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  1. Griffith Council considering $250,000 loan to assist with roadworks at Sikh temple The Griffith Council is proposing to provide members of the city's Sikh society with a $250,000 loan for roadworks outside its new temple. The $3m facility near Hanwood was approved by council in 2009 and is expected to open later this year. The temple was vandalised twice last year, with local police expressing their concern about the racially motivated attack. Griffith Mayor, John Dal Broi, says before the temple can open the Kidman Way and Rae Road intersection must be upgraded and the Gurdwara Singh Saba Society has asked for assistance. "Council resolved we lend the money," he said. "The resolution was we lend for 10 years at a three per cent interest rate, and that loan be secured by way of individuals within the Indian community. The community won't be disadvantaged, as we will be charging interest and loan will be secured, otherwise it just doesn't happen. Griffith Mayor, John Dal Broi Council staff recommended the loan not be granted, but Councillor Dal Broi says the temple will be an asset "This could lead to further requests from various organisations, but the comment was made repeatedly that we have a large Indian community in Griffith now," he said. "They have a footprint in our area. "The community won't be disadvantaged, as we will be charging interest and loan will be secured, otherwise it just doesn't happen." Meanwhile, investigations are underway into whether the temple can be temporarily opened to coincide with the city's Sikh Games in June. "We are investigating whether or not we can allow it for a day or two, whilst those celebrations are on," Councillor Dal Broi said. "So they can have their official opening, then not be able to utilise it, until such time as all the conditions are complied with." Comments about the proposal can be submitted to council. Source - http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-13/gx-sikh-temple/5317278?&section=news
  2. Sikhs mark 100 years in Kisumu despite statue damage By JOE OMBUOR KISUMU COUNTY: Kisumu residents, who recently brought down a religious monument erected in the centre of the lakeside city, claiming it was satanic, were overawed by the colour, splendour and solemnity rolled out by members of the Sikh community celebrating 100 years of the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Temple in commemoration of which the damaged monument was built. The city was in a carnival mood, with prayers, song, drum beats and trumpet melodies renting the air as hundreds of Sikh faithful from all over East Africa marched from the historic temple in a road show like no other. The procession was made up of trucks, tractors and even tankers bedecked with flowers and religious colours, and carrying revered sect leaders as it snaked its way through downtown streets to Guru Nanak Darbar Temple in Milimani and back. Refreshments were in plenty for everyone present. Nominated MP Sonia Birdi graced the occasion and delivered a message of reconciliation and respect among all communities for lasting peace. She urged forgiveness and remission for the people who destroyed the monument that cost the community so much to erect, saying it takes divine intervention for anything to happen. Ms Birdi praised Kisumu people for maintaining peace and displaying respect for their Sikh contemporaries throughout the procession and ceremonies. She described the Kisumu event as significant by the way it united the Sikh community. This kind of unity ought to be maintained and built on for the greater good, she said. It is high time national education was conducted to enlighten the people on the differences between Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and even Christians. To achieve this, we need mascots to preach the message of peace, love and unity as a prerequisite to prosperity. Charanjit Singh Hayer, the chairman of the centenarian temple, which still retains its original architecture, called for unity and understanding irrespective of religion, race or culture. PEACES SAKE He lauded the Sikh community in Kisumu for remaining strong in spite of challenges such as the destruction of the historic monument. A plaque at Kisumus Siri Guru Singh Sabha Temple located on Mosque Road indicates that S Attar Singh, whose title is given as Permanent Way Inspector of the Uganda Railway, laid the temples foundation stone on December 21, 1913. The controversial Sikh statue was brought down for the sake of peace in the lakeside city. One of the Sikh Sheikhs, Bilayi Singh, said they would build a water fountain instead. He said the Sikh community worships one god, not the devil. The residents had claimed they would welcome only sculptures of Kenyan heroes in the town. CORD leader Raila Odinga had held a meeting with religious leaders to avert a looming religious conflict in the town. Source - http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mobile/?articleID=2000106678&story_title=Sikhs%20mark%20100%20years%20in%20Kisumu%20despite%20statue%20damage/thecounties/
  3. Proposals to turn former Citroen HQ into Sikh meditation centre due to be decided this week Published: 18 Feb 2014 16:45 PROPOSALS to turn the former HQ of a car manufacturer into a Sikh meditation and community centre were due to be decided on Thursday. Punjab House Association wants to open the worship centre - which would also include a Punjabi language school - in the vacant offices, showroom and workshop at the former Citroen site at 221 Bath Road, Slough. A report due to be heard by the planning committee recommended the decision to be delegated to the lead planning officer to make a decision, following consideration of a revised transport plan, car park layout and agreement of a financial contribution - known as a Section 106 payment. The Observer exclusively revealed the plans last month, which developers said would be based on meditation centres in China. The report states there would also be workshops run - including plastering, plumbing and bricklaying - and a day care centre for the elderly. It would also include a Punjabi language school and meditation and worship hall. The meditation hall would be able to cater for 500 people, but the application says a maximum of 200 would be expected from 10am-1pm on Sundays, and 50 through the week. It adds 100 pupils are expected to attend every Saturday. The site, thought to cover more than 1 hectare, also includes 280 car parking spaces, in a three-deck multi-storey car park. The offices have been empty since car manufacturer Citroen moved its HQ to Coventry in July 2012. A Citreon spokesman, last month, said the dealership on site will remain there for the medium-term future. He did confirm, however, they are looking for a new location in Slough. Developers hope the centre could be open from August. Source - http://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/slough/articles/2014/02/18/97832-proposals-to-turn-former-citroen-hq-into-sikh-meditation-centre-due-to-be-decided-this-week/#c
