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WaheguruJiKaKhalsaWaheguruJiKiFateh! Quebec's Sikhs need your help! Bill 21 bans all public sector employees like teachers, police, and lawyers from wearing any religious symbols. This means that Sikhs can not work while wearing their Dastar, Kara, or Kirpan. This law cannot be struck down by a judge for its violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms due to the Quebec provincial government's use of the notwithstanding clause. The Federal government is capable of repealing the law (disallowment) but they will only do so if the public forces them to. Disallowment can also only happen within 1 year of the bill's passing. Time is running out. Every Sikh in Canada needs to contact their Member of Parliament through email and phone to say that this law violates human rights and needs to be repealed. Bill 21 Awareness Resources In this link, multiple documents to spread awareness are attached. The word document for the small flyers can be printed black and white, double sided, and cut into four. You can add in your MP's information before printing, or just print it as is if your area has multiple MPs. Everything helps. Please hand them out at your local Gurdwara and other public places. To find your MP and their contact information, use this link: Find your MP Make sure to use your postal code for the search. If you use your city name you might end up with the wrong MP. The poster is attached as word, pdf, and jpg. It should be put up in all local Gurdwaras and other public places. Share the jpg and have it displayed on any TV screens. The announcement document can be changed to Punjabi font and given to people to make announcements at Gurdwaras. Announcements need to be made multiple times everyday. Anyone is welcome to modify anything if it needs improvement. Please sign the WSO petition: WSO Quebec Petition The response of Canadian Sikhs has been disappointing and weak. It is as if we don't care that the Sikhs of Quebec lost a lot of careers. There are about 500 000 Sikhs in Canada. That petition should have more than 500 000 signatures by now. If all Sikhs had recognized their duty to the Panth, then that would have been the case. Instead, there are, at this point, only about 2000. We should be ashamed. Take initiative to contact your MP and sign the petition. Take initiative to make everyone else in your family, Sangat, and community contact your MP, by email and phone, and sign the petition. If you don't do it, no one else will. If you are lazy now, then what face will you show to Guru Sahib? Think about it carefully. If we fail to put enough pressure on the Federal government, then they will not use their disallowment powers. And when 1 year passes, it will be too late and the only hope then will be for a new Quebec provincial government that is willing to change the law to be elected. This is unlikely due to the number of imbeciles in Quebec that are racist or don't recognize the human right to practice one's religion. So disallowment is the best hope that we have. Do not let the Sikhs of Quebec down; help in any way that you can!

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/British_Museum_London_end_150_years_of_Disrepect_to_The_Guru_of_the_Sikhs_Guru_Granth_Sahib_ji/?rc=fb&utm_source=sharetools&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=petition-451503-British_Museum_London_end_150_years_of_Disrepect_to_The_Guru_of_the_Sikhs_Guru_Granth_Sahib_ji&utm_term=hQxwmb%2Ben Please sign

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/demand-release-supreme-religious-leader-sikhism-jathedar-jagtar-singh-hawara-head-sri-akal-takhat OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE RESPONSE TODemand The Release of Supreme Religious Leader of Sikhism, Jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara, Head of Sri Akal Takhat A response to your petition on the release of Jathedar Hawara Thank you for taking the time to sign a We the People petition on Sikh leader Jathedar Hawara. The President has made clear that our nation's deep respect for religious liberty and pluralism must not stop at our shores. In an address to the people of India last year, the President stressed the importance of these fundamental principles to both our democracies: "In both our countries, in India and in America, our diversity is our strength. And we have to guard against any efforts to divide ourselves along sectarian lines or any other lines. And if we do that well, if America shows itself as an example of its diversity and yet the capacity to live together and work together in common effort, in common purpose; if India, as massive as it is, with so much diversity, so many differences is able to continually affirm its democracy, that is an example for every other country on Earth." The United States remains committed to coordinating with governments around the world to promote religious freedom for all citizens. We encourage you to continue to use the We the People platform to petition the Administration to take action on the policy issues you care about, but we cannot comment here on the specific foreign criminal justice matter raised in your petition. You can read the full Terms of Participation to get a better sense of why We the People is designed the way it is, and to learn more about its guidelines for use. Thanks again for raising your voices. -- The We the People Team

Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh! Gurmukh Pyaareo, If you want to help get more media coverage of what is happening in Punjab, please take a moment to sign the following 2 petitions. One for the BBC and the other for VICE News. Vice news usually sends a crew to record from the ground what is happening. Petition 1: https://www.change.org/p/vice-news-cover-punjab-protests-and-police-state-brutality-from-the-front-lines-asap?recruiter=406618895&fb_ref=Default Petition 2: https://www.change.org/p/bbc-bbc-report-on-indian-govt-opening-fire-on-peaceful-sikh-rally-after-media-blackout-order?recruiter=404355212#petition-letter Thank you for the help. Media coverage will make a difference, hopefully we can get a non indian government view point out.

Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh, I created a petition for White House to assist Sikhs in Punjab/India for peaceful protests during the recent sad events taking place in India. Please help assist gaining 100,000 signatures for White House to proceed further with this petition. https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/contact-republic-india-prime-minister-narendra-modi-assist-minority-group-sikh-citizens-across-india

http://news.sky.com/story/1543918/protest-as-sisters-sentenced-to-be-raped Please sign the petition here: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions/two-sisters-sentenced-rape-demand-justice-india-womens-rights

We want PUNJABI to be added as a system language in our Mobile Platform! Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ) is a native language of about 130 million people, and is the 10th most spoken language in the world. Also the 27 million people are followers of #Sikhism, that makes it the fifth largest religion in the world, We, the Punjabi speaking people love Punjabi, as it is our mother tongue and we want the Punjabi Language be given the same status as 'English, French, Chinese etc' as a system language in our favorite phones also with a smart keyboard to type Punjabi, so we can better express ourselves. It will enable our new generation to keep in touch with their rich language. We believe that many other people from different regions are curious about this beautiful and sweet language and the rich culture hidden inside it and this CHANGE will provide them with necessary tool to start with. SIGN THE PETITION NOW! Click here to sign https://www.change.org/p/google-inc-add-punjabi-as-a-system-language-in-your-mobile-platform-i-e-android-google-ios-apple-and-windows-os-microsoft SHARE & SPREAD to get this implemented ! Source - https://www.facebook.com/BaruSahibHP/photos/a.312356885474161.72764.294820193894497/946196862090157/?type=1&theater

USA Citizens Over 13: Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Ji is onto his 207th day (as of 8/9/15) of his hunger strike. He doesn't eat and only drinks water. This petition to the White House will help to release Sikh political prisinors. The thing is, it'll take 100,000 signatures to get recognition, and we need that by late September. We only have about 2000 now. Sign this petition and share it with your friends (sikh and non-sikh) and family and make sure the world hears us! In the meantime, protest to the Indian government should still be done. Here is the link to the petition: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/recognize-hunger-striking-us-resident-surat-singh-khalsa-his-peaceful-struggle-human-rights

