Sikh Freedom Lobby - 31 May 2006 (brussels)

[Pakandi baba]

8. Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chairman of the Sikh Federation (UK) said: 'We are united in the challenge presented to Sikhs in the EU and have offered to assist EU institutions and member states in raising awareness about the Sikhs - the most visible minority in the world - and the issues that cause us most concern. Our wish is citizens in the EU become better informed, more tolerant and value diversity. In a few weeks time we have pledged to return to Brussels in even greater numbers to see if Europe recognises our freedoms. Tens of thousands of practising Sikhs died for freedom in Europe in the two World Wars, the least we can expect is respect for our right to be different and support for our own freedom'.

Gurjeet Singh

National Press Secretary

Sikh Federation (UK)

Thanks again :nihungsmile:

[amorphous_singh]

Congratulations are due to those who organised this event. Many of you will not know how much effort and planning this event has taken.

Also due respect is due for the united stance and refusal to compromise on our religious beliefs.

These Sikhs have jointly raised the prominence of the discrimination against Sikhs in mainland Europe that some have only been dimly aware of.

Hopefully everyone now realises that we need to take action, that we can not sit back and hope that things will sort themselves out. It will take everyone of us, of you; to be involved.

Don't expect others to do it all - it will take concerted action. You should contact your MEPs immediately and raise these issues and you should expect answers and changes.

If you are reading this and do not contact your elected politians (regardless of whether you voted for them or not) then do not sit around moaning about the injustices in this world. Take some positive action to support your Sikh brothers and sisters who are putting in so much effort.

You've read the posts and seen the actions that these Sikhs had to take to stand their ground. All you have to do is to contact your MEPs and to continue to pursue them to deliver; to provide you with answers.

You can do that much - surely!

And while you're thinking about doing your bit; don't forget to attend the UK Rally and March for Remembrance, Justice and Freedom.

http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=16988

[Nirvair S Khalsa]

This has only reinforced and strengthened the campaign launched by the Sikh Federation (UK) further. By not permitting the Sikhs into the Parliament building on the basis of the right to practise faith and the lack of awareness of Sikh principles made known, the EU has just confirmed what the Sikh Federation (UK) has been lobbying for and was going to discuss at the first ever European Sikh Lobby yesterday.

The consequential Lobby Day that is to take place should be attended by an even larger number of people as Bhai Amrik Singh Jee (Chairman of the Sikh Federation UK) has pledged in the Press Release.

The Sikh Federation (UK) and the organisers should be shown appreciation and congratulated on this success of creating this awareness. The hard work and effort put into the organisation of this lobby has under NO possibility gone to waste, but a great achievement accomplished that it has opened a whole new view for Sikhs to witness.

Vaheguroo Jee Kaa Khalsa, Vaheguroo Jee Kee Phateh!!!

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

UKIP slams EU racism[/b]

31-05-2006

Derek Clark MEP, who represents the East Midlands, today (31.5.06) slammed the European Parliament for what he called "disgraceful behaviour", when it refused to allow a group of 50 Sikhs into the Parliament building.

The group, who were visiting the Parliament to lobby on behalf of their right to wear their religious insignia, which includes a ceremonial dagger, had been told that there would be no problems in accessing the building.

"However, when they arrived, they were denied access due to a rule change at 8pm last night", said Mr Clark. "Many of the group are elderly and they were kept in an area with no seats, no refreshments and, most importantly, no toilet facilities, for four hours". He continued: "Even when they requested a security escort to allow them to relieve themselves, this was refused".

Mr Clark said: "I will be writing in the strongest terms to the President of the European Parliament, protesting at what seems quite apparently to be racist behaviour on the part of the European Parliament and demanding an apology to the Sikh community".

Notes:

The Sikh Freedom Lobby in the European Parliament was organised by the Sikh Federation (UK) and included Sikhs from the UK, France, Germany, Holland and Belgium.

info@sikhfederation.com

http://www.ukip.org/ukip_news/gen12.php?t=1&id=2192

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

An article from the Derby Telegraph is below:

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Local Euro MP gives support to Sikh campaigners

2.03.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 31st May 2006

Local Euro MP Diana Wallis met Sikh campaigners from Yorkshire in Brussels today to give her support in their human rights campaigns.

The Liberal Democrat MEP for the region, Diana Wallis, met members of the Sikh Federation from Yorkshire in collaboration with Sikh organisations throughout Europe.

The Sikh Federation organised its first ever European Sikh Lobby Day in Brussels on the afternoon of Wednesday 31 May 2006 and several Sikhs from the region made their way to the European Parliament to speak to local MEPs including Diana Wallis.

Diana Wallis MEP discussed several issues with local Sikhs, including their campaign to expose what they consider to be the genocide of Sikhs in 1984 and the widespread abuse of human rights in India.

Ms. Wallis, a member of Amnesty International, said:

"There is evidence of punitive treatment of Sikh political and human rights activists and I was pleased to meet campaigners in the Parliament to lend my support to their cause."

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Three interviews with the BBC at the Sikh Freedom Lobby on 31 May 2006

http://www.radioep.com/files/31-05-2006-20...singhsikhs1.mp3

http://www.radioep.com/files/31-05-2006-20...agillsikhs1.mp3

http://www.radioep.com/files/31-05-2006-20...singhsikhs1.mp3

[Nirvair S Khalsa]

Some good photos from the European Lobby Day on www.SikhFederation.com - the official Sikh Federation (UK) website:

http://www.sikhfederation.com/picture_gall...2006/index.html

Vaheguroo Jee Kaa Khalsa, Vaheguroo Jee Kee Phateh!!!