  4. **PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO SIKHS AND YOUR NON-SIKH FRIENDS WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP** SUPPORT AN INDEPENDENT PUBLIC INQUIRY TO ESTABLISH THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ATROCITIES PERPETRATED AGAINST THE SIKHS IN 1984 Please action immediately. Print between 100-500 copies of the attached letter. Get members of the Sangat to sign the letter, add their name and full postal address, including their postcode. Please collect all completed letters and determine relevant MPs through individual’s postcode by visiting: http://www.writetothem.com/ and add the MPs name at the top. Please group the letters of each MP in one envelope, write the relevant MPs name on top and send to the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Note: The MP will be obliged to respond to each letter. It is essential we have a very high volume of letters sent to MPs as soon as possible. If you know your MPs email address you can also email them directly. Remember to add your name and full postal address. The letter is also reproduced below: Dear HMG INVOLVEMENT IN THE MASSACRE OF INNOCENT SIKHS IN JUNE 1984 On 2 February the Sikh Federation (UK) wrote to the Prime Minister expressing concerns about the context and terms of reference of the review by the Cabinet Secretary. The letter was widely reported upon by the mainstream media both nationally and internationally. It is most disappointing a reply has not yet been received. Similarly, on 4 February Baroness Warsi promised in the House of Lords debate a meeting, but her office has yet to make any arrangements. Given the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary’s assurances of a dialogue with the Sikh community, this is most regrettable. Sikh organisations have decided that, if there be no such meeting before 20 February, then they will hold a peaceful protest outside Downing Street and the Foreign Office on that date – a date chosen to coincide with the first anniversary of the Prime Minister’s historic visit to Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. The Sikh Federation (UK) has now written again to the Prime Minister on 12 February summarising some of the reasons and evidence which has lead the British Sikh community to conclude that the internal review has proved to be unsatisfactory, and also raised some of the questions which remain unanswered. We believe that those questions can only be satisfactorily answered through an independent public inquiry, led by a judge. A suggested terms of reference for the inquiry has been sent to the Prime Minister. A copy of the letter sent to the Prime Minister with relevant information has been sent to you directly by the Sikh Federation (UK) and is also available by emailing sikhfederationuk@yahoo.co.uk Of course the current UK government bears no responsibility for the tragic events of 1984. Nevertheless, this government has a continuing responsibility to address the serious questions and considerable concerns which many UK citizens continue to have. I should be most grateful if you could let me know if you support the Sikh community’s call for a public inquiry; and, if you do not, your reasons. Also please email the Sikh Federation (UK) to indicate your support. With thanks. Yours sincerely, Name: Address (including postcode): Letter to MPs June 84.pdf
  5. Urgent actions to take to get answers from the UK Government on its complicity in the massacre of innocent Sikhs in June 1984 Courtesy of the Sikh Federation (UK) LETTER TO SEND TO AS MANY MPs AS POSSIBLE IN THE NEXT 48 HOURS You can find who your local MP by visiting: http://findyourmp.parliament.uk You can e-mail your MP by visiting: https://www.writetothem.com/ Dear [Name Here] MP, UK GOVERNMENT COMPLICITY IN THE MASSACRE OF INNOCENT SIKHS IN JUNE 1984 Following the release of documents under the ’30-year rule’ and revelations that the UK Government had direct involvement in the Indian army assault on the Sri Harmander Sahib Complex (often referred to the Golden temple Complex) the Prime Minister asked the Cabinet Secretary to undertake an urgent internal review on 13 January 2014. Three weeks later many more questions have arisen and the British Sikh community and Parliament need urgent answers. Sikh representatives met with the Cabinet Secretary last week on Wednesday 29 January and were provided with the terms of the review a couple of days later on 31 January. The Sikh Federation (UK) has shared the terms of the review widely within the Sikh community. I am dismayed the terms of the review were not formally made available to Parliamentarians or the Sikh community at the outset. I am also concerned that certain documents and files that may not be sensitive from a security perspective will not be disclosed as they may show the UK Government and the Indian authorities in a bad light at the time. Media reports suggested that the review would also examine why the initial letters from February 1984 had been released under the 30-year rule. It has been suggested the letters came out in error, although the letters appear not to come under any FOI exemption. The terms of the review we have been sent make no mention of what has been reported in the mainstream media and inconsistent with what the Prime Minister’s spokesman stated to the media when the review was first announced. I would be grateful if you could raise the following questions with the Prime Minister and/or Foreign Secretary immediately or when an announcement is made about the review in the House and you are able to put questions directly: When will an announcement be made in Parliament on the results of the review and if a report will be made available in advance to Parliamentarians to allow appropriate questions to be asked Why the terms of the review have not yet been made available to Parliamentarians and not shared at the outset with the Sikh community. If and why the terms of the review have been changed since the announcement on 13 January. Whether the review will be looking at Operation Sundown involving the possible advice and training input of an SAS officer on the kidnapping of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Sri Harmander Sahib Complex. Whether the review will look at the broader events of 1984 raised in Prime Minister Questions on 15 January. For example, Operation Woodrose, which was designed to crush public protest by Sikhs in Punjab, that took place in the months after Operation Blue Star. Within four to six weeks of the operation around 100,000 Sikhs, overwhelmingly young men were taken into custody, interrogated, tortured and many went missing. Whether the Prime Minister will use this opportunity to disclose what the UK Government knows of the Genocide of tens of thousands of Sikhs in November 1984 and the involvement of Indian politicians, police officers and other officials. Whether the Prime Minister will support the campaign to have the events of 1984 to be recognised as Genocide on the international stage. Whether the Prime Minister will agree to a wide-ranging independent judge-led inquiry given the revelations of direct UK involvement and the huge loss of innocent Sikhs lives in 1984. The extent of engagement with the Indian authorities in the last few weeks since the revelations and the announcement of the review and if the Indian authorities have tried to influence the findings for the UK Parliament. Why the review has been limited to a document search and interviews in relation to a narrow period mainly running up to June 1984, but not looked at the last half of 1984. For example, did the review look at the threat of possible sanctions by India against the UK, Germany, Canada and USA towards the end of 1984 for sympathising with Sikhs in the Diaspora following Operation Blue Star, Operation Woodrose and the Genocide of Sikhs in November 1984. Whether the Prime Minister to avoid a repeat of the situation will disclose early others papers concerning Sikhs, the UK Government and the Indian establishment so the truth can come out on the extent to which the Indian authorities have over the last 30 years tried to silence the Sikh voice of opposition in the UK. Whether the Foreign Secretary will commit for there to be quarterly meetings between Sikh representatives and Foreign Office Ministers. As your constituent I would like you to continue to raise this matter directly with the Prime Minister and in Parliament. I shall be grateful if you would provide me with your personal views on this matter and also provide me with a copy of any representations you make on my behalf. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, [Your full name] [Address and Postcode]
