Lord Indarjit Singh slams Sikh Arts and Film Festival

[DailyMail]

Finally, a Sikh leader with a backbone.

http://www.sikhchic....?cat=26&id=3781

Lord INDARJIT SINGH

To

Teji Bindra

New York, USA

25-10-12

Dear Tejinder ji,

Sat Sri Akal

Re: Sikh Heritage Arts Gala 2012

I am writing to inform you that I will not be attending the Sikh Arts and Film Festival.

When Dr Narinder Singh Kapany informed me that Sikhs in New York wished to honour me for becoming the first turbaned Sikh in the British Parliament, I agreed.

I was given to understand that it would be at a function of Sikh Heritage Awards. I now learn from the detailed Programme sent me that it is a Festival of Indian Films with dinner and dance in the presence of dignitaries from and representatives of the Indian government.

This festive event coincides with the anniversary of the government planned systematic slaughter and rape of thousands of Sikhs throughout the length and breadth of India following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, commencing with Rajiv Gandhi's broadcast incitement of "khoon ka badla khoon" - "Exact blood for blood". ( An official in Africa recently received a lengthy jail term from the International Criminal Court for lesser incitement).

Ever since 1984, I have campaigned tirelessly for those responsible for this genocide against Sikhs to be brought to justice through articles in the Sikh Messenger , the Journal of Amnesty International, articles in the Times, the Guardian and other British, French, American and Arabic journals and in radio and TV broadcasts. My effort and those of many others for the Indian government to respect civilised norms and bring those responsible to justice have simply fallen on deaf ears.

In the circumstances, I hope you will understand why on the anniversary of this massacre, I cannot join you with your guests from the Indian government. My apologies for any inconvenience.

Kind regards

Dr. Indarjit Singh ( Lord Singh of Wimbledon)

[Mehtab Singh]

A zillion salutes to this Singh!!!

[Singh559]

Fearless decision and hopefully a very big slap on the face of the organizers.

[S4NGH]

Waheguruuu!! Beautifully said, well done! We need more 'backboned' Singhs like Dr Indarjit Singh

[chatanga]

Well done your Lordship! You have certainly gone up in my estimation.

[Pyara]

I must admit, I am not very fond of Lord Singh but got to give him credit for this...

[West London Singh]

I must admit, I am not very fond of Lord Singh but got to give him credit for this...

Absolutely. It takes alot of courage and honesty for one that is part of the establishment to rock the boat, two values that are normally lacking in such people.

I'd now like a list of all the Sikhs that will attend the function. I'd like to see how any of them will in future be able to show their face again amongst the sikhs and assume a position of authority.

I just read on Teji Bhindra's profile that he is a prominent lawyer whose specialities include the topic of 'ethics'. :wow:

Ethics ? Surely his law firm and their list of clients need to be made aware of the unethical nature of the man representing their ethics ?

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

I must admit, I am not very fond of Lord Singh but got to give him credit for this...

Indarjit Singh has been very consistent on this issue and also on the issue of self determination (including for Sikhs).

A Sikh Federation (UK) representative recalls a meeting with a UK Foreign Minister several years ago when Sikhs from a number of Sikh organisations met the Minister as there were serious tensions bewteen India and Pakistan and the threat of war. Indarjit Singh was very vocal on his support for self determination for minorities in India (including the Sikhs)

He and others (who are seen as representatives of the Sikhs) who take a positive stance should be congratulated. Equallly when they express controversial views contrary to the teachings or practice of our Gurus (such as on the wearing of the 5 Ks) they should be condemned.

[lsingh]

Maybe the Sikhs in the USA can get this event cancelled if they peacefully protest?

[singh135]

Great respect to Lord Singh. Well said.