Let Us Be Honest With Our People I am against most avenues of dissent commonly taken by our community such as petitions and demonstrations. It is not only because I cannot logically see how they could, or have ever resulted in real change, but because usually the initiative is fundamentally flawed. As we approached 30 years to the battle of Amritsar in June 1984, there had been calls from various groups and individuals within the Sikh community: calling on the international community for an inquiry into the Indian Army attack, to “get justice”. However, when one asks who this international community is (in terms of its organisation); or which mechanism can hold India accountable; or even for an example of where such a campaign has resulted in justice - the voices start to go quiet. What are the Mechanisms? India isn’t a member of the European Union, so the obvious “International” avenue must be the United Nations. Let us look at recent conflicts, and how they have been dealt with by the international community. This May will mark 6 years to when the LTTE in Sri Lanka was brutally destroyed by the Sri Lankan army. In doing so the Sri Lankan Army targeted civilians in a vicious bombing campaign which displaced over 100,000 people and killed over 40,000 people. Towards the latter stages of the civil war the LTTE were unable to engage in conventional warfare, as their territory had been surrounded and the army was shelling indiscriminately. Due to the huge civilian casualties being suffered, the LTTE were forced to seek a unilateral ceasefire. They refused to escape. Instead, they placed all their hopes in the International community, who they believed would force a ceasefire. No ceasefire was brokered by the International community. The International community watched Sri Lanka massacring tens of thousands of Tamil civilians, and yet no real attempt was made to get Sri Lanka to agree a ceasefire. In other words Sri Lanka only stopped the killing when it was happy that sufficient killing had been done. Following this, some countries like the United Kingdom, voiced support for an inquiry into war crime allegations. Yet they did so through mechanisms which they know will not succeed. This, coupled with the fact that the UK has also supplied arms to Sri Lanka, calls the integrity of their ‘concerns’ into question. In May 2009, the EU sought to pursue a motion against Sri Lanka for an investigation into the war crimes at the UN Human Rights Council, however this was unsuccessful as 29 countries of the 47 member council voted in solidarity with Sri Lanka. We must ask ourselves, was the EU in any doubt that the 29 countries, which included India, were going to vote in any other way? China and Russia for example had vetoed in all previous occasions when the EU attempted to table a resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN Security Council. In fact due to opposition from China, Russia and India, the UNHRC was forced to drop a draft resolution condemning both the Tamil Tigers and the Government. Instead, they passed resolution S-11/1 on 27 May 2009 which commended the Sri Lankan government actions, and condemned the Tamil Tigers. The motives for countries such as China, Pakistan and Russia are clear and simple. They have vested interests in the newly developing Sri Lanka, China is reported to have provided over $1.8 billion worth of arms to Sri Lanka, and Chinese companies are involved in a number of development projects. Russia and Pakistan also both provided arms to Sri Lanka, the former even lending $300 million after the war to be spent on arms. The veto system is often lamented, as it only needs a permanent member to reject a proposal, and it will fail. The US has used its veto significantly and consistently in support of Israel each time it is required. Just a week ago, the US Government vetoed a Palestinian proposal calling for peace with Israel and an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. These systems only serve as a means to placate aggrieved peoples of the world, with the false hope that there is a peaceful process in which their rights can be protected and enforced. In reality, commercial and political interests reign supreme. The power of the veto cripples any such chance of justice. These systems enable Governments such as the UK to say to its Tamil citizens, “We will demand an enquiry and table a motion in the UN.” This is said in the full knowledge it will be torpedoed by another member of the Security Council. It allows them to return in ‘shock’ and ‘disappointment’ reporting to the UK Tamil community, “We tried, but it got blocked, damn those Chinese!” If the international community were not moved when India committed genocide against the Sikhs between 1984 and the mid 90s, if they were not moved when Sri Lanka committed genocide against the Tamils in 2009, or the continuing oppression for over half a century of the Palestinian people, why would they move now? Diplomatic Efforts through other Governments? This is a more informal method, through which other Governments, are pressured to lobby the Indian Government. A few years ago I volunteered for the Sikh Organisation for Prisoners Welfare. I was a member of a negotiating team which facilitated discussions with the German Government, in regards to the Sikh political prisoner Professor Bhullar. We were trying to pressure the German Gov. to lobby the Indian Gov. to either unconditionally release him from detention, or order a retrial. We targeted the German Gov. because they had erroneously deported Professor Bhullar to India, where he faced torture, a miscarriage of justice, and the death sentence (he has been on death row for 14 years). I remember in the last meeting with the German Foreign Office, their representative behind closed doors was very frank and open. He empathised with the situation but concluded, “India is a sovereign nation, we can only ask them, but in the end India can do whatever it wants”. For me that day confirmed asking another Government to lobby the Indian Gov. was a completely futile exercise. Countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Germany etc could use many diplomatic means to pressure and lobby India, they could cease trading or even cease all diplomatic relations, but the question is why would they do so? Sikhs are a small minority in these countries, and the Sikhs that try to lobby these governments are a tiny minority within that minority. Recent revelations proved the British Government’s collusion with the Indian Army attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib. At the demand of the Indian Government, the UK attempted to suppress Sikh political activities. These revelations make it crystal clear, for any Sikh still viewing the world through Gandhian tinted spectacles, that trade agreements and commercial interests have more bargaining power and weight, than abuse of Sikh Human Rights in India. These revelations meant that the 30 years we have spent lobbying the UK Gov. were effectively useless. That the reason they have not produced any results, is that while we marched and sat outside, all along these two governments were inside playing monopoly (“I will trade you this billion pound trade deal, you silence the Sikh dissent in the UK”). Sadly, notwithstanding appeals, petitions and protests have ever produced any results for the past 3 decades and even after the revelations that proved commercial interests will always overrule - we are still forcing these ultimately useless initiatives on our people. Isn’t it always better to do something? No. A movement in the wrong direction only serves to distract, divert, divide and ultimately create disillusion. There is a petition currently doing the social media rounds which is an “urgent appeal to secure the permanent release” of Sikh political prisoners and to save the life of Gurbaksh Singh. What happens if the Indian Government does not agree to this petition? The continuing detention of prisoners and the death of Gurbaksh Singh will break the hopes of the hundreds who signed in the false hope that the release was possible. These hundreds will become disillusioned, and in the future may opt to not support a Panthic initiative at all. Let us be honest with our people. Thousands of Tamils in the UK blocked roads surrounding Trafalgar Square for a number of weeks towards the end of the Civil war in 2009 to force a ceasefire. Hunger strikes were held and the blockades were mirrored in large capitals across the western world. Yet this had little or any effect. The Sri Lankan Army stopped when they wanted to, and not a moment sooner. Why is it then that we expect more for less? If the Tamil blockade for a number of weeks was unsuccessful, why do we think our one day walk or afternoon sit-in will have more of an effect? These routines serve up a politically correct, false alternative to real methods of change, an alternative which satisfies the part time revolutionary. It makes no apology for its impotence; it provides the desired outcome, which is why we are not outraged when they don’t work. Let’s not feign ignorance, most of the above information can be ascertained in 10 minutes on google, yet none of the proponents of these petitions or protests will do so, just so they can play along with the façade. Don’t plead illiteracy on their part, for the average Punjabi knows the planning laws, bylaws, rules and regulations better than his local planning officer. Why are we so unprepared and haphazard when it comes to the planning and foundations of our real home? Let us be honest with our people. We do not place our hopes in the Indian Government or its morally corrupt counterparts. If Gurbaksh Singh dies he will do so and prove that Sikhs are slaves in India. If they release the prisoners, it will be a positive outcome, but the prisoners themselves will concede that it will be a small victory in comparison to the Panth’s needs. If the Sikhs remain in prison past their sentences, they will expect nothing less. They are political prisoners. Freedom fighters. They are not “Indian citizens” as they were imprisoned to prevent the formation of an Independent Sikh homeland. Let us not talk about the probability of them “reoffending” because they are not criminals. True solidarity with the Sikh political prisoners is to develop and progress a mindset which is in cohesion with theirs: ‘‘Whatever we did, it was not meant to save our lives. We had reformed the enemies of the Panth and those who had deceived and harmed it. Our brothers were fighting a peaceful battle. We have fought battles as were fought by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. We have done nothing against the tenets of Sikhism. When our Gurus did not care for their lives, who were true emperors and masters of the two worlds, what concern could the death have for us.....’’ Babbar Akali March 1925 Pardesi Newspaper of the Babbar Akali Movement. *(Note – Since this article was written 7 Sikhs made representations to the Thailand Embassy in London, urging Thailand to not extradite a recently detained Sikh to India. This was a commendable move, because as I outlined at the beginning of this article, my opposition was to inherently flawed initiatives. Lobbying the Thailand Government in this case is completely logical, as it can result in them refusing to extradite the detained Sikh.) http://www.thensyf.com/blog/2015/1/8/let-us-be-honest-with-our-people

