B.S.S.F

A BSSF sewadar who is currently in Punjab shares his experiences of the anti-sikh discrimination by the Punjab government. The Shiromoni Akali Dal Panch Pardhani (Daljit Singh Bittu's Party) had recently declared that they would organise a Holocaust Memorial March from Chappar Chirri in Mohali (Chandigarh) to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib from which was scheduled to take place from the 1st June-6th June 2010 stopping at different Gurdwara's acrsos Punjab and holding Smagams and Diwans every night. Many Panthic organisations and jathebandiya aswell Sant Mahapurkhs had declared their support for the March. The British Sikh Student Federation had held talks with Bhai Sandeep Singh Canadian, (General Secretary, SAD Panch Pardhani Youth Wing) and had agreed to fund some of the costs of the March. A statement given to the Press two weeks before the March was scheduled to start was signed by representatives from SAD PP, Dal Khalsa, British Sikh Student Federation, Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj, Sikh Students Federation (Gazi), Guru Granth Sahib ji Satkaar Sabha and Akal Federation. Posters and hoardings advertising the March were put up across the State. The adverts had the picture of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib ji as it was in 1984 after Operaton Bluestar aswell as pictures of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh Ji and General Subegh Singh ji. However a few days before the scheduled start date of the March, on Saturday 29th May the Police raided the houses of many of the organisers of the March. The raids took place across different parts of Punjab and at the same time. In the raid, Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind, Daya Singh Kakkar, Baldev Singh Sirsa, Baba Hardeep Singh Mehraj, Sandeep Singh Canadian and Gurmeet Singh Goga were all arrested. The house of Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema (General Sec SAD PP) was also raided but they avoided arrest as they were not at home at the time. Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema declared that they would continue the March despite the biased and unfair treatment by the Punjab Government. However the night before the 1st June, the Punjab police surrounded the Gurdwara at Chappar Chirri where the the march was scheduled to start from. 600 armed Police personnel surrounded the vicinity and stopped anyone entering or leaving the Gurdwara. Even the local villagers movement was restricted. The Deputy Commisioner announced that "Section 144 (Cr.P.C) has been imposed and police shall maintain law and order situation in all cases" Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema at that moment was at a Gurdwara in Paniali near Ropar with his supporters. The Police in the early hours of the morning of 1st June, also surrounded this Gurdwara and cut the water and electricity supply. Anybody leaving the Gurdwara or trying to enter it was arrested and later sent to Judicial remand. The Police tried to force the management committee of the Gurdwara to file an official complaint against Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema and his supporterrs that they had forcefully taken control over the Gurdwara, otherwise the water and electricity supply would not be resumed. Despite repeated pleas for food and water, the Police refused to give in. By midday on 1st June, all the Gurdwara's which were scheduled stops for the march were surrounded by Police and gatherings of more than 5 Singhs together were dispersed and often arrested. All posters advertising the march were taken down and at chowks, many cars with Sant ji's Stickers were stopped and removed. Gurdwara Parmeshardwar in Patiala, where the March was scheduled to stop the first night has a heavy police presence around it and car checks are being carried out within the Gurdwara vicinity. Its unfortunate to see that even after 26 years, Sikhs in Punjab are being treaded on and being denied the right to remember their Shaheeds and Sacrifices. Harinder Singh Media Secretary British Sikh Student Federation

We are putting forward a official request to Sri Akal Thakt Sahib about the events at the Grays Gurdwara. Often the Jathedar of Sri Akal Thakt Sahib complains of not receive an official complaint therefore being unable to take action on some issues, we aim to take this "excuse" away from them. Secondly, we will be liaising directing with the Sangat at this Gurdwara in order to inform them of their misadventure. Gurdwara committee's are only interested in Financial income therefore we will devise a plan where by we can divert the sources of income for the Gurdwara to a more appropriate location. They will only cocoon themselves if we threaten them, we need to hit such people where it hurt most! - Financially.

