lsingh

[Please make every effort to attend this programme.

The Sikhs in Square DVD will also be shown on the, Date: 3rd June Time: Youth Programme 6-9 pm Location Guru Nanak Darbar ,Clarence Place, Gravesend

Date: 3rd June Time: Youth Programme 6-9 pm Location Guru Nanak Darbar Clarence Place Gravesend The Sikhs in Square DVD will also be shown

The recent independence vote in Montenegro is an example of how self determination can be achieved successfully. Previously the Daily Telegraph and now the Independent have both written in favour of people following their own destiny. The full article in the Independent has stated that countries that have become independent have been more successful than when they part of a larger country. The Independent Leading article: The benefits of a flexible approach to borders Published: 24 May 2006 Montenegro has voted, and by the narrowest of margins this former republic of now defunct Yugoslavia has decided to make the final break. It will leave the union with Serbia, and go it alone as a separate state. The final majority will be official in two weeks' time, but already there is no going back. Montenegro, with its 670,000 inhabitants, is set to become Europe's newest state. At once warm greetings flowed into the budding national capital, Podgorica. Even Serbia sent grudging congratulations. The erstwhile partners are now preparing negotiations on a division of assets. So far, the process has been remarkably civilised and calm. Even more remarkable has been the nonchalance, uninterest almost, with which the break-up has been countenanced elsewhere. In Europe, at least, it seems to be recognised that there are times when divorce is for the best. Article Length: 533 words (approx.)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5009238.stm India protests over Pope comments Benedict's XVI's envoy received a dressing down India has summoned the Vatican envoy in Delhi in protest over comments by the Pope in which he condemned attempts to ban religious conversions. India's junior Foreign Minister, Anand Sharma, told parliament on Tuesday that the envoy was told in "no uncertain terms" of India's disapproval. The Pope criticised India last week for what he called "disturbing signs of religious intolerance". India's main opposition party, the BJP, has already protested to the Vatican. 'Religious intolerance' Pope Benedict XVI made the comments last week while talking to India's new Ambassador to the Vatican, Amitava Tripathi. Religious conversions are a controversial issue The pontiff criticised India for "disturbing signs of religious intolerance which have troubled some regions of India". He specifically cited attempts by some Indian states to introduce legislation to ban what right-wing Hindus call "forced conversions". India's foreign ministry has now reacted strongly to Monday's papal comments. "India is a secular and democratic country, in which adherents of all religious faiths enjoy equal rights," said Junior Foreign Minister Anand Sharma. Interference Correspondents say that Mr Sharma made the comments in response to opposition criticism that India had not protested against the "grossly unwarranted" statement from Rome. Rajnath Singh, the President of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wrote to the Pope on 20 May. "My interference in your religious domain within the Vatican will be unwelcome, uncalled for and will be treated as interference in your religious management and administration," the letter said. Earlier this month, the state governor of India's western state of Rajasthan refused to sign a contentious religious freedom bill, which would have banned people from being converted to religions "against their will". Human rights agencies and minority groups also opposed the bill, saying it was introduced to appease radical Hindu groups. But the BJP-led Rajasthan government, led by the BJP, said that the bill had been introduced to stop religious conversion by means of allurement, greed or pressure. The BJP says that it supports legislation to ban "forced religious conversions", because many Christian missionaries recruit converts among the majority Hindu population using financial and educational enticements. Christians make up just over two percent of India's 1.1 billion mainly Hindu population.

The posters are up at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Gravesend, the postcards are available as well.

