant Singh also worked with Pal Singh at his resident at village Dhandowal as a driver and domestic help. After the arrest of Kulwant Singh, he spilled the beans and told about the larger plan of Narain Singh @ Chaura and Pal Singh for revival of terrorism in Punjab. The role of Pal Singh in recruiting unemployed youth on the pretext of giving them training in religious preaching but ultimately using them for terrorist activities is being probed by the police. Police said two months back, RDX used in Amritsar car bomb and the weapons recovered from Sukhdev Singh Chhira, an accused in the case, were also provided by Narain Singh Chaura. Punjab Police had announced the reward of Rs. 5 lac for providing any information about him leading to his arrest. Narain Singh Chaura against whom more than a dozen cases were registered in Punjab, was also instrumental in Burial Jail break case leading to the escape of Jagtar Singh Tara, Hawara and Paramjit Singh Bheora. In this case he remained lodged in Burail Jail and is facing the trial for the same, SSP said. Pal Singh, a close associate of Narain Singh Chaura is French national who visited Pakistan along with Sikh Jathas during the year 1989, 1998 and 2002, where he met terrorists based in Pakistan. Narain Singh Chaura and Pal Singh were trying to revive terrorism in Punjab by indulging in terrorist related activities. Kulwant Singh has confessed that he along with Pal Singh went to Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) in 2009 to recede the place from where explosive used in mining of marble can be looted for further using the same for carrying out explosions in Punjab. Further investigation is still under progress, SSP stated.

All those mothers would have been amazing mother-in-laws too. Maybe link the 2 together...

Now Malaysia.... Another press report that seems to be based on assumptions and suspicions.....nothing solid..... yet it makes it to press! http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=517034 Sikh Militants Set Up Base In Malaysia - Punjab Police By P. Vijian NEW DELHI, July 28 (Bernama) -- The ruthless Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), a Sikh separatist group, is suspected to have set up base outside Kuala Lumpur, with at least four of its militants in hiding in Malaysia. The KLF has set up a base in Malaysia to enable the four militants to canvass for support, claim the Punjab police. The police said they obtained the "vital clue" on the KLF base in Malaysia following the arrest of a suspected miltant at a guest-house in Patiala district (Punjab) last Monday. They said the 22-year-old man was linked to a series of bombings in the state, early this year, adding that he was suspected of planting bombs outside a LPG bottling plant in Nabha and the Halwara Air Force station in Punjab. Intelligence reports reveal he fled to Malaysia, where he sought shelter from another wanted KLF militant who had been residing in Seremban for some time. "The suspect was staying in Seremban for about a year. We are very much sure the KLF has set up a base in Malaysia because these boys (militants) are going there to get support. "The suspect had travelled to Thailand by road and later flew to Pakistan to get arms training. Definitely, they are using Malaysia to carry out their activities," Patiala senior superintendent of police Ranbir Singh Khatra told Bernama when contacted by telephone today. Last Monday's arrest, coupled with the discovery of 15kg RDX from another Sikh militant, of the Khalistan Zindabad Force on July 23, has left the police in a tizzy. Intelligence agencies now suspect Sikh terrorists based outside Punjab were preparing to create mayhem in Delhi before the Commonwealth Games later this October. A recent Punjab police intelligence advisory further justified their anxiety: "Certain militants sitting abroad are desperate to push four Sikh extremists into India to carry out nefarious activities." The KLF movement was started by Sikh hardliners who staged an armed struggle against the Indian Government in the 1980s-1990s, seeking a separate Sikh homeland - to be called 'Khalistan'. Although the group was crushed by Punjab police and later disintegrated, remnants of KLF members now operate from outside India, supported by foreign elements, to strike terror on Indian soil. "We suspect, at least four more militants are still hiding in Malaysia. We will get the help of the Indian federal government, Interpol and the Indian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to arrest them," said Khatra. At the peak of its reign, the violent separatist movement hijacked the Srinagar-Delhi bound Indian Airlines flight to Lahore, Pakistan, with 255 passengers on board in 1984. -- BERNAMA