As Singhs in Punjab have been surrounded by over 600 Punjab Police personnel whilst also having water and electricity supplies cut up, all you can say is stop issuing statements and accuse us of being dishonest. Can you please state some examples? Over half a dozen Gurdwaras were surrounded in a similar manner to June 1984 yet this time the Singh's didn't event have weapons to defend themselves if they were attacked. Please attend on the 20th June to suggest any "good direction and guidance" if you have anything in mind.

After having spoken to your Singhs who are currently in Punjab at the moment, it seems increasingly unlikely that the video being made for the Samagam will be completed as a number of the participates have been arrested. Taking the current events of Punjab into deep consideration, a number of concrete declarations will be made on the 20th June and the Sikh Youth are requested to attend and make their presence felt. It's been too long since the youth have been given some honest guidance and directions.

**Another Official Update** The Sikh Organisation of Prisoner Welfare (SOPW) will also be attending the Samagam to inform the Sangat of their recent work. There will be forms available to sign up to a direct debt or a one off payment. The British Sikh Student Federation has been fully supporting the work of SOPW and would like to request the Sangat to support their much needed Seva. Many Sikh activists have been helped by the SOPW but alot is still not being done and more light will be shed upon this at the Samagam.

Baba Daya Singh and Baba Avtar Singh SurSingh Wale

**Latest Offical Update** Bhai Gurpreet Singh Ji Shimla Wale are confirmed for the samagam This is official and confirmed.

Bhai Dalvir Singh Kavishri Jatha just confirmed. **Unfortunately a number of leading Parchariks are unable to attend after we were pleasantly told that they were booked for Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale's Barsi's also being held in Greece, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Sweden and Austria!**

An open invitation was sent to all organisations and we decided not to exclude anyone. We assume that you are aware that ALL members of the FSO have been holding "unity" meetings over the last 6 months and the youth is given a totally different picture. We should step above the divisive politics that our elders have fallen prey too. As we have stated before we work with all organisations and will not be pressured to prove our association or disassociation with any organisation. Please note: We are a Student Body for all and not a samparda/Jatha based organisation.

So far comfirmed - Bhai Paramjit Singh Nimana Kavishari Jatha Baba Harjit Singh Ji - Metha Chowk Wale Giani Gurdev Singh Jogewal Wale (Clifton road, Southall) **More to be confirmed** Organisations that will have speakers at the programme - British Sikh Student Federation Sikh Federation UK United Khalsa Dal British Sikh Council Sikh Students Federation UK Dal Khalsa Council of Khalistan Damdami Taksal Akhand Kirtani Jatha **Again More will confirm as we get cloer to the event date** **AND A SPECIAL VIDEO WILL BE SHOWN OF GURSIKHS SUPPORTING THE EVENT THAT IS BEING MADE IN PUNJAB AS YOU READ THIS POST** Sorry for the belated reply, we've just be confirming the timetable for the diwan.

Then why is there such a fuss at this programme?

SFUK - Sikh Federation UK

Thanks for your concern jee, We would like to assure you that this is a programme held in memory of our Mahaan Guru Sahiban and Mahaan Shaheed of the 20th century who died defend the gurughar completed by Guru Arjun Dev ji during the days of their shaheedi diwas. This is not a Anti Baba Takhur Singh Ji programme however, we would like to request that any form of intimidation or threats made to sabotage or cancel the event will not be tolerated. Furthermore, the Gurdwara holding the event is a firm supported of SFUK policies and a Gurdwara that BSSF works very closely with. Whilst we respect the emotions of a vocal minority we would expect that they respect the views of the "yet-still" silent majority! Various programmes for the next year (12 months) will be announced and discussed on the 20th June in correlation with Guru Arjun Dev Ji and Sant Ji's vichaars.

BUMP!