The following letter is a joint letter by ENSAAF, Human Rights Watch, REDRESS, and the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice. The complete letter, with appendix, as well as the PDF, is available at: http://www.ensaaf.org/CBIletter.html May 1, 2006 Mr. Vijay Shanker Director Central Bureau of Investigation Block No. 4, 6th Floor, CGO Complex Lodi Road New Delhi 110003 Re: K.P.S. Gill Dear Mr. Shanker, In early December 2005, Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Khalra wrote to you requesting that you initiate an independent investigation and bring charges against former Director General of Police (DGP) K.P.S. Gill for his alleged role in the murder of her husband, Jaswant Singh Khalra in October 1995. Over ten years ago, members of the Punjab police operating under Mr. Gill abducted, tortured, and murdered human rights defender Jaswant Singh Khalra because of his courageous work in exposing the "disappearances," custodial deaths, and secret cremations of thousands of Sikhs in Punjab. On November 18, 2005, Additional Sessions Judge Bhupinder Singh convicted and sentenced six Punjab police officers for their roles in the murder. Though long overdue, these convictions were an important milestone in Mrs. Khalra's search for justice. Mrs. Khalra has campaigned tirelessly for justice despite severe police harassment. Her request for your intervention is based on testimony that emerged during the trial of the six police officers. On September 11, 1995, five days after Punjab police abducted Mr. Khalra, the Supreme Court issued formal notice and service to DGP Gill of a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Mr. Khalra. The testimony of Special Police Officer (SPO) Kuldip Singh established at trial that Mr. Gill ignored the pending habeas corpus petition and personally interrogated Mr. Khalra in October 1995, while Mr. Khalra was illegally detained at the residence of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajit S. Sandhu. Evidence from the trial also indicates that Mr. Gill authorized the abduction and murder of Mr. Khalra. SPO Kuldip Singh testified that, according to his superior, during the interrogation Mr. Gill gave Mr. Khalra a choice between life and death. In order to live, Mr. Khalra simply had to follow Mr. Gill's advice and stop his human rights work. The police murdered Mr. Khalra in late October 1995. On November 15, 1995, the Supreme Court issued another order on the habeas corpus petition, ordering the CBI to inquire into Mr. Khalra's "disappearance" because the police investigation had not yielded any results. The Supreme Court further directed Mr. Gill to "render all assistance and help to the CBI." At a minimum, Mr. Gill failed to take necessary and reasonable measures to prevent Mr. Khalra's murder. Mr. Gill also ignored court orders. Despite receiving formal service in September 1995 about an active habeas corpus petition before the Supreme Court, Mr. Gill failed to disclose Mr. Khalra's whereabouts while he was alive. At the time that Mr. Gill interrogated Mr. Khalra, Mr. Khalra allegedly could barely move from the torture he had experienced at the hands of Mr. Gill's subordinate officers. At that time, Mr. Gill was legally required to order Mr. Khalra's release, thereby ending his illegal detention and further torture, and preventing his murder. In its November 1995 order, the Supreme Court explicitly identified Mr. Gill's subordinate officers as alleged to be involved in Mr. Khalra's "disappearance," and directed a copy of its order to DGP Gill. The court ordered Mr. Gill to provide assistance in locating Mr. Khalra. Mr. Gill thus had well-publicized information in his possession that put him on notice about his subordinates' illegal activities. Yet Mr. Gill ignored the Supreme Court's order. He further failed to punish any officers after the murder of Mr. Khalra, despite his personal knowledge of the officers who illegally detained, tortured and murdered Mr. Khalra. Given the weight of the evidence available in the public domain about Mr. Gill's role in this case, the CBI must undertake an impartial and thorough inquiry as soon as possible and then refer the case for appropriate prosecution. Both Indian and international law provide a clear framework to prosecute the kinds of acts and omissions described in this case (please see the Appendix for a short discussion of relevant international law). We are therefore disappointed that the Central Bureau of Investigation has yet to respond to Mrs. Khalra's letter of December 2005. We urge you to address this matter on an urgent basis, not just because justice has already been inordinately delayed, but also because Mr. Gill is continuing to act as a governmental advisor on counter-insurgency operations. His recent appointment as Security Advisor to the Chattisgarh government provides every reason to fear the advice he will offer to the state police in their efforts to counter the Naxalites. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Brad Adams Executive Director, Asia Division Human Rights Watch Jaskaran Kaur Executive Director ENSAAF Carla Ferstman Director REDRESS Smita Narula Faculty Director Center for Human Rights and Global Justice CC: Paramjit Kaur Khalra