  6. **PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO SIKHS AND YOUR NON-SIKH FRIENDS WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP** Do you want answers from the UK Government on advice given to the Indian authorities about the planned assault on the Darbar Sahib Complex in June 1984 and the massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs? What you can do? Write to your MP (see instructions and letter below) Take part in the Sikh Lobby taking place on Wednesday 22 January in the UK Parliament between 11am-2pm (see details and instructions below) Sign the e-petition using the following link: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59219 1. Write to your MP You must write to your MP using the standard letter below: You can find who your local MP is by visiting: http://findyourmp.parliament.uk You can e-mail your MP by visiting: https://www.writetothem.com/ [Your MPs Name] As a British citizen I am demanding answers from the UK Government on its direct involvement in the Indian army assault on the Darbar Sahib Complex (often referred to as the Golden Temple Complex) in Amritsar in June 1984. This follows disclosure of Top Secret documents released under the ’30-year rule’ that show the Indian authorities sought British advice on the attack on the Golden Temple Complex. The article: The truth behind the Amritsar massacre published on politics.co.uk on 16 January 2014 can be found using the following link and is a must read for you:http://politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2014/01/16/the-truth-behind-the-amritsar-massacre http://politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2014/01/16/the-truth-behind-the-amritsar-massacre A mass lobby of the UK Parliament involving hundreds of Sikhs from across the UK will take place on Wednesday 22 January from 11am-2pm. I and a small delegation from your constituency hope to either meet with you for 15-20 minutes between 11am and 12 noon or urge you to join the wider group in Committee Room 11 between 12-2pm. We would be grateful for confirmation of the time you can meet with us or if you can attend the meeting in Committee Room 11. A mass lobby of the UK Parliament involving hundreds of Sikhs from across the UK will take place on Wednesday 22nd January from 11.00am-2.00pm. I and a small delegation from your constituency hopes to meet with you for 15-20 minutes on this day, either between 11-12 or with the wider group lobby between 12-2pm in Committee Room 11. We would be grateful if you could confirm the time you will be available to meet with us. The documents in the public domain show the UK Foreign Office with the support of the Prime Minister’s Office (Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister at the time) responded to the Indian request by sending an SAS officer. In correspondence between the Foreign Office and Home Office in February 1984 it was pointed out the SAS officer had visited India and ‘drawn up a plan’ which had been approved by Indira Gandhi. As your constituent I would like you to raise this matter in Parliament through Parliamentary Questions or even PM Questions. I would also like you to make representations on my behalf to Rt.Hon. William Hague MP, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to; 1) What was the specific advice provided by the Foreign Office and the SAS officer that was ‘approved’ by Indira Gandhi? 2) Did the British Government advise on: a) the timing of the attack to coincide with one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar when tens of thousands of innocent pilgrims were expected to be at the Darbar Sahib Complex and would be slaughtered? b) the level of force to be used at the Sikhs’ holiest shrine and the method of attack, using tanks and artillery? c) the expulsion of the media in the Punjab State so human rights atrocities could be perpetrated on the Sikh people across the Sikh homeland? d) the simultaneous attack on around 125 Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) throughout the Punjab State? 3) What other involvement or advice was sought or provided for the post June 1984 atrocities committed on the Sikhs in India, namely November 1984 Delhi Genocide, subsequent operations on the Golden Temple in 1988 under Operation Black Thunder, the numerous human right violations, extra judicial killings and disappearances under Operation Woodrose etc. I would also like you to make representations on my behalf to Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP, the Secretary of State for the Home Department asking her to: Provide a full disclosure of the withheld documents relating to the British Governments involvement in advising the Indian authorities and provide an explanation for the correspondence released in by the National Archive. I shall be grateful if you would provide me with your personal views on this matter and also provide me with a copy of any representations you make on my behalf. Yours sincerely, [Your Name Here – Title/Forename/Surname] [Address and Post Code] 2. Take part in the Sikh Lobby taking place on Wednesday 22 January in the UK Parliament between 11am-2pm See poster attached. Note we will now be in Committee Room 11 between 12 noon and 2pm. We need maximum coverage of MPs. We therefore do not need 10-15 for each MP on the day and to get people to come in coaches. Instead it is best to get delegations of 5-10 from each town that are able to cover 3-4 MPs through their delegation, but to cover as many towns and MPs as possible between us. Sikhs outside London should therefore travel by car or minibus as opposed to arrange coaches. It is best to have written to your MP before the lobby (see above) or at least have called the switchboard in Westminster on 0207 219 3000 and asked for your MP and left a message or spoken to staff for your MP. Please do this on Monday 20th or Tuesday 21st January. Please arrive between 11am and 12 noon and allow for 20-30 minutes getting through security. Some have meetings already arranged for 11am, so should aim to arrive by around 10.30am. 3. Sign the e-petition Use the following link: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59219 Sign for each member of your immediate family and encourage friends and family to also sign.
  7. Cong rejects Majithias offer to vow before Granth Sahib Chandigarh: Punjab Congress today rejected the offer of Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia to vow before Guru Granth Sahib to probe his innocence in drug case and asked him to face the CBI inquiry into drug charges if he is so confident about his conduct. Mr. Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa General Secretary Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) in a statement said that Mr. Majithia was behaving like a petty thief by giving promise that he would prove his innocent in Gurdwara. He said that Mr. Majithia should feel ashamed that he was trying to involve religious seat to escape himself from criminal charges of patronizing Rs. 6000 drug racket. Mr. Fateh Bajwa said that Mr. Majithia was going on the footsteps of Muslim emperor Aurangzeb who made a false pledge and cheated the Sikh Gurus. He said that people had no faith on promise of Majithias pledge in Gurdwara. He said that every criminal claims himself innocent unless a fare probe nails him. He said that Mr. Majithia had used government machinery and his powers to divert the drug case into political controversy. Mr. Fateh Bajwa said that Majithia family was not trust worthy as the history of this family was stained with blots of helping General Reginald Dyer responsible for massacre of thousands of innocent people in Jallianwala Bagh of Amritsar. Majithia family had hosted the dinner for General Dyer on the night of massacre and role of Ranjodh Singh Majithia during 1846 Anglo-Sikh war was against the Sikh community. Mr. Fateh Bajwa said that Jagdish Bhola main accused in drug racket had named Mr. Majithia and many other accused were also arrested on the basis of confessions made by Bhola. He said that even if several Indian agencies were involved in the investigation of drug racket, many accused are based in foreign countries. Only CBI can handle the case being nodal agency of Interpol. He said that Punjab Police prevented Enforcement Directorate to take Bhola on production warrants by sending him into police custody in another case of murder of ASI. He said that Mr. Majithia would not be able to escape the long arm of law. Source - http://jagopunjabjagoindia.com/cong-rejects-majithias-offer-to-vow-before-granth-sahib-27502