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਿਹ https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/ask-government-india-free-sikh-prisoners-who-have-finished-their-sentences-given-them-courts/c3fztfn0 WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO: Ask Government of India to free Sikh prisoners who have finished their sentences given to them by the courts. Several Sikhs who were jailed by Government of India for supporting the demand of Free Sikh Homeland have completed their sentences given to them by the Indian courts. However Government of India continues to refuse to release them from jails and is keeping them indefinitely. Sikhs across India continue their struggle to secure the release of those imprisoned illegally by peaceful means such as hunger strikes. In reply to a previous petition about Sikh genocide, administration has acknowledged the human rights violations against Sikhs in India. We would like to urge President Obama’s administration to use its influence to help end human rights violations against all minorities in India and to help secure the release of those who are still imprisoned even after completing their sentences. Published Date: Dec 20, 2014 95,465 signatures needed by 19th January 2015

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/question-modi-why-indian-constitution-labels-sikhs-hindus-while-attending-constitution-day-events/MM6Lm1bM Sikhism, with over 30 million followers, is the world's 5th largest religion. On January 26, 1950 Constitution of India was enforced without the consent of Sikhs who refused to sign it because Explanation II to Article 25(b) of the Constitution labels “Sikhs” as “Hindus”. January 26, 2015 marks the 65th year of Sikhs' struggle for right to self-determination, for which Sikhs have been subjected to “Genocide" with impunity, starting from: - June 1984, Military action against Golden Temple; - November 1984, Organized killing of over 30,000 Sikhs; and - 1984-98, Extra-judicial killing of over 100,000 Sikhs. President Obama: Question PM Modi "WHY Indian constitution labels "Sikhs" as Hindus?" and raise the issues of “Sikh Genocide”; and “Sikhs’ Right to Self-determination”. Please sign this petition and promote on social media 98157 signatures needed by 31st december 2014