http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2006/04/27/india13279.htm India: Draconian Response to Naxalite Violence States Must Respect Rights to Counter Rebels (New York, April 27, 2006) – The adoption of a draconian law by the Chattisgarh state government to address the Naxalite armed movement and its appointment of a known human rights abuser as security advisor are likely to lead to serious abuses, Human Rights Watch said today. Chattisgarh has a duty to keep its citizens safe, but it should not resort to draconian laws or abusive officials. The state and central governments must use lawful methods to counter Naxalite violence. Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. India: Grime under the red carpet Commentary, March 26, 2006 The group said the government should repeal the new Special Public Protection Act, or amend it to conform to international human rights law, and remove the special advisor, K.P.S. Gill, who led the Punjab police at a time of widespread rights violations. “Chattisgarh has a duty to keep its citizens safe, but it should not resort to draconian laws or abusive officials,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The state and central governments must use lawful methods to counter Naxalite violence.” The Chattisgarh state government’s actions come even as the human rights and humanitarian situation is deteriorating in the 13 Indian states affected by increasing Naxalite attacks. Fifty villagers were abducted by Naxalites in Chattisgarh on April 25. The Indian government is planning to deploy 11 battalions of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in states affected by Naxalite action, increasing fears of spiraling armed confrontations that would place ordinary civilians at grave risk. The CRPF has been implicated in serious abuses in other parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir state. Recent criminal acts by the Naxalites, such as the April 25 abductions, politically motivated killings, and the use of landmines and bombings, have placed the central and state governments under enormous pressure to maintain public safety and security. The leftist Naxalites say they are fighting on behalf of lower-caste Indians. They have imposed illegal taxes; demanded food and shelter from villagers; abducted and killed “class enemies,” government officials, police officers and others whom they consider to be opponents; and hampered the delivery of aid to the isolated countryside, adversely affecting the lives of the people they claim to represent. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently described the Naxal movement as the “single biggest internal challenge ever faced by our country.” The Special Public Protection Act, which came into force in March, is a vague and overly broad law that allows detention of up to three years for “unlawful activities.” The term is so loosely defined in the law that it threatens fundamental freedoms set out by the Indian constitution and international human rights law, and could severely restrict the peaceful activities of individuals and civil society organizations. The respected Public Union for Civil Liberties in India has filed suit, alleging that the ordinance is “amenable to gross abuse and misuse, arbitrariness and partiality” and “can result in harsh and drastic punishment to innocent persons without hearing or remedy and … can be abused for the suppression of the fundamental rights of the citizens.” The law also criminalizes any support given to Naxalites, with no defense of duress. Thus, persons whom the Naxalites force to provide assistance are subject to detention under the ordinance. “People can now be put in jail for three years for peaceful protests, or for giving food to the Naxalites at the point of a gun,” said Adams. “This is a mistake. Scrupulous respect for rights is the best answer to the Naxalites.” Human Rights Watch expressed particular concern about the appointment of Gill, who led Punjab’s police force in the 1990s, when it was implicated in widespread human rights violations during counter-insurgency operations. During Gill’s tenure, the Punjab police were responsible for numerous extrajudicial executions, “disappearances” and cremations intended to destroy evidence of those executed. The Central Bureau of Investigation found that at least 2,097 such cremations occurred in just one district. Human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who first exposed the cremations, was murdered by members of the Punjab police in 1995. During a trial for Khalra’s murder, in which six policemen were convicted in 2005, evidence was presented linking Gill to Khalra’s death. Gill has often criticized human rights defenders, saying in an article last year that only a small number of human rights organizations “are actually and innocently concerned about anybody’s rights,” and that the rest, together with “terrorists,” had established a modus operandi “for the manipulation of the media and the systematic abuse of the processes of law to constantly denigrate the police and to protect criminals and terrorists.” “Appointing K.P.S. Gill is a sure way to undermine public confidence in the security services,” said Adams. “Given his record, the government will not be able to claim ignorance if and when Gill uses abusive methods.” Recommendations Human Rights Watch called upon all parties, including the central government, the state governments, the various Naxalite groups and government-backed vigilante groups, to respect human rights protections under Indian and international law. In particular, Human Rights Watch urged that: Indian security forces must end the practice of extrajudicial executions of alleged Naxalites and their supporters, and allow the National Human Rights Commission and independent civil society organizations to investigate such allegations. All state and national security legislation that does not provide for international standards of due process or fair trials or allows for prolonged and arbitrary detention should be repealed or amended to conform to international standards. The government must cease the sponsorship of and take steps to dismantle armed vigilante groups that commit human rights abuses. The government should ensure that internally displaced persons are protected according to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. The Naxalites must immediately cease committing abuses of human rights, including killings and abductions, and allow the National Human Rights Commission and independent civil society organizations to investigate such incidents. The Naxalites must immediately end all recruitment of persons under the age of 18 and demobilize all individuals under 18 from all forces under their control.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/63/5143.html Ethnic Groups Need Specialist Services To Tackle Alcohol Misuse By: BMJ on Mar 25 2006 10:07:55 Alcohol Misuse Ethnic minorities may have particular problems with alcohol use, yet may not be seeking help, warns a senior psychiatrist in this week's BMJ. He believes that these hidden populations need specific services – and more research. In the United Kingdom, several ethnic minorities have higher levels of alcohol use and resulting health problems than the general population, writes Rahul Rao of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. For example, 34% of Irish men drink above the weekly recommended limit of 21 units of alcohol, compared with 29% of the general Irish population and 27% of the general British population. A similar problem exists in south Asian (Sikh) male migrants to the UK and Hispanic men in the United States. Both alcohol misuse and ethnicity are bound to social disadvantage, says the author. Considerable stigma also surrounds alcohol misuse in minority ethnic groups, particularly for Asian communities in the UK, where people from an older generation are unwilling to recognise alcohol misuse within their communities. As a result, people with alcohol problems may try to cope on their own rather than use alcohol services, or they may be unaware of alcohol services. In turn, health providers may avoid developing services for ethnic minorities. Alcohol misuse cannot simply be tackled using a broad population approach without culturally appropriate services to meet the needs of minority ethnic groups, he writes. This in turn cannot be achieved without a knowledge base drawn from high quality research within specific populations. Some progress has been made in developing culturally appropriate services over the past 10 years. But at present, such knowledge remains patchy, he concludes. (Editorial: Alcohol misuse and ethnicity) http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/332/7543/682

