Candle Vigil....remembering Victims Of 1984 Pogroms

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************* P R E S S R E L E A S E *****************

"We have lost sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, we have seen themburned alive in front of our eyes. Do we not have the right to mourn? Do we not have the right to want justice?"1

Candle Light Remembrance Vigil 12pm to 7 pm - Wed 5th November 2008 - Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, UK

The Sikh community is commemorating the twenty fourth anniversary of the holocaust that was unleashed upon the Sikhs of Northern Indiaduring November 1984. The commemoration this year is marking twenty four years of impunitysince Operation Bluestar and pogroms of Sikhs in India during November1984. In disgust that their counterparts in Northern India hadoverseen the genocide of Sikhs, Sikh soldiers deserted barracks acrossIndia. Thousands of these Sikh soldiers were killed, hundreds havelanguished in prisons since. The vigil is a remembrance for the thousands of Sikhs killed across India in 1984 following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the IndianPrime Minister.

Whilst this was a tragedy, what followed were days of barbaric murder, rape and looting across India which left thousandsdead and over 50,000 homeless. The victims of these anti-Sikh pogromsstill await justice. We hope you will join us to remember the thousands of innocent victimsof the ant-Sikh riots of November 1984. Last year hundreds of peopleincluding local MP's and Councillors joined us in this remembrance.

Prayers will be said 6.30 – 7 pm. Come and give your support for the campaign for justice in India andcommemorate the sacrifice of Sikh soldiers.

Background: The November 1984 Pogroms of Sikhs in India Twenty Four Years of Impunity: Truth and Justice Denied On the morning of October 31 1984, the Prime Minister of India IndiraGandhi was assassinated by two of her bodyguards. The two bodyguards happened to be Sikhs avenging the assault on the Golden Temple complexthat had been ordered by the Prime Minister five months earlier in the same year.

What followed begged belief. Gangs of assailants burned Sikhs alive,gang-raped Sikh women, and destroyed their Gurdwaras and properties,among other devastating crimes. The violence, allegedly motivated toof grief over Mrs. Gandhis's assassination, continued unabated for atleast four days, and intermittently for the rest of the week. Senior political party officials and police carefully orchestrated the Sikh massacre of November 1984.

During the night of October 31,Congress (I) party officials met with their local support networks –people who participated in rallies and election drives – to: identifythe residences and properties of Sikhs through government-issued voteror ration lists; distribute weapons, kerosene and incendiary chemicals; exhort non-Sikhs to kill Sikhs and loot and burn their properties; and plan the time of attack. That night, they floated the first rumour that Sikhs had celebrated the assassination of Indira Gandhi, dancing and distributing sweets, conditioning Indians for theviolence to follow.

The next morning, on November 1 between 8 and 10 a.m., assailants simultaneously attacked Sikhs throughout the country, shouting slogans of extermination. The gangs often first attacked the Sikh Gurdwara inthe particular neighborhood. After desecrating the Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, by urinating on or burning them, burning down theGurdwara, and attacking symbols of the Sikh faith, the mob attackedthe properties of Sikhs and the Sikhs themselves. Organizedtransportation, sometimes provided using state-owned buses andrailways, brought assailants to where Sikhs lived. The behavior of policemen surpassed inaction, and often, amounted to participation andinstigation. If the Sikhs gathered and defended themselves, the policedisarmed the Sikhs and sent them to their individual houses, makingthem easier targets for death squads. Congress (I) party leaders led,directed and encouraged gangs of assailants, and participated in themassacres themselves. As the violence continued methodically and systematically over thenext days, Congress (I) politicians and policemen spread two morefalse rumors: the Sikhs had poisoned the water supply and Sikhs inPunjab were killing Hindus on Delhi-bound trains. Government officials continued to deny the extent of violence against Sikhs, while policeofficers and political leaders simultaneously directed the organised slaughtering of the Sikhs. The army, called into Delhi 48 hours afterviolence had begun, could not begin to effectively counter theviolence until November 3 because of the Delhi administration's refusal to cooperate.