Regain National PRIDE by renaming Aurangzeb Road (Cruel Intolerant Tyrant) to Guru Tegh Bahadur Road (Epitome of Sacrifice for All Religions) My Fellow Citizens Please do not mistake this for HATE or another attempt to rake up the past or religious bigotry. I have the fullest respect for our Muslim brothers and hold the Muslims in reverence. As Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of Art of living said No nation can move forward, unless it squarely faces its past. The courage to remember helps us not to repeat the same mistakes and to build a better future for our children. So, it is necessary to regain our National Pride and make wrong things RIGHT! I am OUTRAGED that a road where Billionaires live and a stones throw away from the Prime Ministers residence; is named after one of the most tyrannical tormentor perpetrator of Intolerant Inhuman Barbaric crimes in India. The decorated glorification is AURANGZEB ROAD. This road serves as a constant reminder of the horrors Aurangzeb perpetrated against Indians, including his own people. Emperor Aurangzeb has the following claims to his fame: Executed own brother Dara Shikoh for taking an interest in Hindu religion.- Confined his father in his own palace at Agra. Killed one brother and had two other brothers, a son, and a nephew executed. Initiated laws, which interfered with non-Muslim worship. Enforced the conversion of non-Muslims to Islam with economic and political coercion. His rule significantly favoured Muslims over non-Muslims. Gave out robes of honor, cash gifts, and promotions to converts to convey that conversion was a sure way to the Emperors favour. Outlawed music and other performances in 1668. Both Muslims and Hindus were forbidden to sing, play musical instruments or to dance or paint or practice art. Ordered the destruction of non-Muslim sacred places, idols, temples; over four figures. Lord Krishna's birth temple in Mathura; the rebuilt Somnath temple on the coast of Gujarat; the Vishnu temple replaced with the Alamgir mosque now overlooking Benares; and the Treta-ka-Thakur temple in Ayodhya. Ordered the enslavement of Christian missionaries. Tortured and killed prisoners of war, political prisoners, and anyone he considered unIslamic. Imposed ever-higher taxes the hated jizya, or poll tax, on non-Muslims in 1679 in order to pay for his wars. Non-Muslims were not permitted to keep arms or Turbans. Forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits who then pleaded with 9th Sikh Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur, for help. Guru Tegh Bahadur was MARTYRED on the orders of Aurangzeb for protecting the religious freedom of non-Muslims in Mughal India. Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Sati Das were also executed on his orders. His son the 10th Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh was persecuted and his whole family was martyred including his wife and four young kids apart from his close associates. The Guidelines mandated to the State Names Authority under Delhi Government say Names of Roads: The service rendered by the nominee to the nation and particularly to Delhi will be the major guiding principle for taking a decision. In the same Capital where the 9th Sikh Guru laid down his life in defiance of forced conversion of Kashmiri Pandits, the Government has named a road after the cruel Hitlerian ruler. No street is named after Hitler in the West, yet in New Delhi we have Aurangzeb Road. In the same Guidelines issued to State Names Authority, Delhi; it is mentioned Change should not be made merely on grounds of local patriotism or for linguistic reasons, e.g. villages etc. should not be renamed after national leaders merely to show respect to them or for satisfying local sentiment in the matter of language etc. An exception can, however, be made in the case of Martyrs where the name can be suitably added to the name of a place sought to be changed, if a request is made by the State government to that effect and there is general recognition of the role of the Martyr in national life. I Appeal to fellow Indians who consider Guru Tegh Bahadur ji as a symbol of sacrifice for all Religions and as a MARTYR who laid down his life to save other fellow Indians, to please SIGN this petition and regain National PRIDE! God Bless! Rps Kohli New Delhi, India LETTER TO - Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Najeeb Jung, Lt Governor Delhi Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, PM of India PETITION - https://www.change.org/p/shri-najeeb-jung-lt-governor-delhi-regain-national-pride-by-renaming-aurangzeb-road-cruel-intolerant-tyrant-to-guru-tegh-bahadur-road-epitome-of-sacrifice-for-all-religions

Vaheguroo ji ka Khalsa Vaheguroo ji ki Fateh ji, Sadhsangat ji below is a petition starred by Sikhforjustice in New York. Please do not ignore this message and take a moment to sign the petition sooner than later ji! Also, help us spread it out so that it can achieve required signatures in time. Post and share on facebook, post on other sikh discussion forms, email ur friends, and any other possible means to help spread it out. Regards Dass ************************************** https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/cancel-white-house-invita... [wh.gov] || Stop Obama From Hosting Modi At White House || 100,000 Signatures Needed By August 20. While Obama administration and PM office is preparing to forge a new era of Indo-US economic ties, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has initiated a social media campaign in support of its petition to cancel Modi's invitation to the White House. US President Obama has invited PM Modi for a meeting at the White House on September 30. A Facebook advertisement "Sign Petition Stop Obama from hosting Modi {Netanyahu of India}. Don't fund another Israel" sponsored by SFJ has gone viral getting scores of hits every hour. On July 21, SFJ initiated an online petition to the Obama Administration urging to cancel the invitation to PM Modi for his role in 2002 massacre of Muslims in Gujarat. “In June 1984, the BJP instigated the military attack on the Golden Temple, resulting in the massacre of thousands of Sikh pilgrims. In 2008, the BJP orchestrated violence against Christians in Orissa,” the petition alleges. The Facebook ad by rights group targeting Muslims, Sikhs and human rights organizations in the United States urges them to "Sign Petition, Stop Obama". “The fact that world's largest democracy has elected a Prime Minister whose party is known for committing crimes against religious minorities should be a matter of grave concern for the western world”, stated attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun legal advisor to SFJ, “United States which has acknowledged the role of Modi in massacre of Muslims should not host him at the White House”, added Pannun. Terming Modi as Netanyahu of India, attorney Pannun further stated that online petition will be an eye opener for Obama Administration which is ignoring the track record of Modi and his party BJP with regard to treatment of minorities for vested US economic interests. "Instead of hosting Modi at White House, President Obama should condemn Modi and ban BJP for perpetrating violence against Muslims, Sikhs and Christirans" says the White House Petition. So far the online petition urging Obama administration to cancel Modi's invitation has received more than 1200 signatures. The petition requires 100,000 signatures by August 20 to qualify for a response by the White House. Newspapers Coverage: [www.firstpost.com] [www.deccanchronicle.com] [zeenews.india.com] [indianexpress.com] [www.ndtv.com] [www.in.com] [bharatpress.com] [daily.bhaskar.com] [news.oneindia.in] [www.hindustantimes.com] [www.thecitizen.in] [www.greaterjammu.com] [kashmirreader.com] [www.punjabnewstime.com] [www.nation.com.pk]) [www.abplive.in] [www.eni.network24.co] [www.outlookindia.com] [www.indiatvnews.com] Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue 59th Floor New York, NY 10118 T: 201.601.2707 F: 201.601.2610 E: support@sikhsforjustice.org