Excommunicate Josh, say Sikh leaders ML Kak Jammu, March 21 While taking a strong exception to the recent statement of Mr Harcharan Singh Josh, a member of the National Commission for Minorities, in which he had stated that Sikhs were part of Hindus, several Sikh leaders of Jammu and Kashmir have appealed to Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar of Akal Takht, to summon him and expel him from the community. At a meeting held here today, which was presided over by Mr SS Wazir, a former president of the state gurdwara prabandhak board, the Sikh leaders urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to sack Mr Josh from the Commission as he had not only underplayed the sacrifices committed by the community and the Sikh Gurus but showed that he (Josh) was a "stooge of the Congress." The Sikh leaders said Mr Josh had been appointed a member of the Commission as he was a Sikh and the Sikhs were a minority community. The meeting was attended among others by Mr Narbir Singh, president, Shiromani Youth Akali Dal, Mr Mohinder Singh, chief organiser Bhai Kanahiya Nishkam Sewa Society, Mr Paramjot Singh, president, AISSF, and Mr Amar Singh, president, Sikh Welfare Society. The Sikh leaders wanted Mr Josh to resign from the Commission as he had a “dubious past” and had been "deputed by the Congress for justifying Operation Bluestar in 1984 in foreign countries." They appealed to the Prime Minister to appoint a Sikh leader of integrity and honesty in his place as member of the Commission

Cops accused of extra judicial killings to be protected: Singla Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service Phillaur, March 21 The Punjab government is preparing a proposal to save from prosecution the police officers and police cats who used “out of the box” means to fight terrorism. Disclosing this to The Tribune on the sidelines of the “Passing-out parade at the Punjab Police Academy here today, Finance Minister, Surinder Singla said Chief Minister Punjab, Amarinder Singh would announce shortly the procedure and method to save the officers who had to take extra-judicial measures to combat terrorism. The proposal has been mooted by DGP Punjab, S.S. Virk in the backdrop of the Sukhjinder Sukhi police cat’s case. Besides, the DGP and the Chief Minister were alive to the legal problems faced by the police officials who worked in the state during militancy. The FM and the DGP said extra-ordinary circumstances required extra-ordinary steps to combat it, “The law did not provide the measures and now the police would be armed with some kind of protection against the law.” The details of the proposals that could bring changes in the Punjab Police Rules, prosecution of officers or some legal change would be disclosed shortly by the Chief Minister, they said. The DGP also revealed that the Punjab Police was in the process of segregating the cops facing prosecution for combating terrorism from others. In another sops for the cops, Mr Singla also announced that one bumper prize out of the lotteries next year would be given to the Punjab Police for welfare purposes. The DGP informed that the money would be utilised to give insurance cover to the cops. Addressing the passing-out parade of 563 police officers including a foreign contingent from Maldives and Bhutan besides from Indian states , Uttaranchal and Punjab Police officers present on the occasion, the FM announced grant of Rs one crore for the academy for maintenance, renovation, new construction, training methods and tools. The Finance Minister also agreed in principle to accept other demands made by Mr R.S. Gill, ADGP-cum-Director of the Academy. Mr Gill read out a list of demands for the modernisation of the training in academy and better facilities for the trainees as well as of the officials. He specially mentioned crumbling buildings and the 30 posts of law Instructor vacant in the Academy. Mr Gill in annual report on achievements specially mentioned the feats of Dr S.S. Chauhan, Dy Director (Indoor) and Dr D.J. Singh, Dean and Dy Director (Social Sciences) for international recognition of their respective excellence. Mr Singla also awarded medals to 19 cops for bravery or meritorious services. These were President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service to DGP Punjab S.S. Virk; SP city-II Jalandhar Bachan Singh Randhawa; JIC Amritsar SI Jasbir Singh. The Police Medal for Gallantry went to head constable Kewal Singh while DIG Administrator Sanjeev Kalra was awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Other recipients of Police Medal were, DIG R.L. Bhagat, DIG Sham Lal Gakhar, SP Arpit Shukla, SP Mukhtiar Singh, SP Vijay Kumar, DSP Rajinder Singh, DSP Devinder Singh, DSP Daljit Singh, Insp. Haridal Singh, SI Karnail Singh, SI Ram Singh, SI Sukhchain Singh, ASI Daya Singh and H.C. Santokh Raj.