Poster has been redesigned! Check first post

Latest developments: - A womens tournament will be held at the SYFT 2010 if we can get a minimum of six teams to enter. Register at info@britishsikhstudentfederation.com

No not at all jee. You are aware that Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa's Shahadat has received such a battering over the last two and a half decades that it was important for their Shaheedi to be acknowledged separately to that of all the other Singhs/Singhania killed in the attack. Yes I know people and especially our own do not understand and therefore do not talk about it. If this is to be acknowledged separately then why not do a separate event then you can educate Sikhs of what Sant Ji stood for. Guru Arjun Dev Ji conducted the conception of Shaheedi for Human rights, freedom of faith, belief and liberty to live a free and just life. Yes we know that - The point i am making is that why not do a complete distict event for Sant Ji. Sant Ji is not being compared to Guru Ji in any way but i'm sure you agree that a son wishes to walk in his father's footsteps and this will be appreciated at the samagam. If son / daughter wishes to walk in his fathers footstep then all you need to do is take Amrit and keep Reyit, surly attending the samagam does not make you the son / daughter. Sant Ji has been referred to as a Shaheed at a number of events but this is the first time that he will be singled out as at previous events they have just camouflaged Sant Ji due to pressures or threats from a minority of Community. This will not be the case this time however. I disagree that you are going to single out Santji as you put in your poster Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji Samagam as well. I think you have used Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji to pull in the sangat in at the Gurdwara. In my opinion Santji should be remembered distinctly and then Sikhs can learn about his lifestyle and not base there judgment on what the press or other Anti Sikh organizations continue mislead Sikhs. Maharaj Kirpa hope the event goes well. I will not reply to any more posts. If I have offended any of my veers / bibi's then I apologize, please consider me as your little brother. Vaheguru Ji Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Futeh Yes, we are not denying this, Sant Ji will be remembered as a shaheed at this event unlike others.

1. Support for Damdami Taksal - We currently have Sewadars from British Sikh Student Federation in Punjab and Delhi who will stay there for the June 6th Programmes at Darbar Sahib and elsewhere. - A video is also being made in support of this event in which a clip Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma's (DDT Mehta Chowk) will be shown on the day of the event, amoungst the likes of Bhai Sandeep Singh, Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema (Both SADA PP), Gurvinder Singh Manochchal, Paramjit Singh Gazi (SSF) etc. 2. Shere Panjab (London & Kent) have thrown their weight behind British Sikh Student Federation in general and this event in Particular.

The British Sikh Student Federation is proud to present this Shaheedi Samagam in memory of the Crown of Shaheeds Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji and Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. This is the first time that a Shaheedi Samagam will be held in the UK specifically with Sant Jarnail Singh's name mentioned and this was something that the British Sikh Student Federation was long overdue and necessary. The Samagam will start with a Sri Akhand Patth Sahib from Friday 18th June till Sunday 20th June 2010, with Bhog at 11am. This will be followed by various World Renowned Kirtani Jathas, Kathavaciks and Kavishri Jathas and Speakers that will inform the Sangat about the importance of why the sacrifices of our ancestors are so vital to our future. The BSSF stall will also be there with T-shirts, Hoodies, Posters and the new Militant Worrior Production Album! The Programme will be held at Sri Dashmesh Darbar Gurdwara, 97-102 Rosebury Avenue, Manor Park, Ilford, Essex, E12 6PT. For information about the event or transport arrangements please contact – 07891160081 – Kent 07716062094 - Southall 07878760899 – Birmingham 07912120003 - Wolverhampton 07791881614 - Huddersfield Info@britishsikhstudentfederation.com http://britishsikhst...x/?page_id=1366

Woolwich Sikhi Camp 2010 - Hosted by South London Sikh Youth in association with British Sikh Student Federation. Week Camp including a mystery trip. Registration can be done online via info@britishsikhstudentfederation.com or attending the open registeration at Woolwich Singh Sabha Gurdwara on Sunday 18th July 2010. http://britishsikhstudentfederation.com/index/?page_id=1353

