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What Is The Relevance Of The Self Determination Debate To Those Supporting Khalistan?


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WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF THE SELF DETERMINATION DEBATE TO THOSE SUPPORTING KHALISTAN?

At the weekend the editorial team at the Sikh Times kindly requested a short article on the relevance of the self determination debate to those supporting Khalistan as recent initiatives on the subject may not have been properly understood or interpreted.

Those that genuinely believe in an independent sovereign Sikh State, Khalistan are rightly driven by the words and thoughts of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale Ji who said that 'if the Indian Army attacked the Harmander Sahib Complex that it would lay the foundation stone for Khalistan'. The attack on the Harmander Sahib Complex and the genocide of Sikhs by the Indian State in 1984 was enough for many Sikhs to believe that this set in motion the inevitable establishment of an independent sovereign Sikh State. Many Sikhs throughout the world viewed 1984 as a wake up call and vowed to henceforth work towards establishing Khalistan.

In true Sikh tradition the Sarbat Khalsa of 1986 at the Akal Takht confirmed the Sikhs demand for Khalistan. Some may ask why then open a debate on self determination when the Sarbat Khalsa declared Khalistan some 20 years ago. Every Sikh should respect this decision. However, the reality is the devious actions of the Indian authorities and its agents and the lack of a suitable Sikh leadership able and committed to the goal of an independent Sikh State has not made it possible for Khalistan to become a practical reality.

Many tens if not hundreds of thousands of Sikhs have sacrificed their lives by being tortured, disappeared or killed in fake encounters. Some are still in prison as they refuse to remain silent on their political demand for an independent state. Sikhs in Panjab that still try and speak up for an independent Sikh State or even greater rights for the Sikhs are constantly persecuted. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that many of those most active in working towards Khalistan live in the Sikh Diaspora. There are early signs that a new type of collective and accountable international Sikh leadership is developing that has a long term vision for establishing an independent Sikh State that will enable Sikhs to spread Guru Ji's message and work for the good of all - Sarbat dah Phala. The success of this new educated leadership will be the ability to show humility and strike the correct balance between miri-piri in winning the support of the international world.

The relevance of the self determination debate to those supporting Khalistan and respecting the Sarbat Khalsa decision twenty years ago is one of making Khalistan a practical reality. Self determination is a basic human right, as Sikhs we are duty bound to stand up for such rights. Exposing India's opposition to self determination, highlighting the historical significance of self determination to the Sikhs and the continued widespread abuse of human rights by the Indian authorities is the first stage in winning the support of the international world. Having the right and freedom to set out the vision and benefits of an independent Sikh State to the Sikh masses and others; creating an environment for Sikhs to feel they are free to determine their own future and having in place a new type of Sikh leadership are the essential ingredients for making Khalistan a reality. Those that passionately believe in the need for an independent Sikh State and are prepared to honour decisions taken by the Sarbat Khalsa have no doubt or fears that the Sikh masses would if given a free choice (the ability to exercise their right to self determination) opt again and again for an independent sovereign Sikh State.

Gurjeet Singh

SIKH FEDERATION (UK)

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Are the Sikh Federation only good for posting press releases on forums, do they actually DO anything?

The Federation are known to do one or two things - just read the 2003-04 and 2004-05 highlights booklets, about 40 and 60 pages respectively. Others are encouraged to do all they can to serve the Sikhs - why not issue press releases of your own?

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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.)

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Are the Sikh Federation only good for posting press releases on forums, do they actually DO anything?

The Federation are known to do one or two things - just read the 2003-04 and 2004-05 highlights booklets, about 40 and 60 pages respectively. Others are encouraged to do all they can to serve the Sikhs - why not issue press releases of your own?

Clearly some people were offended by my comment, although it is a genuine question and I still await a reply, one or two things in its 3 years of existence, would you care to elaborate?

You say "Others are encouraged to do all they can to serve the Sikhs - why not issue press releases of your own?" Promoting yourself as a Sikh political party don't you think that it is YOUR job to serve the Sikhs, or is the party run by pendus like back home and looking for personal gain only.

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Those that passionately believe in the need for an independent Sikh State and are prepared to honour decisions taken by the Sarbat Khalsa have no doubt or fears that the Sikh masses would if given a free choice (the ability to exercise their right to self determination) opt again and again for an independent sovereign Sikh State.

Gurjeet Singh

SIKH FEDERATION (UK)

Could you please say how far we've come over the last few years of gaining a seprate Sikh state? I'm not critizing i'm just interested. :TH:

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