One thing that I find disturbing about 1947 is that the violence between communities had started a year before ,but desipite having a large British and Indian army presence nothing was done to protect civilians. Gandhi and Nehru were shown to be decent but Jinnah was shown to be aggressive last night, I wonder who the advisors were to the programme. Jinnah realised about Gandhi and Nehru when they started using Hindi as their form of communication , when english was used as the neutral language for discussions.

Secret Killings: Notices to Mahanta and Gill [ Sunday, March 19, 2006 06:07:59 pmPTI ] RSS Feeds| SMS NEWS to 8888 for latest updates GUWAHATI: Former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and former Punjab Director-General of Police K P S Gill were served notices to appear before Justice K N Saikia Commission probing the secret killings in Assam. Justice Saikia told reporters on Sunday that Gill confirmed that he had received the notice and would be sending his affidavit soon. Notices have been served to Mahanta, who was also holding the Home portfolio during his last term, Gill and several other senior officials of the home department. Justice Saikia said that he has asked the government to extend the term of the commission by another six months. The commission is inquiring into 12 cases and each case requires four sessions for hearing and one session for argument and therefore more time was required, he pointed out. Justice Saikia was asked to inquire into the secret killings that took place during Mahanta's regime after the present Congress government rejected the report submitted by Justice J N Sharma who had earlier inquired into the killings and acquitted Mahanta. Several family members of ULFA militants were allegedly killed by surrendered ULFA activists during 1998-99 during Mahanta's regime and these are referred to as secret killings.

Sikh bodies seek removal of Josh from NCM Varinder Walia Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 19 Even as various Sikh organisations have sought the immediate removal of Mr Harcharan Singh Josh as a member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) for challenging the distinct identity of the Sikhs, he (Mr Josh) dared them saying “Let Akal Takht summon him”. Talking to The Tribune from New Delhi on telephone today, Mr Josh said he would decide whether to appear or not before Akal Takht only after receiving summons to be issued by the Sikh clergy. He reiterated that the Sikhs were part of the Hindus as they still enjoyed common culture. While spokesman for the Dal Khalsa Bhai Mohkam Singh urged Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti to summon Mr Josh at Akal Takht for his alleged ‘irresponsible utterances’ and ‘excommunicate’ him from the Panth, Mr Parmjit Singh Sarna, president, Delhi Akali Dal, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta and Mr Harinderpal Singh, both SGPC members, demanded his immediate removal as a member of the NCM. They said Mr Josh should either step down or the Central Government should remove him from the NCM. Mr Sarna said if Mr Josh wanted the ‘assimilation’ of the Sikhs into the majority community then he had no moral right to continue as a member of the NCM. Mr Calcutta, who is also the patron of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), deplored the nomination of Mr Josh to the NCM saying he did not know the basic tenets of the Sikhism. He also expressed concern over the honour bestowed by the CKD and other Sikh organisations on Mr Josh without knowing his credentials. However, reiterating his utterances that “Sikhs are part of Hindus”, Mr Josh said there were many families where one brother was Hindu and another a Sikh. The Hindus and the Sikhs were inseparable, he said. He said marriages between the Hindus and the Sikhs were common, which was a symbol of common cultural ties between the two communities. However, to a pointed question, Mr Josh denied that he was ever deputed by the Congress to justify the Operation Bluestar in 1984 in the foreign countries. However, the spokesman for the Dal Khalsa said the Sikhs hold the Hindus in high esteem like other faiths and communities but it was wrong to dub them as part of the Hindus. He threatened to mobilise Sikh masses to enforce the removal of Mr Josh if he failed to apologise.

The Khalsa Ave site is part of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara so technically it is not a seperate Gurdwara just another building of the Guruu Nanak Darbar.

There are two Gurdwaras in Gravesend the Guru Nanak Darbar and a Bhagat Ravidas Gurdwara.