Thousands of Sikhs were massacred in the most barbaric method ofburning. The Delhi pogrom has been documented by several organisations.

Twenty four years on, the Indian Government has failed to set therecord straight and account for the carnage of November 1984. Instead,it has suppressed and destroyed evidence. The government's maincommission of inquiry – the Misra Commission, established in 1985 toexamine this massacre – white-washed the massacre, concealing itspapers and proceedings from the public. The government also attackedthose reporting on the 1984 carnage, using the rhetoric of nationalsecurity to criticize parts of the foreign media for 'deliberatelypresenting totally distorted versions of the Punjab situation, whichhave the effect of encouraging and sustaining separatist activities.'2 The newly elected Congress (I) administration in 2004 has continued tosustain anti-Sikh feeling by awarding those responsible for crimesagainst Sikhs. In the recent elections two of the most seniorCongress(I) officials implicated the November 1984 anti-Sikh pogromswere given tickets for safe seats by the Congress party. JagdishTytler, MP also in 1984, was appointed Minister in the 2004 Government, and HKL Bhagat became MP. Sajjan Kumar, MP in 1984,remains a senior official in the party. Bhagat was a minister in 1984. Most recently India's Criminal Bureau of Investigation has once againfailed to file charges against the accused, even with countless eyewitnesses' testimonies against the accused. To this date even after the findings of the latest commission, no onehas been prosecuted for the organisation of this horror and 24 yearson the Sikh's still await justice.

Join us to light a candle of hope and say a prayer for all those souls awaiting justice.

1 Gurdeep Kaur, Block 32, Trilokpuri, Delhi, quoted in Tavleen Singh,Shame, Indian Express (October 27 1989)

2 Jaskaran Kaur, Twenty Years of Impunity, A Report by ENSAAF, 2004

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http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QwrWULZWzRk

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Divali – Keeping the flame of freedom alight

Sikhs throughout the globe will celebrate Divali on 28th October. Divas/lamps will be alight, a jovial festival atmosphere will prevail. Sweets and samosas will be enjoyed, fireworks will set alight the moonlit sky. But why do we really celebrate? Apart from the annual calendar significance? What does Divali mean for us as Sikhs?

The sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee was falsely imprisoned for spurious reasons by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. After some months it was declared that Guru Jee could walk free. Like Guru Jee there were other prisoners of conscience in Gwalior Fort (the prison), specifically 52 Hindu Kings who made a heartfelt plea to Guru Jee begging him to negotiate their release also. The ocean of mercy Guru Jee listened attentively to their plea and showered his grace upon them and told them not to worry and that he would negotiate their release.

Guru Jee told the Emperor he would only leave the prison on the condition that the 52 Hindu Kings are freed also. The Emperor being a man entangled in his own ego and pride of intelligence, replied that Guru Jee could walk free with as many Kings who could hold onto his clothing on the day of his release. Guru the fountain of knowledge easily got around the condition by getting a robe tailored with 52 tassels on it. On the day of His release Guru Jee walked out of Gwalior Fort with all 52 Hindu Kings holding onto one tassel each, this auspicious occasion is referred to as “Bandi Shorr Divas – the day of emancipation.” Guru Jee did not only free the 52 Hindu Kings from prison, He also showered His grace upon them and freed them from the transmigration of the soul, freeing them from the cycle of births and deaths. Each and everyone of us also begs for this freedom:

Forsaking all other doors I have come to your door. Preserve my honour by offering the support of your arm, liberate me, I am your humble servant. (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee)

I have come to the sanctuary of the formless and emancipating Lord, who destroys all sufferings. (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Jee, Limb 624 – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee)

May Guru Jee bless us with spiritual and physical liberation also.

Bandhi Shorr Divas was months prior to Divali. Upon release from Gwalior Fort Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee made a tour of Delhi and other regions, then arrangements to go to Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar were made. When he reached Amritsar Sahib it was Divali and the Sikhs celebrated the release of Guru Jee with fireworks and festivities.