Not sure if they are now linked to Missionary College of punjab -in ludhiana....but Sikh Missionary Society U.K. (Regd.) originally started off by some serious Gurmukhs of the 1970's who had settled in the UK and realised that English literature was the only way to connect the next generations. During the 1970 and 1980's they filled an essential gap in the Sikhi parchar towards the English born Sikhs by printing free literature and distributing it around the UK. The problem is like many other Sikh organisations aiming at parchar they did not evolve with the times and remained stuck in their 1970's way of doing parchaar. Simply getting uncle ji who can speak English to regurgitate some text book passages that he read in the library about Sikhism doesn't inspire children. The kids of today have deeper intellect than their parents did due to education and their exposure to TV/Internet. What they fail to realise is that even today's 8 year olds know what the term "kaam" means yet these uncles/aunties blush when it comes to explaining the 5 chors and kaam to them. Kids & teenagers need depth and experiences of Sikhi. They can read all the english literature on Sikhi that exists out there...but until they meet and interact with Gurmukhs who project the reni/beni of Sikhi...Gurmukhs who inspire them by showing that rehat can be kept, Gurmukhs who express their Sikhi through their roop and actions..nothing changes. These kids can go these camps every year for 10 years and still find Sikhi boring! There's so many UK born Gurmukhs who can inspire these kids, who can even inspire the kids parents....but camp groups like Sikh Missionary Society U.K restrict their involvement by outcasting them or belittling them for their way of life.....

See camps run by the likes of the Sikh Missionary Society rely on "text book" Sikhi. They have been doing camps for over 30 years in the UK and I wouldn't be surprised if the original sewadars still organise the camp content. In over 30 years the format, structure, attitude and content still remains the same. As a kid and teenager I had no choice but to attend these "text book" camps with bland monotone repetitive uncle speakers who themselves appeared confused on their Sikhi. I remember feeling no connection with them and certainly saw no depth behind the people. There was not much of an outward expression of Sikhi and I never ever saw a kirpan or a shastar. Don't get me wrong, we owe these guys for the efforts they made to do these camps.....but they struggled to connect the kids back then, the majority of who gradually moved further away from Sikhi as they grew up. Things have changed and there's more depth and understanding of Sikhi. British born youth are taking Sikhi rehat very seriously and are more likely to be able to inspire kids then the older guys (some of who are still stuck in a time machine in the year 1979). The problem now is a difference in opinions leads to things like the banning of the bana, the banning of shastars and the banning of bibeki rehat. In the past we have heard of committees saying that "nangiya lata" of men will not be allowed at gurdwaras/camps, directly attacking the bana or long kirpans will not be allowed and even kirpans/gatray must not be visible. What these executive committees have to understand is in their narrow-mindedness, all they are doing is stifling the progression of young Gursikhs. If they feel the right to attack young Gursikhs for their respect for langar or sarbloh, the wearing of 2 foot sri sahibs and the bana...then they are attacking the very amrit sanchar that they took amrit at where the sarbloh bata would have been used, where the Punj Pyaray would have had "nangiya lata" and worn 3 foot sri sahibs. Like GurSa Singh said above its not about an individuals viewpoint it's about respecting each other and trying to understand each other. Instead of going all autocratic and banning, there's needs to be openess where things are discussed and reasoned......