Vaheguroo ji ka Khalsa Vaheguroo ji ki Fateh ji, Sadhsangat ji below is a petition starred by Sikhforjustice in New York. Please do not ignore this message and take a moment to sign the petition sooner than later ji! Also, help us spread it out so that it can achieve required signatures in time. Post and share on facebook, post on other sikh discussion forms, email ur friends, and any other possible means to help spread it out. Regards Dass ************************************** https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/cancel-white-house-invita... [wh.gov] || Stop Obama From Hosting Modi At White House || 100,000 Signatures Needed By August 20. While Obama administration and PM office is preparing to forge a new era of Indo-US economic ties, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has initiated a social media campaign in support of its petition to cancel Modi's invitation to the White House. US President Obama has invited PM Modi for a meeting at the White House on September 30. A Facebook advertisement "Sign Petition Stop Obama from hosting Modi {Netanyahu of India}. Don't fund another Israel" sponsored by SFJ has gone viral getting scores of hits every hour. On July 21, SFJ initiated an online petition to the Obama Administration urging to cancel the invitation to PM Modi for his role in 2002 massacre of Muslims in Gujarat. “In June 1984, the BJP instigated the military attack on the Golden Temple, resulting in the massacre of thousands of Sikh pilgrims. In 2008, the BJP orchestrated violence against Christians in Orissa,” the petition alleges. The Facebook ad by rights group targeting Muslims, Sikhs and human rights organizations in the United States urges them to "Sign Petition, Stop Obama". “The fact that world's largest democracy has elected a Prime Minister whose party is known for committing crimes against religious minorities should be a matter of grave concern for the western world”, stated attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun legal advisor to SFJ, “United States which has acknowledged the role of Modi in massacre of Muslims should not host him at the White House”, added Pannun. Terming Modi as Netanyahu of India, attorney Pannun further stated that online petition will be an eye opener for Obama Administration which is ignoring the track record of Modi and his party BJP with regard to treatment of minorities for vested US economic interests. "Instead of hosting Modi at White House, President Obama should condemn Modi and ban BJP for perpetrating violence against Muslims, Sikhs and Christirans" says the White House Petition. So far the online petition urging Obama administration to cancel Modi's invitation has received more than 1200 signatures. The petition requires 100,000 signatures by August 20 to qualify for a response by the White House. Newspapers Coverage: [www.firstpost.com] [www.deccanchronicle.com] [zeenews.india.com] [indianexpress.com] [www.ndtv.com] [www.in.com] [bharatpress.com] [daily.bhaskar.com] [news.oneindia.in] [www.hindustantimes.com] [www.thecitizen.in] [www.greaterjammu.com] [kashmirreader.com] [www.punjabnewstime.com] [www.nation.com.pk]) [www.abplive.in] [www.eni.network24.co] [www.outlookindia.com] [www.indiatvnews.com] Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue 59th Floor New York, NY 10118 T: 201.601.2707 F: 201.601.2610 E: support@sikhsforjustice.org

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh The Sikh community has been an integral part of the American fabric for over a century and made numerous contributions to the progress and prosperity of our society, including a proud tradition of military service dating back to World War I. In the last two World Wars 83,005 Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded while fighting.In the years to 1945, 14 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Sikhs, a per capita record given the size of the Sikh Regiments. In 2002, the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross winners were inscribed on the pavilion monument of the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill next to Buckingham Palace, London. From the founding days of their faith, Sikhs have been enjoined by their Gurus to confront social injustice as an integral part of their spiritual expression and advancement. However, since the 1980s, observant Sikhs have faced great difficulty in serving due to a discontinuation of exemptions to uniform standards which previously allowed Sikhs to maintain their religiously-mandated beards and turbans while in uniform. Americas allies, including Great Britain, Canada, and India, presumptively allow Sikhs to serve in their militaries. By allowing devout Sikhs to serve with their articles of faith intact, America's military can project core values of pluralism and equal opportunity to the world and expand its pool of qualified soldiers. We therefore call on you to end the presumptive ban on devout Sikh soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces so that patriotic Sikh Americans can freely serve the nation they love. Sign this petition at - http://chn.ge/1eHkIKX Petition started by, Amit Singh, Toronto, Canada