Relevance today

The world over there are countless prisoners of consciousness, held under false fabricated charges and/or those held for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. Please light a candle for these prisoners, non-Sikhs and Sikhs, don’t forget Guru Jee’s example of freeing Hindu Kings. He was benevolent, humane and had a profound love for one and all, may we develop such divine virtues. May we all endeavour to assist and support such prisoners and at the very least we can all make a heartfelt prayer that Guru Jee blesses all prisoners with Chardi Kala/High Spirits.

One cannot begin to imagine losing freedom of movement and action, we can only try to empathise with such prisoners. Regardless of the regime and it’s tyranny, no man-made authority can imprison the Sikh Spirit and Sikhs still happily go to the gallows for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. The Sikh Spirit cannot be imprisoned. Prominent Sikhs currently imprisoned include Dr. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Deya Singh Lahoria, Bhai Balwant Singh, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Dhadhi and the list goes on and on. Just imagine being the parent of a child who entered militancy or quite simply ‘disappeared’ in the 80’s and 90’s in Punjab. Many of these parents light a candle at Divali, praying and wishing that the light of hope may still bless them with a vision of a fit and well son or daughter. Or they pray in despair that may God nurture their offspring wherever they may be.

So when you light a candle and eat a sweet at Divali, please spare a thought, that you are free and are not bound by the restraints of prison life. Lest we forget, lets light a lamp to ensure the rays of freedom shine through all of humanity.

Harjinder Singh

www.akaalpublishers.com

Please feel free to print & distribute or forward on via email/internet etc

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Plea to the Sikh Youth : Unite and Remember on Wed 5th November 2008

"Victims speak of mobs led by notoriously unruly youth congress activists armed with voters lists from which Sikh homes and businesses could be identified. How did kerosene materialise so effectively? Why did the police declare open season on Sikhs?"

(Daily Telegraph, Nov 1984)

Sangat Jee,

The week commencing Monday 1st November marks the 24rd anniversary of one of the most ruthless and bloody chapters in Sikh history, when the mirage of Indian secularism and democracy was exposed and Sikhs suffered state orchestrated brutality across the country.

In the hours that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi, by her Sikh bodyguards (Shaheed Bhai Beant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh), on 31st October 1984 , her son Rajiv Gandhi instructed the powers that be to "teach these bastards (the Sikhs) a lesson". The state run media vilified Sikhs, broadcasting proactive slogans such as "khoon ka badla khoon" (blood for blood), and spreading fake rumours e.g. Sikhs had poisoned Delhi's water supply and that trains from Punjab were arriving with dead Hindus on board.

What followed was the systematic and co-ordinated massacre of Sikhs, not only in Delhi but also in Uttar Pardesh, Haryana, Binar and Kanur amongst others.

The attacks followed a chilling pattern. Local politicians from the ruling Congress party mobilised mobs of Hindu youths and armed them with swords, iron rods, knives, clubs and combustible material, particularly kerosene. Using electoral lists and ration shop records, the Congress party leaders guided the mobs to Sikh homes and businesses, moving from one district to another in jeeps to personally supervise the murder and rape of Sikh men and women.

(This is just a glimpse of the atrocities that occurred, for more, go to www.witness84.com , www.carnage84.com, www.ensaaf.org )

Two of the Congress Party politicians implicated by eyewitnesses were Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler. You will not be surprised to learn that neither has ever been successfully prosecuted, as attempts to do so have either collapsed as a result of witness intimidation or been locked in the judicial process.

Lawyers in India are trying to bring Kumar and Tytler and many others to account for their actions, but their quest for justice faces immeasurable obstacles as attempts to commence legal proceedings get wrapped in red tape.

We must also show that we have not forgotten, and that we too will continue to demand that these criminals Kumar and Tytler and co are brought to justice.