http://www.gurmat.info/ According to an email distributed by the executive committee of the annual Gurmat camp run by Sikh Missionary Society U.K. (Regd.), they are operating a ban on anyone eating Sarbloh bibeki langar (including anything pre-prepared). Although it's highly unlikely that this rehit will apply to the kids it will definitely apply to some sewadars at the camp who may be keeping this as part of their rehit. I myself do not follow the Sarbloh bibeki rehit, but I have respect for any Gursikh who commits to this discipline if they feel it betters the sikh jeevan. I have secretly admired the discipline kept by sarbloh bibekis as it's always inspiring to meet people committed to their belief and are willing to go without rather then break their rehit. Whilst admittedly I know very little about this type of rehit, I fail to see how being Sarbloh bibeki can be classified as un-Sikh by some Sikhs. I personally feel this BAN by Sikh Missionary Society U.K. (Regd.), almost categorises itself as talibanistic. This is a 7 day overnight stay camp. Food and water is an essential of every humans basic need and as Sikhs I don't see how we can justify denying another Sikh their human right to eat food prepared with satkaar in a purtan way, whichever way you disguise it. There's no meat or any un Gursikh food items cooked in the sarbloh bata and it's simplicity, it's probably likely to be healthier than the processed food that will be fed to the kids as langar during the camp. An attack on the metal of Sarbloh is an attack on the bata in the Amrit Sanchar. It's easy for some of us to forget that we took our first sips of amrit from a bata made of Sarbloh and for some Sikhs, all they want to do is carry on that experience by remaining attached to that bata. It's about sharda, bhavna. Ironically, I have been told that one member of the executive committee of the above Gurmat camp associates with Naamdharis, perform kirtan at the Naamdhari dera in East London and brings Naamdharis to perform kirtan at an Ilford Gurdwara. Yet this executive committee member classifies the Naamdhari belief of a clearly un-sikh dehdhari Satguru, 15 Gurus and a similar belief of a "sodi" diet (where naamdharis eat out of steel and only from the hands of other sodis) as acceptable. Just my 2 pennies worth. I have written to the Sikh Missionary Society U.K. (Regd.) to get their response on it. I thought I would share my thoughts on this with you. I hope they reconsider for the young sewadars who are helping at the camp and who have decided to take on the Sarbloh bibeki rehit. Look forward to other Gursikhs opinions.

I do agree with your concerns. Note, the site is not selling saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj... but is still selling senchi sahibs, pothi sahibs, gutka sahibs and steeks. Wonder what Akal Takht has issued on this in the past. I remember Akal Takht issued a Hukumnama on the printing of saroops but I don't think there's a ban on printing or selling of Gurbani. It's a difficult area, I suppose there's hundreds of samparday, jathebhandiya, deray that print and sell Gurbani, with the view of promoting Sikhi. You can't stop the good work that they do by restricting the printing and selling of Gurbani. The distribution/handling of the Gurbani also seems like a "grey" area. I have seen some Gursikhs, pull out Gutka sahibs from their hand luggage or suitcases, which on one hand I would feel uncomfortable about but on the other these Gursikhs have much better jeevans than me and project Gurbani in their reni-beni all the time. I have seen Gursikhs post Gutka sahibs out to people in remote countries or into prisons abroad, some people living in remote areas or stuck in prisions in some foreign country are desperate for the support of Gurbani. What do other people think?

Above is a post from another thread. I must confess I don't watch Sikh Channel as much as I used to...and don't have too high expectations from them at the moment. Is the programme being aired to address the greasy fry up langar issue or just another Gurdwara committee self promotion show?? Perhaps the Sikh Channel can confirm the langar "menu" on the day. I hope the bacon rashers are the soya ones! If nothing, the programme can serve as a good opportunity for the concerned UK to visit the Gurdwara and get some LIVE updates from the committee whilst this is transmitted by satellite to over 1 million Sikhs worldwide. Can be interesting....

Above is a post from another thread. I must confess I don't watch Sikh Channel as much as I used to... Perhaps the Sikh Channel can confirm the langar "menu" on the day. I hope the bacon rashers are the soya ones! If nothing, the programme can serve as a good opportunity for the concerned UK to visit the Gurdwara and get some LIVE updates from the committee whilst this is transmitted by satellite to over 1 million Sikhs worldwide. Can be interesting....

