BiggChan

Who Are The Guilty by the People's Union For Democratic Rights and the People's Union For Civil Liberties 1984 lists several Muslim names involved in the murder, arson, looting and various criminal activites against the Sikhs including A Mulla who lived near the mosque in Trilokpuri and taught children at the mosque. He allegedly incited Muslims to go burn two Gurudwaras of the locality. Several Muslims are named although their numbers fade in to comparison to the amount of Hindus both imported in to the areas to kill, rape and loot as well as those Hindus who just decided to turn on their neighbours. I can not find any evidence supporting the release of criminals although gypsies may refer to those communities from Delhi's urban villages like the Gujjars who were involved in the massacre.

As far as the media are concerned, good/bad controversy equals publicity so no doubt the BBC as well as Sonia Deol are loving the attention the programme has got. The BBC probably aren't too concerned about the Sikh viewpoint because we don't have strong bodies in place who can lobby them when they make incorrect statements or programmes concerning the Sikhs. BBC News for example. When an incident takes place involving Pakistanis, the term Asian is always used. When an incident occurs involving Sikhs, they do not hesitate to mention Sikh and if I remember correctly they recently displayed a khanda for a story concerning a rapist who was of Sikh appearance. The BBC would never dare make an ill researched programme about the Jewish Holocaust purely due to the headache they would get from the Jews after. It is a shame because overall the BBC is a broadcaster many believe is impartial.

Additionally, I doubt any Sikh's are on the board with the BBC so we can not have any input. Until Sikhs begin to fill these positions, BBC will hapilly use those like Bajwa unaware of their agendas. I am not sure whether Sonia is a presenter alone or a journalist as well. As she is an occasional news presenter, I would assume she has some journalistic training therefore regardless of whether it is a personal journey or not, as per the news stories she reports, equally she should have researched this progamme to give a true balanced programme. If it was purely her story, why was there need to attach Sikh to the title. I'm sure 1984 - Sonia's Story would have sufficed.

Incidentally, researcher Jay Singh Sohal was briefly a presenter on Brit Asia TV. Maybe the Sikh Channel can conduct an interview with him discussing what was researched and why key elements were missed. It's not fair that Sonias letting everything fall on the researchers heads.

Anti-Sikh Riots

CBI chargesheets Sajjan Kumar

‘Ex-Congress MP incited mob to kill Sikhs’

Rashi Agarwal

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 13

Twenty-five years after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the national capital, the Central Bureau of Investigation today filed two separate chargesheets against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, blaming him for two of the “murders” during the riots. Twelve others - including Sajjan’s relative Balwan Khokkar - have also been charged for the crimes.

The CBI has imposed charges under sections 302, 153-A, 109, 436, 295, 201, 396, 427, 436, 449 and 505 of the Indian Penal Code in its chargesheet filed in the Special CBI court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja here today. The hearing is slated for January 18 and will be taken by another special CBI court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Lokesh Kumar at the Karkadooma courts.

The severest of these sections is 302 of the IPC that deals with murder. If convicted, this can lead to either dearth penalty or life imprisonment.

The CBI chargesheet said “….the then MP (Sajjan Kumar) instigated a mob of about 300 to 400 persons to kill and burn the people of Sikh community and to loot and burn their houses..." The action comes less a month after Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had assuaged the feelings of the Sikh community while speaking at a debate in Parliament.

Meanwhile, due to lack of evidence CBI separately filed a closure report in a case registered with the Mangolpuri police station in which one person, Dr Iqbal Singh, was killed.

In case of Sajjan Kumar, the chargesheet has been filed in two separate cases registered in the police stations of Sultanpuri and Delhi Cantt following the killing of eight and five persons, respectively, during the riots.

The CBI chargesheeted Sajjan Kumar after it got a formal nod from Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna to prosecute him.

Counsel for the families of riots victims, HS Phoolka said, “Out of the total 13 witnesses, 11 have already given their evidences, recorded statements and identified Sajjan Kumar as the person instigating people against Sikhs in these areas and spreading enmity between two communities.”

All three cases were registered on the recommendation of the Justice GT Nanavati Commission in 2005. The panel was probing the sequence of events leading to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the aftermath of the assassination of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

Meanwhile, outside the court, Narpreet Kaur - the kin of a victim and also a complainant - said, “Justice cannot bring back my father. I have lost him forever. Even today my mother cannot forget that ghastly event which changed our life drastically.”