  8. A new thread has been started to summarise the support for the Remembrance March & Freedom Rally on Sunday 8 June 2014. See poster for the event below:
  9. Sikh and Hindu organizations of UK begins petition against use of term Asia Yudhvir Rana,TNN | Dec 31, 2013, 06.39 PM IST AMRITSAR: Four Hindu and Sikh organization of the UK have begun an online petition against using the term 'Asians' to describe those convicted for sexual grooming of white girls. The petition is aimed for a debate in the UK parliament. Ashish Joshi of Sikh Media Monitoring Group, UK, informed TOI on Tuesday that besides Sikh Monitoring Group, the Network of Sikh Organizations, Hindu Council, UK and Sikh Awareness Society had launched the campaign against the use of term 'Asians.' He informed that the use of the word 'Asian' was unfair to Sikhs, Hindus and other communities who were of Asian origin and have not been involved in the emerging pattern of convictions for sexual grooming. The reported convictions of men for sexual grooming of white British girls, almost always involved men of Pakistani origin, he added. There have been sexual targeting of White, Sikh and Hindu girls by Pakistani grooming gangs in the UK and there was resentment among Hindus and Sikhs over media reports describing the perpetrators of these crime as 'Asians' despite the fact that neither any Sikh nor Hindu have been involved in these sexual grooming cases. Earlier, they had condemned the comments of Labour Rochdale MP Stephen Danczuk that certain 'Asian' communities are in denial after a spate of sexual grooming cases in Rochdale. He said there was reluctance by both government and media to discuss the disproportionate representation of Muslims in such cases. Besides, the victims were almost always non-Muslim girls. "The Hindu and Sikh communities have been complaining about targeting of their girls by Muslim men for decades," he said adding that in August 2013, Muslim men were amongst those convicted for the sex grooming of a Sikh girl in Leicester. He said the communities which themselves fall victim of this emerging pattern of criminality, should not be besmirched by the vague terminology 'Asian.' He said that in order to help find a solution to the problem they need to be clear on the identity of those involved. "We will not be able to do this if we mask the identity, based on misguided views of protecting a vulnerable community of perpetrators and not looking at the vulnerable community of victims," he said. Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/Sikh-and-Hindu-organizations-of-UK-begins-petition-against-use-of-term-Asia/articleshow/28194593.cms
  10. Candlelit Vigil, Old Palace Yard (opposite Houses of Parliament), on Tuesday 10 December 2013 from 2-6pm. It is the UN Human Rights Day and we will be highlighting the plight of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh and Sikh political prisoners. Tel 0207 219 3000 on Monday, ask for your MP by name and leave a message asking your MP to show respect for human rights and join Sikhs for 10-15 minutes on Tuesday between 2-6pm. Share the details of this important event with others via email/text. It would be great if we can ring at least 100 UK MPs on Monday on 0207 219 3000. Also ring on Tuesday morning before the VIGIL between 2-6pm. Bring with you a PSUEDO ELECTRIC CANDLE. Make sure transport is arranged from your Gurdwara and to contact MPs by ringing 0207 219 3000 on your way to London.
  11. The Tribune Rights group to hold meet on Sikh genocide in Canada Tribune News Service Ontario, November 28. The Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a US-based Sikh human rights and advocacy group, will hold the Sikh Genocide and Sovereignty Conference 2013 on December 7. The information sent to the Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) by SFJ stated the conference would be held at Moonlight Convention Centre, 6,835 Professional Ct, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The conference would revise the Sikh genocide complaint to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Eyewitnesses and survivors of the genocide will also share their experience at the conference. The guest speakers include Bibi Jagdish Kaur, survivor of the 1984 Sikh genocide. She had witnessed how Congress leader Sajjan Kumar orchestrated the attacks on Sikhs. She had lost her son, husband and other family members in the genocide. Indira Prahst, Chair, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, will also address the conference. He has travelled to Punjab, India and Pakistan to study the issues related to Sikhs. He has also interviewed several Sikh survivors of the genocide. Source - http://maninblue1947.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/the-tribune-rights-group-to-hold-meet-on-sikh-genocide-in-canada/
  12. Glasgow Gurdwara wins Community Project of the Year The Glasgow Gurdwara won Community Project of the Year at the Herald Society Awards 2013. The awards ceremony recognises the hard work of charities & voluntary organisations across Scotland. Amrik Singh Uppal, Secretary of Glasgow Gurdwara said, This award recognises the effort of the Scottish Sikh community who have worked tirelessly for over 60 years making Scotland their home and contributing positively to the local community. We look forward to welcoming even more people to the Gurdwara to share in our inclusive community services. Kirn Kaur of Young Sikh Leaders said, It was inspiring to attend the Herald Awards ceremony to see the great work which is done by charities and groups in Scotland. The recognition for the Glasgow Gurdwara will motivate even more people to get involved in our services in education, culture and faith. Source - http://www.glasgowgurdwara.org/hsacpoty/
  13. Bulletin 03/Sept 13 YouTube videos of the Sikh Federation (UK) Convention This bulletin provides links to YouTube speeches at the Sikh Federation (UK) Convention on Sunday 22 September 2013 · Bhai Amrik Singh - Last 11 minutes of his speech (Punjabi) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYnA_e6Gz1k&feature=youtu.be · Bhai Dabinderjit Singh - 5 minute speech before MPs speaking (Punjabi and English) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DL74Si29lVA · Pat McFaddem MP for Wolverhampton South East – 8 minutes (English) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BoN6g3DM6xI · Bhai Dabinderjit Singh - 3 minute speech following Pat McFadden MP for Wolverhampton South East (English) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nG39Wq5jrRI · Rob Marris (former MP for Wolverhampton South West) –Excellent 8 minutes speech (English) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ufQwidL-Q-U · Bhai Dabinderjit Singh - 5 minute speech following Rob Marris and before Graham Wiliamson (English) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sFpVENK3f9o · Graham Williamson (Nations without States) - 7 minute speech (English) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jMCpwPxE638 · Bhai Dabinderjit Singh - 3 minute conclusion following speeches (English and Punjabi) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laiHXCNQ9YU&feature=player_embedded Bulletin 01/Sept 13 – Welcome to the Global Network of Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations Bulletin 02/Sept 13 – Media coverage of the Sikh Federation (UK) Convention (If you missed out on the first or second bulletin, but would like these sent to you please email sikhfederationuk@yahoo.co.uk Please forward this Bulletin to others in your address book.