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Petition_for_Immediate_Unconditional_Release_of_Gurbakash_Singh_for_the_Protection_from_the_Excesses_of_the_Punjab_Polic/?dpIOObb

Pyare Sadh Sangat Ji, Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ke Fateh Oxford MP Nicola Blackwood has started a petition with the support of the NSPCC, Barnardo’s, The Children’s Society, Pace, ECPAT, Save the Children, OXCAT and others, to call on the Prime Minister to implement a 6-point action plan to stop child sexual exploitation in the UK. The petition has gathered almost 100,000 signatures and is looking for a total of 150,000. Please support. Further information on the 6-point action plan and a plea for support by a victim's mother is given below. Link to petition: https://www.change.org/petitions/prime-minister-david-cameron-take-action-to-help-stop-child-sexual-exploitation?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=32540&alert_id=SyyuxbyDaA_cFtYctCmKP Information on the 6-point action plan: ‘Hidden in plain view within their communities, thousands of vulnerable children across the UK are being cynically targeted, groomed and subjected to appalling sexual abuse by paedophiles and organised gangs. These children have irrevocably lost their childhood. As an Oxford MP, I saw for myself the appalling devastation caused by child sexual exploitation when it emerged that a violent gang had been grooming and sexually abusing children in Oxford for at least eight years. Even after all those years of abuse, six victims bravely appeared as witnesses in the five-month trial at the Old Bailey earlier this year. Groomed to be sold for sex from as young as eleven years old, the victims’ evidence included graphic detail about being plied with drugs and repeatedly raped by strangers. All victims described violent treatment at the hands of their abusers including being tied up, bitten, scratched, assaulted with instruments and being threatened and humiliated. The victims’ courageous testimony led to the conviction of seven men. Five of them were sentenced to life imprisonment. Sadly though, this case was far from unique. Many cities across the country - Rochdale, Rotherham, Telford, Coventry, Leicester, High Wycombe - have seen their own tragic cases of child sexual exploitation. That it why, with the support of the NSPCC, Barnardo’s, The Children’s Society, Pace, ECPAT, Save the Children, OXCAT and others, I am calling on the Prime Minister to implement a 6-point action plan to stop child sexual exploitation in the UK. STEP 1: Introduce new child sexual abuse prevention orders to give police the power to prevent sex offenders abusing children STEP 2: Make sure local areas set up the specialist child sexual exploitation centres needed to identify and protect victims STEP 3: Give judges clear guidance on sentencing complex child sexual exploitation cases STEP 4: Reform courts so that very vulnerable witnesses in child sexual abuse cases are no longer traumatised by giving evidence STEP 5: Give the Education Secretary the power to order the publication of Serious Case Reviews STEP 6: End the postcode lottery of support for victims of child sexual exploitation Please sign the petition and add your voice to those of us calling for action to drive child sexual exploitation from our streets. This petition is part of the CHILDHOOD LOST campaign. Find out more at www.childhoodlost.co.uk and @childhood_lost A plea for petition support by a victim's mother: A group of men I didn’t know befriended my 14 year old daughter, Alice, and started to sexually exploit her. They gave her gifts, took her to ‘parties’ and gave her drugs and alcohol -- all the time with the real threat of actual violence hanging over her. There were rules at the ‘parties’ and girls were beaten if they did not have sex with the men. I knew something was wrong. I tried to stop it but she feared the men more than she feared me. The police kept finding Alice at different properties with these men. On my daughter’s Facebook page and mobile phone I found names and numbers of the men all of which I supplied to the police. But I was told it was not enough for action to be taken. 
Police should have had the power to prevent these men contacting and abusing my daughter. That's why I am supporting a petition calling on the Prime Minister, David Cameron, to introduce new measures, including prevention orders, to tackle child sexual exploitation. Please sign the petition here. I believe that if the police had been able to use a prevention order children would not have been raped by these men. It is terrifying that these men got away with so much for so long and that other children are still trapped in similar situations. Now I'm working with the MP, Nicola Blackwood, and a number of children and parent charities to convince David Cameron to do everything in his power to stop this happening again. 
Please support our campaign and sign the petition. I never want this to happen to another child. Thank you, Kate 
*Names have been changed to protect identities