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100114/main1.htm

Even though this was clearly a quickly produced programme the guest speakers made many excellent points.

Paji with the yellow ramaal had excellent knowledge and presented himself very professionally. It's a subject which gets many people worked up and frustrated. But if you have done your research your words can been inspirational.

If anybody has this programme taped, please put it online. Also, was the little advert after the programme indicating that the Sikh Channel will be making a 1984 programme?

Well HARDEEPGILL its called a view point. All the information is out there and very easily researchable. That leads to the conclusion they added what they wanted and didnt give the balanced account they promised.

Its disappointing because Sikhs rarely get a mainstream opportunity such as this, so you would expect it to be well researched. Like i say, Sonias just the presenter although you would expect her to have done some research herself. I thought her interviews with Mohinder Kaur and the Trilokpuri widows were good and that's why I say that instead of tackling tricky territory such as pre and post Bluestar, she should have stuck to post Gandhi assasination and the Delhi riots.

Sonia Deol isn't the issue. Fair enough, it was her journey and her view point but the research was poor....which, unless she values the content of her broadcasts, is not her fault. At the end of the day she's just a presenter. I actually think it would have been better and more credible if a non-Sikh presenter had been used.

Many people are probably just thinking that it was a wasted opportunity to get the true story of what happened across

biggchan, if he program covered all the points you mention then it would have carried on al night.

They didn't need to cover them, just research them in order to produce a balanced programme.

The programme was very poor and unbalanced. If they wanted to tackle the '1984' story, then not only are 1978 Massacre and Anandpur Sahib Resolution key but also many events since 1947.

Why haven't they researched in to how Punjab was split in 1966 on linguistic grounds, the Punjab river waters diverted, why Sikhs who compromise 2% of the population of India are subject of over 60% of Indian films and TV serials where they are largely portrayed as criminals or uneducated bumbling idiots who believe in Sikhism when it suits them and the rest of the time in Hinduism. Isn't this part of a conspiracy to turn the larger community against the Sikhs whilst confusing the Sikhs as to their own identity? Fair enough, the programme had to be diluted down for the mainstream but too many key points were omitted for it to be considered an accurate and balanced account. If she's adding Mark Tully's personal views why not counter it with stories of the likes of babies Satnam and Vaheguru kaur?

Even though the families were celebrating Diwali together at the end and everything was hunkey dorey, why didnt the programme mention how the Government up until this day supports every group out there which attack the tenets of Sikhism from the likes of Namdharis and Nirankaris to Jhoota Sauda, Ashutosh etc...

If it was truly her personal journey and not just a programme to boost BBC ratings on a Sunday night, it would have been better if the programme focused on her interaction with victims of the Sikh Holocaust and their lives after Gandhi's assasination. They gave the 18 year old stall kid who wasn't even born at the time way more airtime than H S Phoolka who has and is fighting for the victims of the Holocaust with every breath.

I get the view that Nagra needed a quick idea to work on and Deol was trying to boost her dying career. As far as researcher Jay Sohal is concerned, you need to work alot harder matey especially on your 21 Sikhs project. Don't just sit in your offices today reading these comments thinking you can't please everyone. True you can't, but you could at least produce an accurate programme when you've been given the chance too.

Which also reminds me, if your so cut up about it all Deol, if you havent already done so, it would be nice to donate a little bit of the royalties to the Trilokpuri widows or Mohinder Kaur don't you think?

For this programme to have any credibility as well researched and impartial, they MUST discuss the deliberate destruction of the Sikh reference library, the thefts from the library and the fact that to this day, numerous artefacts, granths and ancient documents have not been returned. If they overlook this, the programme will be a waste of time because only by discussing this will it clarify that the Government's claims they entered to capture Sant Jarnail Singh and his followers are a pack of lies and the true reason was to attack the core of the Sikh faith.

Waheguru. This is very sad news indeed. This guy appears to have been living by high Sikh ideals in that he was protecting the weak. Its a shame that the media are not giving him the respect he deserves. I do not hesitate to say that if he was of a different ethinicity, the media would have had none stop coverage of this incident.....however they seem to be more concerned with the weather and traffic.