Can think of any other country where you can be arrested for flying a flag? You don't get people arrested for talking about an independent Scotland. Zee News showed doctored clip: Bittu Vimal Sumbly Tribune News Service Ludhiana, March 9 Mr Daljit Singh Bittu, president of the Shiromani Khalsa Dal, today alleged that there was a “definite design” by the Indian state to malign the image of people, who were fighting for their democratic and constitutional rights. He regretted that certain media organisations also appeared to be playing into the hands of the (Indian) state and were becoming part of the design. Mr Bittu, one of the staunch votaries of a separate Sikh state, maintained that theirs was a democratic way of protest. He pointed out there was a definite space for dissent in democratic societies, but regretted that the same was being denied to them in India. He pointed out while the Prime Minister was inviting people like Yasin Malik for talks those resorting to peaceful ways were being “damned as threat to the national security”. Referring to his interview to Zee News, he alleged, “It was distorted and presented out of context”. He revealed that he had been interviewed for more than an hour and only a single “doctored clip” was aired so as to make out as if “we advocated armed rebellion”. He warned, “Don’t push us to the wall just because we want to be peaceful in our protest and demand”. He claimed that even the Supreme Court had ruled in one of its ruling that demanding Khalistan was no crime as long as the demand was made in a peaceful and democratic manner. The Khalistan ideologue asserted that the movement was still enjoying a widespread support, which may not be manifest right now. He said people like him were trying to build up an alternative to the traditional political parties. The alternative, he said, would have the Sikhism as its basic priority. “Sikhism comes first and Punjab next, the nation (India) can wait”, he remarked. Mr Bittu criticised the government for arresting Dr Jagjit Singh Chohan for his statements to Zee News. At the same time he regretted that Dr Chohan was trivialising an important and serious issue of Khalistan by his non-serious talks. He appealed to him to exercise restraint and not to make an important and serious issue, which concerns millions of people, look ridiculous. The general secretary of the Dal Khalsa, Mr Kanwarpal Singh, was also present on the occasion. Fresh case against Chohan; Khalsa Raj Party office sealed Tribune News Service Hoshiarpur, March 9 The police here has booked Dr Jagjit Singh Chohan, a proponent of Khalistan, in a fresh case of creating lawlessness and pulled down ‘controversial flag’ fluttering atop the building of a charitable hospital being run by him in Tanda, 32km from here. The police reportedly also sealed the office of the “Khalsa Raj Party” inside the hospital premises after taking certain objectionable documents and a computer into possession. Sources in the police disclosed that a case under Sections 121, 124-A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code was registered against Dr Chohan by Tanda police last night. Police officials were reluctant to register a case against Dr Chohan but they have to book him under pressure, sources in the police disclosed. Highly placed sources revealed the police had also detained certain family members of Dr Chohan, including his wife Mrs Charanjit Kaur, and friends for questioning in the case. Apart from taking some documents from his office, the police also took some computers and other electronic communication instruments for investigations. Mr Lok Nath Angra, Senior Superintendent of Police, claimed that Khalistan ideologue Chohan was booked for creating lawlessness by making anti-national statements. Mr Harish Kumar, Superintendent of Police (Detective), has been asked to conduct investigation in the case. The SP (D) claimed that certain flags, a computer and some pamphlets were taken into possession after searching the office of the Khalsa Raj Party inside the building of Chohan Charitable Hospital in Tanda, last night. He said during search neither the currency notes, nor any passport, postal stamps and blueprints of Khalistan were found in Chohan’s office. Mr Kumar added during questioning Chohan’s wife disclosed that the currency notes, passports and other documents pertaining to Khalistan were in England. The SP (D) also claimed that the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the computer is being examined for detecting Mr Chohan’s links with other Khalistan ideologues in the World. The police in civil dress have been deployed in Tanda and other towns to keep a watch on associates of Mr Chohan for establishing his links with other ‘outfits’, police sources disclosed. Badal for probe into controversial TV programme Tribune News Service Chandigarh, March 9 The controversial television programme regarding "Khalistan" today echoed in the Punjab Assembly. The President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, while demanding an independent inquiry into the matter, blamed the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, and his close aides for having "engineered" the programme to create terror with regard to "Khalistan" in the minds of people ahead of the coming Assembly elections. Mr Badal and his party demanded an independent inquiry by a Judge of the High Court or the Central Bureau of Investigation into the matter. He also demanded that all those who were involved in filming and telecasting the programme should be found out. He called the programme " politically motivated" and added that it was aimed at "defaming the Sikh community and dividing Hindus and Sikhs who are like brothers." Speaking for the government, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, said the Congress was ready for any probe into the matter. She, however, added that a formal announcement about the inquiry would be made by the Chief Minister tomorrow. She also said that the government would write to Zee TV asking it to conduct an inquiry on its own how the programme was filmed and telecast and who all were involved in it. Earlier, Mrs Bhattal said "we all have to move ahead" and reminded the Akalis that Mr Jagjit Singh Chohan, who had been arrested for raising the demand for "Khalistan," had come back to India after a long period during the regime of the NDA. She also said that a Khalsa sammelan was organised by separatist elements a few years ago in which certain Akali ministers and the SGPC had participated. Earlier Mr Badal had said that Mr Chohan and terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara, in separate instances, had praised Capt Amarinder Singh.

