Early Day Motion In British Parliament.

[Singh, Mahan]

I had read somewhere that on July 20, 2012 an early day motion was to be introduced in British Parliament regarding Sikhs in India. I think it was to be in response to “Kesari Lehar” Petition. Has anybody got more information regarding that?

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[Singh, Mahan]

Source: ( Sikh 24.com )

http://www.sikh24.com/2012/07/india-must-respect-human-rights-of-its-citizens-says-british-mp-2/#.UAqXS1JM98F

India Must Respect Human Rights of Its Citizens, Says British MP

By: Gurpreet Kaur

LONDON, UK (July 21, 2012)–John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, moved an adjournment debate in the House of Commons last Tuesday, on the issue of ongoing human rights abuses in India. Significant supporter of Kesri Lehar’s campaign – “Wave for Justice” paid tribute to Kesri Lehar, Liberation, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for their commitments to exposing the Indian Government’s failure to address the human rights abuses effectively.

British Labour Party politician raised concerns on the historic failure of the Indian Government to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 1984 Sikhs massacre. He added, “That the massacre started with the attack on the Golden Temple in Amritsar and resulted in the murder of hundreds of thousands of Sikhs in the following decade, and was described as India’s hidden agenda.”

In his speech, Labour MP stated, “In 2004, on the 20th anniversary of the massacre, he launched a report in the parliament called “1984: Sikhs’ Kristallnacht”, and demanded for an independent commission of truth and justice, under the auspices of the United Nations, to investigate the slaughter.”

“It would be a travesty of justice, if Jagdish Tytler and KP Gill visit for the London Olympics as Olympics officials for India, who are both accused of human rights violations in 1984 to1995, and would cause deep offence to the whole of the Sikh community.” said Mr McDonnell.

His speech also included the strong condemnation of the human rights violations against minorities in India, including against the Sikhs, and Indian Government failure to revoke the laws that afford state impunity to human rights abusers. “Impunity seems to be common for the perpetrators of human rights abuses in India – not acceptable by any standards.” continued Labour MP.

Reading the report of Human Rights Watch about custodial killings and police abuses, including torture, he said: “On average, 1,500 people a year are dying in custody in Indian prisons and police stations, while rape is used as a form torture.”

“Amnesty now reports that over the past two years, 30 human rights defenders have been targeted for abuse by state and non-state organisations, with eight people been killed as a result.”

Concluding the adjournment debate, he described, “The ultimate violation of human rights is to take a person’s life. That is why there was such a shock and anger worldwide outrage at the Indian Government’s threat – made only months ago, after an eight-year hiatus – implement the death penalty against people such as Professor Davinder Pal Singh Bhullar and Balwant Singh Rajoana. Professor Bhullar was convicted only on a confession and that was obtained by torture. Balwant Singh Rajowana has already suffered 17 years on death row and suffered enough.”

Prof Bhullar filed a mercy petition in 2003, supported by Amnesty International and the German Bundestag’s Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, which Indian President denied on May 26, 2011.

Labour MP has sponsored an early day motion, in support of the Kesri Lehar’s campaign, calling upon the full debate in the House of Commons.

In his closing remarks, Mr. McDonnell urged his Government to use the bilateral talks, and the EU –India human rights dialogue, to call on India to take decisive action to protect human rights and, in particular, to abolish the death penalty.

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[lsingh]

Its EDM 296

http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/296

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Can somone associated with Kesri Lehar post a link to the Adjournement Debate that supposedly took place last Tuesday.

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Can somone associated with Kesri Lehar post a link to the Adjournement Debate that supposedly took place last Tuesday.

Can not find anything in Hansard?

[PAL 07]

Human Rights Campaign Group To Submit Petition Calling For An End To The Death Penalty In India

December 02, 2012

London UK – Human rights group Kesri Lehar shall be handing a 118,000 signatory petition to Downing Street on the 10^th December calling on Prime Minister David Cameron to work towards abolishing capital punishment in India.

A 6 person delegation plus cross party political representatives will submit the petition which calls for an Early Day Motion debate in Parliament urging the UK to press India for the abolition of the death penalty and for it to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which encompasses the death penalty. It is expected that this will be debated in the House of Commons around the time of March 2013.

The 10^th December is also Human Rights Day, an opportunity every year to celebrate human rights, highlight a specific issue, and advocate for the full enjoyment of all human rights by everyone everywhere. This year the spotlight is on the rights of all people - women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, the poor and marginalized - to make their voices heard in public life and be included in political decision-making.

About Kesri Lehar

The Kesri Lehar meaning wave for justice is seeking to end all human rights abuses perpetrated by the Indian government and to bring to justice those responsible for such acts. Currently at least 50 death sentences are passed every year by the Indian courts, however, following the events of early 2012 in India where Mr Balvant Singh Rajoana was due to be hanged to death having already served 17 years imprisonment, an international outcry occurred resulting in the creation of the Kesri Lehar Campaign.

Working with other groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, some of its aims are for the purpose of lobbying the House of Commons to hold a debate on the ongoing and disturbing human rights atrocities in India and the lack of response by the government to address these issues. Exposing the Sikh Genocide of 1984 and the wide spread increase in custodial rapes in India and the gang rape of girls and women, throughout India by the police, paramilitary and military forces are also its prime objectives.

Other projects are intended to guide and empower the next generation to give them a better understanding of government and politics. Kesri Lehar has aligned with several National and International NGO's and MP's and MEP's throughout the UK to guide young human rights activists in the need and manner to lobby and manage projects, to achieve pre-intended targets and objectives ensuring the success of Kesri Lehar in years to come.

Contacts

www.kesrilehar.co.uk

Kesri Lehar Campaign Office

1st Floor, 354, Bath Road,

Hounslow, TW4 7HW

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Has Kesri Lehar thought through the programme and arrangements for 10 December?

Paramjit Singh who fronts the weekly programme for Kesri Lehar on Sangat TV has been asked to clarify the arrangements via TV as many from the Sangat are asking questions.

Many Sikhs wish to attend as they have signed the petition and Gurdwaras are therefore making arrangements for transport, including coaches.

The programme for the day on the web site states:

Sikhs will gather at 2pm, the petition will be handed over by a 6-person delegation and politicans at 2.30pm. Clearly there may be as many as 1,000 Sikhs who will be in Whitehall given the transport arrangements that are being advertised. Our understanding is a couple of Sikhs from Kesri Lehar and non-Sikhs linked to human rights groups such as Amnesty Internation will form the 6-person delegation.

After this the plan is to enter the UK Parliament at 3pm and hold a meeting in Committee Room 12 from 3.30-6.00pm. The challenge will be Committee Rooms typically hold around 100. If 20-30 MPs, Lords and non-Sikhs representing human rights groups are in attendance what will the 900+ members of the Sangat who may have come from as far as Leeds and Huddersfield in coaches be expected to do, especially if one or two oftheir numbers are in the Committee Room.

It would be helpful if the Working Group of Kesri Lehar could clarify what they wish the Sangat, who are likely to turn up in large numbers, is expected to do from 2.30-6pm as it will be cold and many present will no doubt be elderly so expecting them to wait outside Parliament until 6pm will not be a good idea.

The Working Group of Kesri Lehar may urgently wish to book a large conference room in venues directly opposite Parliament i.e. QEII Conference Centre. Otherwise the Sangat may have many complaints, which will be made with Gurdwara Prabandaks and established Sikh organisations for not advising the Kesri Lehar who have shown they may not have experience of organising such events.