Waheguru bless his family during this difficult time.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Sajjans-prosecution-gives-hope-to-84-riot-victims/articleshow/5403920.cms

Sajjan's prosecution gives hope to '84 riot victims

Ramaninder K Bhatia, TNN 2 January 2010, 05:42am IST

Chandigarh:

For the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the new year has certainly brought new hope, beginning with permission for prosecution of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar. A day after a go-ahead from Delhi Lt Governor, comes another heartening news that nearly 31 appeal cases involving 98 riot-accused, which were hanging fire in courts since 1996, will now come up in the Delhi High Court on January 6.

“These criminal appeal cases originated from one case, involving an incident of loot and arson in East Delhi area in November 1984, which was decided by the then sessions judge, SN Dhingra, in 1996. Now, the cases are slated to come up on January 6,” said Delhi-based noted lawyer HS Phoolka, who is helping the riot victims in legal cases.

The accused in these cases were convicted under section 436 of IPC — causing mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc. — and fined Rs 5,000 each.

All India Sikh Students Federation president Karnail Singh Pirmohammad, whose organization along with US-based Sikhs for Justice, is painstakingly collecting witness accounts and presenting the individuals before various government agencies to seek action against the perpetrators, said the authorities should set up fast track courts to decide these cases along with other riot cases. “25 years is a long wait for the victims and if the present delayed pace of legal justice continues, then it would be a classic case of justice denied,” said Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, legal adviser of Sikhs for Justice, a human rights organization.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_mad-cop-gets-life-for-killing-6-during-anti-sikh-riots_1329254

'Mad' cop gets life for killing 6 during anti-Sikh riots

Rakesh Bhatnagar / DNAThursday, December 31, 2009 0:02 IST

New Delhi: An “insane” cop, who turned Ram to Ravan within minutes and shot dead six members of the Sikh community at a police station during the 1984 riots, was given life by the Allahabad high court recently.

The court upheld a trial court judgment delivered two years ago on July 30, saying Tilak Ram acted out of rage, not insanity, as claimed.

A group of Sikhs running from a blood-thirsty mob near Meerut had sought refuge at a police station where Ram was posted 25 years ago, at about 3.50 am on November 5, 1984. His job was to protect the community under fire after the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. But in the heat of the moment, Ram snatched a rifle from one of his colleagues, loaded it and fire at the group, killing six and injuring three.

After emptying the rifle, his defence was that he was overpowered by a deity. He said he was mentally unstable and had suffered a schizophrenic attack. Justices Rakesh Tiwari and AK Roopanwal said the unrepentant Ram indeed acted in an insane manner just as thousands of others across the country did during the anti-Sikh riots and scrapped his appeal against the trial court judgment delivered after almost a 22-year-long trial.

Ram acted out of anger, not insanity, the judges said, adding that it was cold-blooded execution of Sikhs who had taken shelter in police station.

It was an ugly expression of communal hatred against Sikhs who were being held responsible for the “treacherous” murder of the then PM of India, “undoubtedly, a tall and widely-popular political personality adorned by millions”.

Cop Ram’s act was not a “sequestered, isolated or unconnected incident having no nexus with the social and political atmosphere around”.

“Instead, it was a just another instance of Sikh killing, the like of which had happened and were happening at that time all over the country. It was not a schizophrenic act. It was, in fact, an act which had direct bearing with assassination of the late Mrs Indira Gandhi and its aftermath communal outrage [sic],” the court said.

Thousands of people who indulged in large-scale arson, loot and murder of Sikhs at that time did not suffer from schizophrenia or any other mental ailment, which may be termed legal insanity, HC said, adding that their insanity was only in the figurative sense of the term and denoted a highly-irrational behaviour.

Note - I guess the death penalty is only applicable for Sikhs.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/tension-fear-stalk-trilokpuri-after-doctors-murder/536410/0

Tension, fear, stalk Trilokpuri after doctor’s murder

Zahid Rafiq

Tags : doctor murder, delhi

Posted: Tuesday , Nov 03, 2009 at 0123 hrs

New Delhi:

Three days after the murder of a 60-year-old doctor, Budhprakash Kashyap, who was once accused in the anti-Sikh riots, tension prevails in Trilokpuri, where the murder took place. While the police are yet to make any headway in the case, Kashyap’s family is alleging that his murder is linked to the riots. This has caused a stir among the Sikh community in Trilokpuri, which fears being dragged into the case.

Trilokpuri was a hotbed of the ’84 riots in which 298 Sikhs were killed. Kashyap’s murder occurred on October 31, the 25th anniversary of the riots.