The National Union of Students (NUS) is the main confederation of students' unions that exist inside the United Kingdom. The NUS currently has over 700 constituent member (unions of either higher or further education establishments) representing approximately 7million students (98% of the Student population in higher or further education). The NUS is dedicated to representing the needs of students from Ethnic backgrounds aswell as from different faiths. External affiliated organisations such as The Christian Union, National Hindu Student Forum (NHSF), Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) and the Union of Jewish Students help achieve this objective. Unfortunately there has been no Sikh representation in the NUS for many years. This was evident at this year's NUS National conference which was held between the 13th-15th April at the Sage Gateshead in Newcastle. Recently the General Secretary of the British Sikh Student Federation, Kirat Raj Singh, took up the issue of Sikh Student Representation in the NUS and some of the concerns which affected Sikh Students in higher and further education establishments across the country. In a meeting attended by NUS Vice President Society and Citizenship Susan Nash, Vice President Union Development Ed Marsh, NUS Interfaith Co-ordinator Kat Luckock and Kirat Raj Singh, the British Sikh Student Federation officially affiliated to the National Union of Students in order to strengthen the voice of the Sikh Students. One of the issues discussed in the meeting was regarding Sikh students in many colleges and universities being stopped from wearing their articles of faith (Five K's) especially the Kirpan. The delegates from NUS were reminded of the turban ban in French schools and concerns were expressed about similar laws being enacted in the UK. The Vice President Society and Citizenship was also briefed about the recent protest held against Kamal Nath at the London School of Business. A suggestion that the NUS "no platform" policy, which asserts that no one considered racist or fascist should be able to participate in any NUS function, should be extended to cover any speaker /visitor who has a record of Human right violations or infringements was put forward. This would help stop speakers like Kamal Nath from attending events at British Universities. The British Sikh Student Federation were assured that the NUS would take these concerns of Sikh Students to the highest level. The British Sikh Student Federation is committed to the needs of Sikh students ensuring that our voices are heard and our concerns are recognised. We invite every Sikh Student body and organisation to come forward and join with us to help achieve our objective. Harinder Singh Media Secretary British Sikh Student Federation

The protest against Kamal Nath'svisit to the United Kingdom for the 8th Annual Indian Business Forumwas a success as over 100 protesters turned out at the London Business Schoolat Regent's Park. Protesters arrived in coachesfrom across the UK, including, Southall, Slough, Gravesend, Ilford, Birmingham,Coventry, Wolverhampton, Walsall and Woolwich. Some protesters arrived as earlyas 6AM as the protest continued until noon where it was confirmed that KamalNath would not be attending the programme at any further stage. Protesters enteredthe vicinity of the hall in which the event was due to be held but whereremoved by the security and Police with an aggressive baton charge. Fortunately nobody was injuredand nobody was arrested however, we are greatly disappointed to learn that theLondon Business School refused to tender an apology to the Protesters and SikhCommunity in general. Unfortunately, due to the timingof the event, many students were unable to attend due to examinations;nevertheless, a dedicated few went to the extent of missing their exams tosupport the Protest. British Sikh Student FederationGeneral Secretary, Kirat Raj Singh was in discussion with senior members of theNational Students Union (NSU) to discuss plans of how to stop Violators ofHuman Rights from being invited to similar events held at University platformsand details of this will be released soon. We hope that this serves as aclear warning that if violators of Human Rights are to be invited to events inthe UK then they will be met with similar protests! Harinder Singh Media Secretary British Sikh Student Federation

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh The Protest will continue as initally stated. Any statements made to cancel the Protest should be ignored regardless.

** 10 AM TO 2 PM ** Wed 12th May 2010

British Sikh Student Federation would like to send this open invitation to all to attend this year’s 1984 Remembrance March and Freedom Rally on Sunday 13th June 2010. A whole range of Sikh Organisations are participating inthis year’s event as well as individual personalities. For the last few years we have noted a steady increase in the number of people attending the rally and this year would like to make aspecial appeal to Sikhs to bring their non-Sikh friends with them. It is important that we expand upon our base to get ourmessage of Injustice, Torture and Murder at the hands of the Indian establishment out to the wider community. Sikhs are not the only community suffering in India and last year all were pleasantly surprised to see a number of People from the Tamil community support the rally and we envisage this support increase not just from the Tamil community but also others including, Kashmiri, Naga, Bodo, Assame and many more. A number of other steps will also be released in the coming days and weeks about how you can practically get involved in making this year’srally a greater success. Media Secretary Harinder Singh