  14. Bulletin 02/Sept 13 Media coverage of the Sikh Federation (UK) Convention This bulletin: · Provides an update on the Global Network of Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations launched by the Sikh Federation (UK) at the weekend · Includes news coverage of the Sikh Federation (UK) Convention on the BBC web site and in Ajit · Encourages support for the ‘1984 Yes It’s Genocide’ international campaign to have the United Nations investigate the killing of Sikhs in 1984 and declare it Genocide. Please sign the online petition by visiting: http://www.1984yesitsgenocide.org/join-the-fight The Global Network of Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations launched at the weekend was reaching over 600 Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations. The target is the Network will grow to over 1,000 Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations in the first 12 months. If any additional Gurdwaras, Sikh organisations or Sikh activists wish to receive this and future bulletins directly via email please email details to sikhfederationuk@yahoo.co.uk ਦੇਸ਼ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ ਤੋਂਸਿੱਖ ਆਗੂਆਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸਿੱਖ ਹੱਕਾਂ ਲਈ ਸ਼ੰਘਰਸ਼ ਜਾਰੀ ਰੱਖਣ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨImage 1 ਲੰਡਨ, 23 ਸਤੰਬਰ (ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੱਧਨੀ ਕਲਾਂ)- ਸਿੱਖ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਯੂ ਕੇ ਦੀ 10ਵੀਂ ਸਥਾਪਨਾ ਵਰ੍ਹੇ ਗੰਢ ਅਤੇ ਸਲਾਨਾ ਕਨਵੈਨਸ਼ਨ ਮੌਕੇ ਗੁਰੂਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸੈਜ਼ਲੀ ਸਟਰੀਟ ਵੁਲਵਰਹੈਂਪਟਨ ਵਿਖੇ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਰਿਕਾਰਡ ਤੋੜਇਕੱਠ ਹੋਇਆ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਯੂਰਪ ਅਤੇ ਯੂ ਕੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਪੰਥਕ ਜੱਥੇਬੰਦੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਆਗੂਆਂ, ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਨੁਮਾਇੰਦਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਯੂ ਕੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਰਾਜਨੀਤਕ ਪਾਰਟੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਨੁਮਾਇੰਦਿਆਂ ਨੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਹੱਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਗੱਲ ਕੀਤੀ ਅਤੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸਿੱਖ ਮਸਲਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਹੱਲ ਲਈ ਯੂ ਕੇ ਪਾਰਲੀਮੈਂਟ, ਯੂਰਪੀਅਨ ਪਾਰਲੀਮੈਂਟ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ ਲਾਬੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਮਸਲਿਆਂ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਨਿਭਾਏ ਰੋਲ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਲਾਘਾ ਕੀਤੀ। ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਬੋਲਦਿਆਂ ਐਮ ਪੀ ਪੈਟ ਮੈਕਫੈਡਨ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਸਿੱਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਲਈ ਉਲੰਪਿਕ ਖੇਡਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨਦੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਦੇਣਾ, ਦਸਤਾਰਤਲਾਸ਼ੀ ਲਈ ਸਿੱਖ ਕੌਮਦੇ ਮੰਗ ਮੰਨਣੀ ਇਹਨਾਂਲਾਬੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਹੀ ਸਿੱਟਾਹੈ। ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਬੋਲਦਿਆਂ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਐਮ ਪੀ ਰੌਬ ਹਮੈਰਿਸ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਪ੍ਰੋ. ਦਵਿੰਦਰਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਭੁਲਰ ਦਾ ਮਾਮਲਾ, 1984 ਦਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਨਸਲਕੁਸ਼ੀ ਵਰਗੇ ਮੁੱਦਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਸ਼ੰਘਰਸ਼ ਜਾਰੀ ਰੱਖਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਜਗਦੀਸ਼ ਟਾਈਟਲਰ ਨੂੰ ਯੂ ਕੇ ਆਉਣ ਤੋਂ ਰੋਕਣ ਲਈ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੇ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਕੀਤਾ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾਕਿ ਨਰਿੰਦਰ ਮੋਦੀ ਜੋਅਗਲੇ ਵਰ੍ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀਪਦ ਲਈ ਦਾਅਵੇਦਾਰ ਹੈਤੇ ਵੀ ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਾਂਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਦੇ ਦੋਸ਼ਹਨ ਜੋ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਦਾਵਿਸ਼ਾਂ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਯੂ ਕੇ ਦੇ ਚੇਅਰਮੈਨ ਭਾਈ ਅਮਰੀਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਗਿੱਲ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਕੌਮੀ ਹੱਕਾਂ ਲਈ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਨਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਵਿਧਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਰਜ ਅਤੇ ਅਤੇਅਸੀਂ ਲੋਕਤੰਤਰਿਕ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲਕੌਮੀ ਘਰ ਲਈ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ਜਾਰੀ ਰੱਖਾਂਗੇ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਸਿੱਖ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਨੇ ਬੀਤੇ ਵਰ੍ਹੇ ਇੰਗਲੈਂਡ ਦੇ ਉੱਪ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਸਮੇਤ ਚੋਟੀ ਦੇ ਨੇਤਾਵਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮੀਟਿੰਗਾਂ ਕਰਕੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਮੰਗਾਂ ਰੱਖੀਆਂ ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਮੰਗਾਂ ਲਈ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਦੇ ਵਾਅਦੇ ਵੀ ਕੀਤੇ ਹਨ। ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਨੇਸ਼ਨਜ਼ਵਿਦਾਊਟ ਸਟੇਟ ਦੇ ਗਰੇਮਵੁਲੀਅਮਸਨ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਕੌਮੀਅਜ਼ਾਦੀ ਦੀ ਗੱਲ ਕੀਤੀ। ਸਟੇਜ ਦੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਭਾਈ ਨਰਿੰਦਰਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਥਾਂਦੀ ਨੇ ਨਿਭਾਈ। ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਯੂ ਕੇ ਅਤੇ ਯੂਰਪ ਭਰ 'ਚੋਂ ਆਏ ਸਿੱਖ ਆਗੂਆਂ ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਭਾਈ ਦਬਿੰਦਰਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਿੱਧੂ, ਭਾਈ ਹਰਦੀਸ਼ ਸਿੰਘ, ਕੌਂਸਲਰ ਬਲਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਵੈਂਟਰੀ, ਕੌਂਸਲਰ ਕਮਲਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਹੈਰੋ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਖਾਲਸਾ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਕਸ਼ਮੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੀਐਸ ਐਫ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਅਮਰੀਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਰੋਇਡਨ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਸੁਖਵਿੰਦਰਸਿੰਘ ਜਰਮਨੀ, ਬਾਬਾ ਗੁਰਦੇਵਸਿੰਘ ਤਾਰਨਾਦਲ ਬਾਬਾ ਫਤਹਿਸਿੰਘ, ਭਾਈ ਜੋਗਾ ਸਿੰਘ, ਭਾਈਰਘਬੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਫਰਾਂਸ, ਢਾਡੀਮਨਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, ਭਾਈ ਹਰਬੰਸਸਿੰਘ ਦਾਦੂਵਾਲ, ਭਾਈ ਲਵਸ਼ਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਡੱਲੇਵਾਲ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਅਵਤਾਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੰਘੇੜਾ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਨਿਊਕਾਸਲ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਸੁਖਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਕਾਸ਼ ਰੇਡੀਓ, ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰਬੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਹਰਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੰਧੂ ਸਿੱਖ ਚੈਨਲ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਅਮਰਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨ ਸੰਗਤ ਟੀ ਵੀ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਮੋਹਨ ਸਿੰਘ, ਭਾਈ ਹਰਬੰਸ ਸਿੰਘ, ਸ੍ਰ. ਹਰਨੇਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਲੀਡਜ਼, ਸ੍ਰ. ਸਤਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਇਟਲੀ, ਡਾ. ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਆਲ ਇੰਡੀਆ ਸਿੱਖ ਸਟੂਡੈਂਟ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਪੀਰ ਮੁਹੰਮਦ ਆਦਿ ਨੇ ਸੰਬੋਧਨ ਕੀਤਾ। Sikhs across Europe visit Wolverhampton for 10,000-strong conference BBC News - 22 September 2013 Image 2 More than 10,000 Sikhs from across Europe attended the three-day conference in Wolverhampton More than 10,000 Sikhs have gathered in Wolverhampton to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sikh Federation. The group was set up a decade ago to "give Sikhs a stronger political voice", said Amrik Singh, chair of the federation. The three-day convention has seen Sikhs travelling from across Europe to take part in the celebrations. Mr Singh described the event, which drew to a close on Sunday, as "a huge success". He added: "We are working with all three main political parties at the highest levels and they are genuinely listening to our specific concerns. "We have briefed them on the issues that matter to young British Sikhs as well as the wider Sikh community." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-24195227 Bulletin 01/Sept 13 – Welcome to the Global Network of Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations (if you missed out on the first bulletin, but would like this sent to you please email sikhfederationuk@yahoo.co.uk Please forward this Bulletin to others in your adddress book.
  15. Bulletin 01/Sept 13 Welcome to the Global Network of Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations In the UK around 150 Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations are either affiliated or support the work of the Sikh Federation (UK). It is widely recognised and acknowledged within the Sikh community that the Federation is the leading Sikh pressure group in the UK that is able to command the support of Sikhs in large numbers on a range of campaigns. Given the international dimension to many campaigns the Federation has expanded its work across Europe and set up sister organisations and built extensive links with Sikh organisations across the globe e.g. Canada and USA. The overall aim has been to help other Sikhs in the Diaspora to link up and give Sikhs a stronger political voice and direction. To mark the 10th anniversary of the Sikh Federation (UK) it is today launching a global network of over 500 Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations in the UK, mainland Europe and other parts of the world. Those in the network will receive press releases and regular information via email about events and activities organised by the Federation – this includes conferences, campaigns, consultations and lobbies; meetings with UK government departments, representatives of other governments, European institutions and UN bodies. This first bulletin is being sent to Gurdwaras, Sikh organisations and Sikh activists in around 20 countries and over 550 Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations. In some countries a number of organisations receiving this bulletin also have Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations that are affiliated at a regional or national level. We request they forward this bulletin to all affiliated bodies for information. Many Sikh activists are also receiving this bulletin and will wish to share it more widely with their contacts via email. Given the level of interest in this development over the last few weeks, especially outside the UK we believe this network will increase in size and may reach over 1,000 Gurdwara and Sikh organisations within the first year. If any additional Gurdwaras, Sikh organisations or Sikh activists wish to receive this and future bulletins directly via email please email details to sikhfederationuk@yahoo.co.uk This bulletin: · Announces the launch of the Global Network of Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations · Includes the advert appearing in Ajit regarding the 3-day convention at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton, WV2 2AJ that started today and marks the 10thanniversary of the Sikh Federation (UK) – those who are in the UK and are able to attend are encouraged to take part in the Convention (event has passed, but this bulletin is being shared for wider interest) · An A4 leaflet that summarises some of the activities of the Sikh Federation (UK) In the last 10 years SFUK 10yrs FINAL.pdf
  16. Why are the main British political parties competing for the Sikh vote? 19 September 2013 Many believe the next General Election in 2015 will be a close run thing between Labour and the Conservatives. A coalition may emerge with neither of the two main parties having an outright majority in which case the small number of Liberal Democrat MPs will once again have the opportunity to form a coalition and shape future policies. The Sikh Federation (UK) often referred to as the first and only Sikh political party in the UK, was set up 10 years ago. When it was launched there was considerable media coverage and initially some politicians feared the Federation may put up its own Parliamentary candidates in 40 or 50 constituencies. However, at the launch the Federation clarified it was a pressure group and its role was to encourage Sikhs to become politically more active at a local level while at the national level it would work closely with each of the main political parties. Dozens of sitting MPs still feared this move knowing if Sikhs were in large numbers to become members of a particular political party at a local level they would be able to impose some of their own candidates. 10 years later the Sikh Federation (UK) is preparing to mark its anniversary with a 3-day convention in the West Midlands that will end with a conference on Sunday in Wolverhampton that is expected to attract around 10,000 Sikhs from across the UK. The aim 10 years ago was to give Sikhs a stronger political voice. In the last 6 months or so we have seen David Cameron the first sitting British Prime Minister visit the heart of the Sikh faith, the Golden Temple Complex in Amritsar and meetings have taken place with Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg. Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation, said: ‘We are working with all three main political parties at the highest levels and they are genuinely listening to our specific concerns. We have briefed them on the issues that matter to young British Sikhs as well as the wider Sikh community.’ ‘Following meetings with Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg we have already developed working alliances with Labour and the Liberal Democrats and are expecting a high level meeting with the Conservatives in the next few weeks.’ ‘This will result in a series of high profile activities in the run up to the 2015 General Election that will include media interviews, visits to Gurdwaras and prominent events aimed at the Sikh community hosted by the party leaders. There will be much greater exposure to the Sikh community and issues that concern us in the run up to the General Election.’ The majority of the Sikh vote has traditionally gone to Labour, but trends are changing. In Canada Sikhs are now active in all three main parties and the Federation believe it is inevitable Sikhs in the UK will also move in this direction. Younger Sikhs in particular are increasingly more demanding and challenging before deciding which way to vote. Younger Sikhs, many born and brought up in the UK, are also influencing the older generation. The Sikh Federation (UK) argues the Sikh vote is also more important to each of the parties as the Sikh turnout in local, national and European elections is much higher than many other communities, probably 20-25% higher than the average turnout. All the political parties know this, recognise the positive image Sikhs have and are therefore looking to secure a greater proportion of the vote of the Sikh community by trying to get closer to the community. Gurjeet Singh National Press Secretary Sikh Federation (UK) Notes: Around 150 Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations are either affiliated or support the work of the Sikh Federation (UK). It is widely recognised and acknowledged within the Sikh community that the Sikh Federation (UK) is the leading Sikh pressure group that is able to command the support of Sikhs in large numbers on a range of campaigns. The Sikh Federation (UK) will be marking its 10th anniversary by holding a 3-day convention at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton, WV2 2AJ. In the last 10 years the Sikh Federation (UK) has had meetings with the party leaders of the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, UKIP, Greens, Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru. In the last 12 months alone private meetings have taken place with three of these party leaders, alliances established and joint activities agreed in the run up to the next General Election in 2015. In the past decade the Sikh Federation (UK) has had meetings with numerous Ministers that currently attend Cabinet including the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. David Cameron; Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Nick Clegg; Home Secretary, Rt. Hon. Theresa May; Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith; Rt. Hon. Vince Cable; Rt. Hon. Oliver Letwin; Rt. Hon. Ed Davey; Rt. Hon. Baroness Warsi and Rt. Hon. Dominic Grieve. This gives an indication of the depth of political relationships the Sikh Federation (UK) has developed over the years. A promotional flyer summarising the activities of the Sikh Federation (UK) over the last 10 years is attached. The Sikh Federation (UK) is launching a new web site later this week on the eve of the Conference on Sunday. sikhfederationuk@yahoo.co.uk | www.sikhfeduk.com | facebook.com/SikhFederationUK | twitter@sikhfeduk SFUK 10yrs FINAL.pdf
  17. Dear Sangat A new Sikh School has opened and I received a youtube clip, please cascade this. Dear Moderator, I hope you are OK with me attaching the link
  18. SIKH FEDERATION (UK) WELCOMES BBC ONE TV PROGRAMME EXPOSING THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND GROOMING OF SIKH GIRLS 2 September 2013 We welcome the BBC One TV programme Inside Out tonight exposing the sexual exploitation and grooming of Sikh girls. This follows a number of recent cases from Rochdale, Rotherham, Derby and Oxford that predominantly related to the targeting of young white girls. The programme demonstrated the perpetrators were all Muslim men. A meeting took place on 11 July 2013 with representatives of a number of government departments, including the Home Office, Department for Communities and Local Government and the Association of Chief Police Officers and representative Sikh organisations to discuss the impact of grooming on the Sikh community. A written response providing reassurance from the Government on how it is dealing with forced conversions, grooming and sexual exploitation of children was promised to Sikh representatives. Almost 8 weeks later no written reassurances have been given to the Sikh community. Given the BBC One TV programme tonight and the recent judgement in the high profile Leicester grooming case we are disappointed in the delay in a response from the UK Government. This reinforces the view the authorities are not taking seriously the sexual exploitation and grooming of Sikh girls. The full extent of the problem is masked due to underreporting and members of the Sikh community do not believe the police take grooming seriously as shown in the Leicester case and one other case covered in the programme. What was not disclosed in the programme was members of the Sikh community itself were harassed and targeted by the police following inaction from the police in the Leicester case. We believe the authorities must put the victim first and ensure prompt and firm action against the perpetrators. The programme has confirmed the tactics the perpetrators use and why they target Sikh girls. The police should be alert to the sexual exploitation and blackmail tactics they use and work with the Sikh community to provide appropriate protection to potential victims. Gurjeet Singh National Press Secretary Sikh Federation (UK)
  19. British Sikhs to oppose any Narendra Modi visit to UK By PTI | 29 Aug, 2013, 09.06PM IST LONDON: British Sikhs have expressed opposition to any proposed visit by Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to the UK. The Sikh Federation (UK) has joined Muslim groups like the Council of Indian Muslims UK (CIM-UK) in their boycott following an invitation for Modi to visit Britain by some Indian groups of the country's two main political parties earlier this month. "We welcome the fact that the UK government has not invited Modi, but oppose the tiny minority of pro-Indian Labour and Conservative MPs led by Barry Gardiner, the Labour MP from Brent North, and Sailesh Vara, the Conservative MP from North West Cambridgeshire, who have recently sent Modi invitations and want him to address UK MPs," said Amrik Singh, chair of the Sikh Federation (UK). The federation, a non-governmental organisation registered as a political party in the UK, claims that Modi has shown "animosity and hatred" towards minorities in India, including Sikhs, Christians and Muslims. "Sikhs in the UK will lobby UK MPs who return to Parliament in early September and the UK government to oppose Modi's visit, not only because of his involvement in the violence in Gujarat in 2002 but because of his recent discrimination of Sikh farmers in Kutch district by trying to have them evicted," Singh said. "It demonstrates his policy to make Gujarat, and eventually India, a Hindu state with no place for minorities," he added. The move comes after CIM-UK in an open letter addressed to the UK government ministers and political party leaders expressed "utter disgust" over an invitation for the chairman of the BJP's national election committee. The UK government, like the US, had distanced itself from Modi in the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots until late last year when the British high commissioner to India, James Bevan, made diplomatic overtures towards the Gujarat chief minister.