The Sikh youth of the region will congregate at Chamberlin Square in Birmingham City Centre on Wednesday 5th November, from 2pm to 7pm to raise awareness amongst the wider community as to the injustice and suffering endured by Sikhs in their 'homeland'. Speakers including British MPs will be invited to show their support.

Above all, however, your support is required. Spread the word and let us ensure there is an overwhelming attendance on 5th November.

In the same way that the attacks on Sikhs were indiscriminate, regardless of caste, wealth, social status and irrespective of whether they were practicing or not, each and everyone of us, whether amritdhari or not, should feel the pain that still haunts many of our mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters in India every day.

Taken from press release

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Please do take the time out to attend and encourage those around you be they sikh, non-sikh, from people in the media to public services, etc. to attend.

this is not about sikh/non-sikh, black, brown, caste or jatha - for us to call ourselves human we should be able to empathise and consider all our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and children.

so the slaughter of thousands of innocent people created a silent cry and we have to be their voice so please empathise, unite and attend.

everyone is welcome to come and share our sanjha hurt at this tragedy and crime against all humanity.

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Plea to the Sikh Youth : Unite and Remember on Wed 5th November 2008

"Victims speak of mobs led by notoriously unruly youth congress activists armed with voters lists from which Sikh homes and businesses could be identified. How did kerosene materialise so effectively? Why did the police declare open season on Sikhs?"

(Daily Telegraph, Nov 1984)

Sangat Jee,

The week commencing Monday 1st November marks the 24rd anniversary of one of the most ruthless and bloody chapters in Sikh history, when the mirage of Indian secularism and democracy was exposed and Sikhs suffered state orchestrated brutality across the country.

In the hours that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi, by her Sikh bodyguards (Shaheed Bhai Beant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh), on 31st October 1984 , her son Rajiv Gandhi instructed the powers that be to "teach these bastards (the Sikhs) a lesson". The state run media vilified Sikhs, broadcasting proactive slogans such as "khoon ka badla khoon" (blood for blood), and spreading fake rumours e.g. Sikhs had poisoned Delhi's water supply and that trains from Punjab were arriving with dead Hindus on board.

What followed was the systematic and co-ordinated massacre of Sikhs, not only in Delhi but also in Uttar Pardesh, Haryana, Binar and Kanur amongst others.

The attacks followed a chilling pattern. Local politicians from the ruling Congress party mobilised mobs of Hindu youths and armed them with swords, iron rods, knives, clubs and combustible material, particularly kerosene. Using electoral lists and ration shop records, the Congress party leaders guided the mobs to Sikh homes and businesses, moving from one district to another in jeeps to personally supervise the murder and rape of Sikh men and women.

(This is just a glimpse of the atrocities that occurred, for more, go to www.witness84.com , www.carnage84.com, www.ensaaf.org )

Two of the Congress Party politicians implicated by eyewitnesses were Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler. You will not be surprised to learn that neither has ever been successfully prosecuted, as attempts to do so have either collapsed as a result of witness intimidation or been locked in the judicial process.

Lawyers in India are trying to bring Kumar and Tytler and many others to account for their actions, but their quest for justice faces immeasurable obstacles as attempts to commence legal proceedings get wrapped in red tape.

We must also show that we have not forgotten, and that we too will continue to demand that these criminals Kumar and Tytler and co are brought to justice.

The Sikh youth of the region will congregate at Chamberlin Square in Birmingham City Centre on Wednesday 5th November, from 2pm to 7pm to raise awareness amongst the wider community as to the injustice and suffering endured by Sikhs in their 'homeland'. Speakers including British MPs will be invited to show their support.

Above all, however, your support is required. Spread the word and let us ensure there is an overwhelming attendance on 5th November.

In the same way that the attacks on Sikhs were indiscriminate, regardless of caste, wealth, social status and irrespective of whether they were practicing or not, each and everyone of us, whether amritdhari or not, should feel the pain that still haunts many of our mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters in India every day.

Taken from press release

Tomorrow!

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