'Golden temple? It's the new Berlin Wall' 08 March 2006 RESIDENTS say they have the second 'Berlin Wall' on the doorstep after developers building an £8 million Sikh temple failed to replace trees bordering the site. Rose Heather, of Cumberland Avenue in Gravesend, said neighbours, who had hoped trees separating their once leafy cul-de-sac would be replaced, are furious. The perimeter wall is needed to separate the site and adjacent railway line, but residents say no thought was given to its design. Mrs Heather said: "I have lived here 37 years and the trees at the end of the road closed it off and gave us a nice outlook. "We were under the impression the trees would be taken down during construction and replaced with a nice wall of tall trees. "But in the past couple of weeks we have noticed this concrete slab appear. It is like the Berlin Wall, which is how we refer to it. It is not even nicely designed - it has ruined the look of our area." Doreen Townsend, 59, whose family have lived in the road for over 70 years, said residents should have been consulted. "It's an eyesore," she added. "It is our very own Berlin Wall. With the trees, it used to be a lovely view. Even with a wall it could be if they cared enough to plant in front. We just believe they don't really care about how we feel. "Residents here have accepted the temple - all we ask is for some consideration when it affects where we live and the view from our windows." The temple will be used by the whole community, not just the borough's 12,000 Sikhs. Its design was inspired by the famous Golden Temple at Amritsar in India, the holiest of places for over 20 million Sikhs worldwide. Once complete, the Gurdwara, in Khalsa Avenue, will be able to house 1,200 worshippers. Designer and architect Teja Biring said he sympathised with the residents but said the wall was unavoidable because of the nature of the railway embankment. He added: "Throughout the building the temple we have had numerous meetings with residents on various roads bordering the site and agreed a row of poplars on Trinity Road and cherries on Alanbrooke. We do care and we take on board all concerns. "We have agreed to replant trees and landscape the areas affected because it benefits the existing residents and our visitors. "This wall has been given a lot of consideration but because it is a railway embankment we have no say on planting. The railway people are not keen on trees by the lines because of leaf-fall. "I can understand the complaints but in the next couple of years shrubs and natural growth will carry on and is likely to grow along the wall, shielding it. "We chose this wall, and not a brick wall, because graffiti is a problem in Gravesend. This wall is easy to clean and paint over. "During the work we had a temporary permit to go on the land to remove trees but after that it is out of our hands." A spokesman from South Eastern Trains was unavailable for comment. michael.adkins@archant.co.uk

Gurdwara chiefs answer criticism By Alison White GURDWARA chiefs have spoken of the bright future the Sikh temple will provide for community harmony following recent criticism. The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, currently under construction in Khalsa Avenue, Gravesend, has hit the headlines after a string of complaints from residents. A special meeting of the Gurdwara management committee, Gravesham councillors, racial equality council representatives and the building team was held last week to discuss the temple. At the meeting Gurdwara architect Teja Biring said the committee feels something has gone astray with public perception of the project. He said recent media coverage of the temple gave the impression the whole community was against the project. News Shopper recently reported Gravesham councillor Bronwen McGarrity claims workers were manipulating the planning system so they could work weekends to finish the public car park at the site. Residents said they could not get any peace because they were being disturbed by noise at the construction site. They also complained the external walls were built higher than the permitted 2m before planning permission was obtained. Mr Biring said the temple is not intending to upset neighbours but instead involve them in a great project. He said the current Gurdwara has always fostered community harmony and "it is just going to get better" when the new site is ready. The new temple, which is expected to open in 2008, is funded entirely by the Sikh community. The next phase of the project will be to clad the building in marble and granite, shipped from India and fitted by Indian stone masons. Mr Biring said: "It is not just for the Sikh community. "We want to be part of the community. Dev Sharma, director of the North West Kent Racial Equality Council, said: "Everybody is proud of it. It is something fantastic in Gravesend. "It is excellent for community cohesion and everyone wants it." 12:03pm Tuesday 28th February 2006

Temple complaints not anti-Sikh community By Alison White GRAVESHAM'S Tory leader says a councillor's complaints about the new Sikh temple are nothing to do with race. Last week News Shopper reported how the Sikh community hit back at crit- icism of the new Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara. Members say recent complaints about the £8m community-funded temple were a result of anti-multiculturalism. They say international tensions are creating a climate of fear and prejudice towards all religions, which is being felt in Gravesend. But Conservative leader Councillor Mike Snelling says the positive contribution the Sikh community makes to the town has always been recognised. He feels residents are just fed up with having a building site in their back gardens. Cllr Snelling defended Councillor Bronwen McGarrity after a Gurdwara member in the article branded her "intent on causing delay and upheaval" to the project. The central ward councillor claimed resident's lives were being made a misery by construction work at the weekend. Builders deliberately waited until the last minute to apply for council permission to work past the 1pm deadline, according to Cllr McGarrity. Planning officers had no choice but to allow the work to go ahead, she said. Cllr Snelling says Cllr McGarrity was voicing the anger of her constituents, who felt the system was being flouted so the Gurdwara car park could be finished. People were angry they had to suffer noise just to alleviate parking problems in the town. He added any councillor worth their salt would have done the same, no matter what section of the community they were representing. Cllr McGarrity said: "It is particularly disapointing what is essentially a very good councillor representing her residents on a clear issue of nuisance has been mistakenly represented by some as an issue of whether she is opposed to the project." Assistant director of North West Kent Racial Equality Council Gurvinder Sandher said: "I believe the new Gurdwara will contribute to better community cohesion in Gravesham. "The Sikh community needs to be commended for all its hard work in raising funds for this exciting project." 10:45am today Print Send