Kashyap was stabbed in his clinic while examining a patient. The murderer, his face hidden in a monkey cap, managed to escape. The police say no one saw his face. And they have no confirmation that the murder is linked to the riots.

Kahyap, popularly called Dr Lamboo, had been a Congressman all his life and was accused in seven cases. The lower court acquitted him in six and sentenced him for one. He appealed in the High Court and after serving time for 11 months, was acquitted. Kashyap’s family says he had no enemy except the ones who alleged his involvement in the anti-Sikh riots. “It is the Sikhs who killed him. It was they who always accused him of killing people in 1984,” said his widow Bimlesh Kumari (55). “They chose the day the riots happened to kill my husband.”

Many do believe her. “He was a humble doctor who treated almost everyone in the area,” said Ram Babu (38) a shopkeeper. “This murder has only one obvious reason.”

A few lanes away, in a dark, humid room with garlanded pictures of young men, a teenage Sikh boy sat with his mother and grandmother.

“Everyone has been saying that the murderer was a Sikh even though no one has any proof. It could have been anyone, but we are getting hostile looks and words,” said the mother.

The family witnessed the ’84 riots but even as the houses of their relatives became vacant, they, encouraged by a few neighbours, decided to stay on. Now, the wounds have almost been forgotten, if not healed.

“We never talk about ’84 anymore, but in the past three days, we have seen suspicion and distrust again. I have seen one ’84, I can’t see another. I can’t see my grandson die like my sons,” said the grandmother, who has lost two sons to the riots. “We never utter the names of neighbours who we know were killing us. And when one of them is murdered by an unknown man, everyone gives us hostile looks.”

A few streets away, a thin man peeked out through the iron door before opening it. Ved Prakash (60), a plumber, is worried after Kashyap’s murder — though for different reasons.

He is one of the 88 men in Trilokpuri who still has cases against him. Prakash and his brother Om served eight years in 14 cases and are out on permanent bail. “I am afraid of going out now,” said Prakash. “I come back late from work and I could get killed.” The brothers have lost their government jobs. “What have we got?” he asked, “They got compensation. We lost everything we had and no one looks at our misery.”

Note - Apparently Mr.Ved Prakash wants compensation for his role in the Anti Sikh pogroms.

Why is Tytler being 'spared' in 1984 riots, asks BJP

Press Trust Of India

New Delhi, December 31, 2009

First Published: 20:35 IST(31/12/2009)

Last Updated: 20:40 IST(31/12/2009)

In the wake of Delhi Lieutenant Governor's Office granting sanction to CBI for prosecution of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, BJP on Thursday asked why Jagdish Tytler was being "spared" and demanded time-bound trial against the accused.

"What about Jagdish Tytler (another Congress leader accused in the riots)? Why is he not being prosecuted? And why was there so much delay?" BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said reacting to the Lt Governor's move.

Both Kumar and Tytler were earlier accused of encouraging mobs to attacks Sikhs after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her bodyguards.

CBI had filed a closure report in court in connection with Tytler's case, saying that no evidence was found against him.

"The people of India want justice in the heinous crimes committed against innocent Sikhs who were killed and had to face atrocities. The guilty should be prosecuted immediately and in a time-bound trial," Prasad said.

Tytler and Kumar were given tickets in the last general elections by the Congress but the party had to change its decision after a public outcry. Sajjan Kumar was replaced by his brother Ramesh Kumar as the candidate for South Delhi. J P Aggarwal got the ticket from North-East Delhi in place of Tytler.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/newdelhi/Why-is-Tytler-being-spared-in-1984-riots-asks-BJP/Article1-492503.aspx

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100101/main1.htm

CBI gets sanction to prosecute Sajjan

PC keeps his promise of action in the case

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 31

In a much-awaited development, Delhi’s Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna today, following an advice from the Union Home Ministry, gave a go-ahead to the CBI to prosecute senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

While confirming that the sanction had been accorded, sources said a formal notification was expected by tonight. A case against Sajjan Kumar and three others was registered under various sections, including 302 and 153-A of the IPC, in Delhi for their alleged involvement in the riots. A sanction to prosecute Sajjan Kumar had been hindering progress in the case.

Notably, the move follows Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s announcement in this context in Parliament less than a fortnight ago: “…we have advised the Lt Governor (on according sanction)… I will once again request him to take a decision before the end of the month (December).”