Sikh Channel were also emailed about Southampton and the other Gurdwaras by several people including me. You never responded! I emailed info@sikhchannel.tv

As the Indian media seems hell-bent on creating some global scaremongering around Sikh "militancy", perhaps it's a crucial time for the Sikh leadership to counter attack these bogus rumours. http://www.indiablooms.com/SportsDetailsPage/sportsDetails230710c.php http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Militants-may-strike-capital-before-CWG-Punjab-cops/articleshow/6205124.cms http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?266069 It may be in it's infancy, but there's no denying that some kind of demonisation of the Sikh community is once again taking place. Over the last few weeks we are seeing ubstantiated newsreports with loaded messages about Sikh "miltancy" being promoted from outside India, along with baseless arrests of some young British Sikhs. There needs to be some vigilance amongst NRI Sikh travellers to India, especially during the Commonwealth Games due in October. The way things are I can see the Indian gov't abruptly jumping on foreign Sikhs travelling in India during the coming months.

Punjab5 Ji, You've outlined probably the most constructive approach I have come accross regarding tackling the meat, sharab, party hall issue and it seems realistic to adopt. There's a lot to digest when you start reading into the charity commission. Even I've lost myself in the detail http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Charity_requirements_guidance/Charity_essentials/Public_benefit/pbreligion.aspx However fundamentally, what we are saying is that if the Gurdwara is set up as a charity whose objective is to promote Sikhism then they are in breach of that objective if the go against the core principles of Sikhism (serving of meat, sharab in the Gurdwara complex) which can be reported to the charity commission. Charities Act 2006. Section 2(3) of the Charities Act states that ... ways in which charities can promote a religion include: 1) the provision of places of worship; 2) raising awareness and understanding of religious beliefs and practices; 3) carrying out religious devotional acts; 4) carrying out missionary and outreach work. We have the Akal Takht Rehit Maryada, Hukumnama and Sandesh to back what is acceptable as "religious beliefs and practices", "places of worship" for Sikhs.

Cancelled. Spoke to the box office. Any doubts, ring the woodville hall box office 01474 337774. The website has not been updated as it's only done fornightly.... People need to start getting in a responsible frame of mind, ring up and find out for themselves... got to stop waiting for someone else to update or make the phone calls....things will not change unless EACH panth-dardi individuals act..

Just read the letter. I knew Sarna was scum but to read the whole scheming nature of the Delhi Prabhandak committee over the last 26 years just makes you realise how corrupt the Indian system is...How could we let things get this bad.....

Spoke to some Gravesend singhs. This did not go ahead on the Gurdwara grounds. Another film was shown at a different location.

If you feel you cannot eat out of your partner's hands, how do you expect to maintain a marital relationship with them? If the bibeki diet is so important to your rehit, then you'd be better off waiting to meet a like minded partner rather than marry someone you termed as "average".

Any feedback from Ranbiro the "pardaan"? Is the Gurdwara still promoting this under the banner of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj?

Can the Sikh Channel take this issue on as a special programme? Get the likes of Dr Sadhu Singh to host an urgent discussion show so that the profile of the issue is escalated amongst the UK Prabhandaks and community...I just emailed them. Perhaps others can too... info@sikhchannel.tv I can't see why we can't raise ample funds and support in the west so HS Phoolka ji and Delhi Sikhs are not relient on Sarna's handouts.

I find it hard to believe a man of HS Phoolka's conviction would pull out at this stage regardless of the dirty Sarna/Congress conspiracy against him. To Delhi Sangat....Can the global sangat provide the funds to Bhai HS Phoolka, if that's the issue? What quick actions can we get our Gurdwara leaders to do over in the UK to support at this stage?

SouthamptonBhujangi Ji, I know it's a massive cop out to say this.... but I think that the mainstream Sikh community and leadership are almost accepting to this beadbi because it's in a "Bhatra" run Gurdwara and as many of us have our inner prejudices I'd say this strongly influences the acceptance of a beadbi on the richter scale. I don't think the leaders or community are seeing the issue as having any "shock value" because they all know this has been happening for many years. It was easier to convince the committees of Singh Sabha Southall, Smethwick, Singh Sabha London East, FSO, SFUK to contact Gravesend Gurdwara about the Bollywood outdoor cinema which hit high on their beadbi scale then the English fry up "langar" served in the Southampton Gurdwara. Sorry for not having anything constructive to say at this stage. Looks like our own pendu prejudices have put us into a state of hypocrisy when it comes to hand picking beadbi.