News link from punjab spectrum http://www.punjabspectrum.com/2013/06/12832 Local News Channel Coverage http://www.news10.net/video/2507199376001/1/Sikh-couple-kicked-out-of-theater-due-to-religious-item Link to Petition http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50846/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=11324

Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh I know this Gursikh couple who went to watch movie at AMC theatre in Emeryville, CA. While the Singh was waiting in line, he was racially profiled and pulled out by the security guards. He was the only one who was searched as he was wearing a Dumalla. His kirpan was not visible at that point. He was searched and his turban was patted down. They saw the kirpan and asked him to leave the theater. When he tried to give them reasonable explanation, the security personal did not listen and said ," I know about Sikhs". They had to leave and their evening was ruined :-( Now they have started this petition, please sign it https://www.change.org/petitions/amc-bay-street-16-theaters-in-emeryville-stop-banning-sikhs?utm_campaign=share_button_mobile&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition United Sikhs traceable petition http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50846/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=11324 Thank you

Guru Roop Guru Pyari Sadh Sangat Ji, The Quebec Soccer Federation (In Quebec Province of Canada) has banned Sikh kids wearing Dastaars from playing Soccer(Football) "says if Sikh kids want to play soccer while wearing a turban, there's an easy solution: they can play in their own backyard" A Petition has been created to protest this decision: Please Visit the Link, Currently 349 People have signed it, Let's complete the required 1,000 Signatures within the Hour. team.http://www.thepetitionsite.com/802/322/635/allow-turbans-sikhs-in-quebec-soccer-leagues/ Daily Sikh Updates

https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/hard-kaur-real-name-taran-dhillon-remove-the-suffix-kaur-from-her-stage-name?utm_campaign=share_button_action_box&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsaa Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh, Taran Dhillon, allegedly India's first Female Indian Rapper has been using the suffix of 'Kaur' to her chosen stage name of "Hard-Kaur" for many years and it has been a great shame that she has not been stopped, reprimanded or educated of the deep sacrilege she is performing. "Hard-Kaur" is a pathetic and foolish pun of the term 'hardcore' which can refer to a genre of music, wrestling or even pornography. Although everyone is free to pursue the path they wish and we do not intend to preach to 'Taran Dhillon', it should not be for anyone's liberty to denigrate religious terms and values so grossly. In the Sikh faith the term "Kaur" represents the elated and unique position of the female in the Khalsa Panth. The Sikh Guru's came into the world at a time of great social darkness and brought with them the illuminating force of truth which after centuries of suppression voiced for the rights and opportunities for of all humanity, including women. The Tenth Guru (Enlightener, Master) Sri Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa as an order of 'Saint-Soldiers' to combat the vices of the mind as a saint and to defend and uphold the dignity of righteousness as a soldier. Men and women were included into this order indiscriminately, and even the women of the Guru's own family became initiates of the Khalsa. The Guru blessed the adherents of the code of the Khalsa with the suffixes of Singh (for males) and Kaur (for females), eradicating the notion of caste which was contained in the ancestral surnames of the people of India. Kaur means "Princess" and is reserved for the practising and progressing female members of the Sikh faith. It is of great insult that Taran Dhillon who represents and encourages nearly everything that the faith opposes uses this great blessing as part of her stage name. Her shameful behaviour has been highlighted in the Media in recent days where she has been accused of insulting Sri Guru Gobind Singh, mocking the unshorn hair of a Sikh and using foul language which degenerative to womankind. Her music encourages alcoholism and many other social vices which clearly oppose Sikh Ethos. We urge all Sikhs across the globe to sign this petition to raise awareness and demonstrate our disgust at Taran Dhillon who through no means is capable of being referred to as "Kaur". We hope she changes her stage name as soon as possible before the sentiments of the sangat are hurt further, at which stage no one can be held accountable for the consequences. The way she sings, dresses etc is all entirely her choice however the suffix of Kaur belongs to the PANTH and its misuse will not be tolerated. Kaur - ਉਸ ਸਿੰਘਣੀ ਦੀ ਉਪਾਧਿ, ਜਿਸ ਨੇ ਖੰਡੇ ਦਾ ਅਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਛਕਿਆ ਹੈ, ਜੈਸੇ ਪੁਰਖ ਦੇ ਨਾਉਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਜੋੜਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੈਸੇ ਸਿੰਘਣੀ ਦੇ ਨਾਉਂ ਨਾਲ ਕੌਰ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਲਾਈਦਾ ਹੈ. ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਹ ਸ਼ਬਦ "ਕੁੰਵਿਰ" (ਕੌਰਿ)¹ਹੈ (Mahaan Kosh, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha)

VJKK VJKF! Could all the sangat copy and paste the link below: http://wh.gov/eMxR Create an account and sign the petition. When it gets 100,000, the White House Administration will review it. Post link on all social medias too.

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