Chidambaram made the promise while replying to a debate on a calling attention motion on “the progress of relief to the victims and measures taken to punish the guilty”, which was moved by Independent MP from Haryana, Tarlochan Singh. As per official estimates, about 3,000 Sikhs had lost their lives in the aftermath of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The sanction was crucial as Section 153-A was a part of the case and as per law government’s prior sanction is needed for prosecution under this section. The sanction should not be confused with the sanction that is needed in case of constitutional authorities or government servants, said sources. Other sections of the IPC like 302 need no prior sanction. Section 153-A of the IPC deals with incidents or acts of “promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race… and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony”. The sanction is needed as Section 196 of the CrPC clearly lays down that a court cannot take cognizance of a case under Section 153-A of the IPC unless prior sanction has been accorded.

In total, there are four cases registered against Sajjan Kumar. The CBI had clubbed three different cases that were pending and sought sanction from the Lt Governor. One more case was being tried separately.

Reacting to the development over the phone from Punjab, HS Phoolka, the lawyer for the riot victims, said: “Imposition of Section 153-A was done to delay the matter. The CBI should have tried him only under Section 302, which has a far more stiffer penalty and needs no sanction.”

Addressing mediapersons earlier, Chidambaram said he had issued certain directions on December 16 regarding pending claims for compensation. West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh had been told to complete the compensation process by December 31 and file the claims with the Centre by January 2010. He said he had also issued directions for giving jobs to riot-affected families at the earliest.

Chidambaram said he had issued directions for tracing out the missing persons and for action against police officers named in the Kusum Lata Mittal report. Kusum Lata Mittal, a former secretary to the Union government, had identified a dozen police officials who had done a creditable job and recommended action against 72 police personnel and dismissal of six others. Chidambaram has in the past expressed his anguish at how Delhi police cops looked the other way as the riots claimed lives.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100101/punjab.htm#1

Decision on Cases Against Sajjan Kumar

Hope for ‘84 riot victims: Phoolka

Kanchan Vasdev

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 31

Lt Governor of New Delhi Tejinder Khanna today permitted the presentation of challans in four cases of homicide registered against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar for the 1984 riots.

Terming it to be a milestone in the journey of fight for riot victims, human rights activist and Delhi High Court lawyer HS Phoolka said the move had rekindled hope among the victims.

‘‘We have evidences against Sajjan Kumar. We will not allow him to go scot free,’’ said Phoolka.

He said two cases of murder were registered in Sultanpuri police station, another one at Mangolpur and yet another in Delhi cantonment in 2005 following the recommendations of the Nanavati Commission.

Accusing the CBI of adopting delay tactics, Phoolka said the investigation agency had included Section 153A (used where enmity is promoted between different groups on the grounds of religion) with Section 302 of the IPC in the FIRs. As per the rules, a permission was required from the government to present the challan.

Phoolka said as the case would reach court, relatives of atleast 80 victims would get justice. ‘‘We are satisfied that the cases are being taken to a logical conclusion,’’ he said, adding they would continue with their struggle to get justice.

Claiming that they succeeded in getting the permission only after the issue was taken up in Lok Sabha recently, Phoolka said not only the Opposition but other political parties also prompted the government to consider the cases sympathetically.

‘‘This is only the first step. We have to go a long way. Our energies are now concentrated on getting other accused convicted,’’ he said.

http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/22255/38/

Delhi Govt gives nod to prosecute Sajjan Kumar in '84 riots cases

Punjab Newsline Network

Thursday, 31 December 2009

NEW DELHI: Lieutenant-governor Delhi Tejindra Khanna on Thursday gives consent to CBI to prosecute Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in murder and communal riots cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.

Former parliamentarian Sajjan Kumar is accused of instigating mobs that went on a rampage killing Sikhs in the national capital in the aftermath of the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

The move to prosecute him has left victims' families 'upbeat and rejuvenated their hopes of justice after a prolonged delay', said Harvinder Singh Phoolka, lawyer of the families of riot victims.

This was the biggest hurdle in our striving for justice,' Phoolka, who has been battling for justice almost single handedly for the last 25 years, said Phoolka.

The lawyer said the CBI will now file fresh murder charges against Sajjan Kumar in four cases - 'two registered in the Sultanpuri police station and one each registered in Mangolpuri and Delhi Cantonment.