The event is this Sunday at the Khalsa Ave site starting at 5.15pm

International Human Rights Organisation Of the Indian Subcontinent 210, New Judicial Courts Complex, Ludhiana- 141 001 Phone: 91 161 500 9210, 395 7771, 461 7772, WWW.IHRO.IN Dear Balvinder Kaur Saund: I on behalf of International Human Rights (IHRO) and Punjab Rights Forum (PRF) thank the group of women from the Sikh Women's Alliance and your very much for joining the candlelight vigil in Ilford Town Centre and subsequently for lobbing with your local MP and Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee, Mike Gapes on the issue of death penalty and the case of Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, including the treatment meted out to the Sikhs in Uttaranchal. We also thank Mr Mike Gapes who has responded well to your efforts and sent you a positive response (reply) of Kim Howells, the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on the subject matter concerning India. With regards, (D S Gill) Chair IHRO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: SikhEKTA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:SikhEKTA@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Balvinder Saund Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 3:07 AM Subject: [sikhEKTA] Death Penalty in India WJKK WJKF to all Sikh brothers and sisters, Recently, a group of women from the Sikh Women's Alliance and I joined the candlelight vigil in Ilford Town Centre and following this vigil, I wrote to my local M.P., Mike Gapes on the issue of death penalty and the case of Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and the treatment of Sikhs in Uttaranchal. Mike Gapes is the Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee currently and I have been the Secretary of his Ilford South Constituency for the past three years. Mike Gapes has today forwarded a reply from Kim Howells, the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in response to my representations, and these are set out below for your information: 'Thank you for your letter of 9th January to the Foreign Secretary on behalf of your constituent Balvinder Kaur Saund, Chairperson of Sikh Women's Alliance about the case of Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and the treatment of Sikhs in India. I am replying as Minister responsible for our relations with India. We are aware of the case of Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, and share concerns over the use of the death penalty in India. The UK opposes capital punishment in all circumstances. The UK together with EU partners calls upon all states to abolish the death penalty. India's constitution only allows for the death penalty in the 'rarest of rare cases'. In conjunction with the EU, we have marked India about their use of the death penalty, most recently in June 2004, and we will continue to use every appropriate opportunity to press for its abolition. We will continue to monitor this case closely. We also share Mrs. Saund's concern over religious intolerance and minority discrimination in some parts of India. She mentions specifically reports about the alleged racial discrimination and abuse of human rights of Sikhs living in Uttaranchal. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the rights of everyone to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The U.K. supports this right in international fora and in individual cases where it arises. We condemn all instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief, wherever they happen and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned. Our High Commission in New Delhi continues to monitor issues of religious freedom in India. Our staff makes regular calls to Indian authorities flagging up our concern about incidents of religious intolerance. We will continue to insist that the right to freedom of religion is upheld, and that those responsible for attacks against people on grounds of their religion are brought to justice. In this context, we welcomed the comments made by the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his speech at the National Communal Harmony Award event in New Delhi on 2 August 2005, when he said, 'No religion supports violence. Those who resort to violence in the name of religion are doing a disservice to their faith and to humanity. Tolerance is an important lesson of all religions.' Last August, Prime Minister Singh also addressed the first meeting of the National Integration Council for 13 years (in itself of importance). He said, ’...extremism of any form, based on any divisive ideology, cannot be tolerated in any civilised, democratic society....' and later reinforced his commitment stating '...the importance of communal harmony, I think, needs no reiteration. It is the 'sine qua non' of our survival as a civilised society...’ Yours sincerely, KIM HOWELLS, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office,

The Indian statement is interferance in another countries internal affairs(a term which India uses to deflect criticism). Why are they so worried, are they afraid that the genocide that was committed on Sikhs is getting publicity in the West? The Uk has laws which can convict people who have carried out crimes against humanity. A bet a few Indians are worried about visiting the UK

We should not outcast people who have drifted away from Sikhism because in 90% cases they were never taught about Sikhism in the first place. Parents were more interested in making money and Gurdwaras concentrate more on buildings than teaching. We need to introduce youth classes where kids can get understanding of their religion and proud history.

Every effort should be made to attend this event to highlight the Sikh cause. Sangat from Southall could attend the Gurprub for Guru Nanak Dev ji which is being held on the 20th Nov.