'In these four cases, 11 witnesses have given their evidences, recorded their statements and identified Sajjan Kumar who was instigating people against Sikhs in these areas and spreading enmity between two communities.'

The lawyer said: 'Sajjan Kumar will be tried under sections 302 (murder) and 153(A) (spreading communal animosity). He has to apply for bail, and if denied he will be arrested.

'It is a great step in our struggle for justice. The CBI has been sitting over this case for the last four years after it completed its investigation.'

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/babas-devotees-throng-court-police-on-tent/509588/

Baba’s devotees throng court, police on tenterhooks

Express News Service

Tags : ludhiana, courts, baba balvir singh lamme

Posted: Tuesday , Sep 01, 2009 at 0123 hrs

Jagraon:

Hundreds of followers of Baba Balvir Singh Lamme, a radical Sikh leader, descended on the local courts on Monday morning making it difficult for the Jagraon police to take him inside the court for hearing.

The police had to call in extra force to keep the surging devotees at bay.

Despite heavy police presence, the followers raised slogans creating a din in the court complex.

In June this year, the Ludhiana police had recovered 32 gelatins sticks weighing approximately four kilogram explosives along with six detonators from the possession of Kuljit Singh alias Kanta, a resident of Ludhiana, Bhag Singh and Baba Balvir Singh, both residents of Lamme village. According to the police, the trio are the members of radical Sikh organisation Khalistan Zindabad Force.

According to the police, Ranjit Singh alias Neeta a dreaded militant, who had sought shelter in Pakistan, was providing explosive material to members of the Khalistan Zindabad Force for conducting explosions and anti-national activities at the instance of the ISI.

Jagraon SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said Baba had tried to derail the police investigations in the case by registering a false case at Jagraon claiming that a few men were demanding ransom from him. The baba had been hiding explosives for over a year and had tried to play the card when he sensed that the police was suspecting him. The baba is in judicial remand till September 14.

Seem to remember Baba Ji was arrested earlier this year. Anyone know whats happening in the case?

http://www.panjuanasahib.com/index.html

Any confirmation or further news on this? Nothing has appeared in the online Punjabi press although that wouldn't suprise anybody.

Excellent programme. Shame about the late start but well worth the wait. Bhai Baldeep Singhs recitation was amazing and very inspirational.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/briefs/557563/

Sikhs protest against ‘sacrilege’, demand NSA against accused

A group of Sikhs on Monday staged an agitation in protest against the alleged sacrilege reported from the Fakharpur area of Bahraich district. Station Officer of the Fakharpur police station V B Singh said: “The agitators blocked roads demanding that NSA be invoked against the accused. After being assured that their demands will be met, the agitators called off their protests.” The police had yesterday arrested three persons — Baba Ram Ujagar Das, Albel and his son Lallan—¿ for ‘disrespecting’ holy books. They were produced before court and sent to jail today.

I think we all acknowledge Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj as our Eternal Guru. Therefore, whatever peoples stance on Sri Dasam Granth is, and Jathebandis aside, lets forget the controversy some are trying to create over the Willenhall Smagam and focus on the real issues at hand which clearly includes what has happened in Lucknow.

I can make out which events most of the scenes portray. The interesting one is that of the Police officer's son. Any idea who that was based on?

Is this based on actual events?

A topic on Dera Sacha Sauda has turned in to a caste issue. A topic on the Ludhiana kand turns in to a Dasam Granth argument. Sant Dhadrianwale/Babbu Mann issue turns in to sehjdhari/amritdhari/anti-Dhadrianwale argument. Is it any wonder why the politicians and deras are able to get away with what they do. With cracks these, it looks like Gyani Thakar Singh's katha on the future is daily becoming more of a reality.

This appears to be another cleverly hatched plan of the DSS. With sensational headlines such as this, they clearly draw attention to themselves. Accordingly, those with little or no knowledge of DSS activities are likely to be impressed by their 'humanitarian' gestures.

Furthermore, if what they state is true, it is could be a strategy to spread their tentacles all over India. DSS target the most vulnerable members of society. The poor are never likely to forget DSS helping them through their poverty and these sex workers are never going to forget DSS for treating them as human beings when the rest of society washed their hands of them. This way the determination of their followers becomes stronger and stronger.

Interestingly the BBC haven't reported anything on the Ludhiana events. Clearly the DSS are much more media savvy than was assumed.