  20. They Had A Dream Too: 50 Years Later, Britain’s Forgotten Bus Boycott Which Changed Racial Discrimination Laws International Business Times By Palash Ghosh on August 28 2013 10:37 AM Fifty years after the epic “March on Washington” placed civil rights and racial discrimination on top of the national agenda in the United States, a similar, but much smaller and largely forgotten, event took place at the same time 3,600 miles away in Bristol, England. In 1963, as Britons began facing the reality of large numbers of non-white immigrants from the former colonies of the Empire living amongst them, rejection and opposition to these blacks and Asian people took many forms. In the southwestern English city of Bristol, for example, ethnic minorities had been ‘unofficially’ banned from working as city bus drivers and conductors, in addition to restrictions on where they could live, shop and go to school. BBC reported on the experiences of a black man from Jamaica named Guy Bailey who, as an 18-year-old in April 1963, applied for a job with the state-owned Bristol Omnibus Company and was summarily rejected, despite a newspaper advertisement that boasted of plentiful available jobs at the firm. "There's no point having an interview," the [white] manager told young Bailey. "We don't employ black people." But, at the time such open discrimination was legal in many parts of the United Kingdom – even the trade unions representing bus employees supported this prejudicial policy. Ironically, the post-war labor shortage in the Britain had encouraged the mass migration of peoples from the Caribbean and South Asia to toil in various jobs in the “Mother Country,” particularly in the National Health Service and London Transport. As such, Bristol’s outright prohibition on non-white bus drivers was something of an anomaly, given the common sight of black and Asian bus employees and conductors in cities like London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. Bailey was one of about 3,000 blacks from the Caribbean who had settled in Bristol since 1948, with full rights granted by British citizenship. But due to rampant discrimination and fear of violence, blacks in Bristol concentrated in the deprived St. Paul’s neighborhood. Blacks were often the target of attacks on the streets by white hooligans and were banned from entering certain pubs, restaurants and shops. Nonetheless, Bailey’s confrontation with such raw, naked bigotry triggered a campaign against the bus company by both the local Afro-Caribbean community and some white activists. They decided to boycott the city’s buses – in a somewhat similar vein to the famous 1955-1956 Rosa Parks-inspired bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama led by Martin Luther King. A group of black residents of St. Paul’s formed an organization called the West Indian Development Council, which included a mixed-race, British-born civil rights activist named Paul Stephenson, who was explicitly inspired by the Montgomery bus boycott that ultimately changed the laws in Alabama. As early as 1962, the local paper in Bristol published a series of articles delineating the “color bar” practiced by the bus company. The general manager of Bristol Omnibus, Ian Patey, told the paper that his company employed a number of non-whites, but mostly in the garages where the public would never see them. Patey later told a city government committee that his white employees would not accept black colleagues and would likely resign en masse. They also feared that a wider labor pool would erode their already meager incomes. Also, given the fact that many bus conductors were (white) females, there were fears that the presence of black bus drivers would cause great discomfort to the lady employees. "The ordinary workers took their cue from the Bristol Omnibus Company," Stephenson noted. "The unions were more concerned about their economic situation. They thought the black workers were [of] lower status and would bring about wage decreases -- it was economic racism. Some of them were racist - they didn't want to work with black people. But it was the management, it was the [bristol] city council that was ultimately responsible." Stephenson, outraged by the unjust rejection of Bailey’s job application, called for a boycott of the bus service. The local newspaper supported his campaign, as did university students, some trade union members and even ordinary white citizens. A Bristol Labour MP named Tony Benn also joined the boycott, as did the future Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson. The media compared the situation with Bristol’s buses with the widespread segregation in the American South, thereby causing great embarrassment to local officials. In Bristol, as in Montgomery, the boycott worked – by September 1963, Bristol buses finally hired black and Asian drivers. Ironically, on Aug 28, 1963, the very same day as the March on Washington, Patey announced that Bristol Omnibus would integrate its workforce. (However, some white bus employees did indeed quit their jobs in protest as he had predicted). The very first non-white bus conductor in Bristol was Raghbir Singh, an Indian-born Sikh. The success of the bristol boycott might have been more extraoridanry than the Montgomery boycott from a few years prior, given that blacks represented such a small portion of Bristol's overall population. Indeed, the bus company did not necessarily even need black passengers to run smoothly -- in stark contrast to Montgomery which relied heavily on black customers. The Bristol campaign also likely played a role in the first laws enacted in Britain to outlaw racial discrimination, namely the Race Relations Act of 1966 which prohibited discrimination on the "grounds of color, race, or ethnic or national origins" in public places. By 1968, the law was expanded to include housing and employment. provisions.
  21. UNITED NATIONS ASKED TO PROBE KILLINGS OF SIKHS IN PUNJAB 6 July 2013 Khalsa Human Rights, the human rights wing of the Sikh Federation (UK), has written to Professor Christof Heyn, the UN Special Rapporteur on extra judicial, summary or arbitrary executions following the confession last week by Sub-Inspector Surjit Singh of the atrocities committed by him and security forces in Punjab in the early 1990s. Surjit Singh who has gone into hiding since his confession has claimed to have killed 83 Sikhs in false encounters on the orders of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Paramjit Singh Gill. He has stated that he did not know if the young men were guilty or innocent, and they were killed unlawfully: ‘The guilty were killed, and innocent [young men] were also brought to me to be killed. I didn’t know whether they were guilty or innocent, but I was told to kill them regardless.’ In a subsequent interview he also revealed that senior officials threatened that he would meet the same end as human rights defender Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was illegally detained and murdered by Punjab Police for investigating secret mass cremations. He stated that senior officials told him: ‘If you open your mouth, then like Jaswant Singh Khalra who was investigating the 25,000 missing bodies, and went missing himself—the same will happen to you.’ A Khalsa Human Rights spokesman said: ‘We understand human rights activist Kirpal Singh Randhawa has said that the Punjab and Haryana High Court would be approached to obtain a CBI investigation into the matter.’ ‘However, we do not think India can conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the atrocities that will result in the identification and prosecution of responsible police officers.’ ‘We have therefore written to the UN Special Rapporteur who has recently criticised India to ensure international pressure is exerted on India.’ Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) added: ‘From what Surijit Singh has described these are clear cases of extrajudicial and arbitrary executions that are illegal and without due regard to the law or legal procedure as defined by the United Nations.’ ‘Khalsa Human Rights are waiting for further information from lawyers and human rights activists about the 83 Sikh killed before submitting the Model Questionnaire developed by the Special Rapporteur as there is no need to exhaust domestic remedies in India before taking the matter to the United Nations.’ Jaspal Singh Co-ordinator, Khalsa Human Rights
  22. CONFERENCE IN EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT EXPOSES CONTINUED HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN INDIA Sikhs from across Europe pass resolutions in the European Parliament calling for the: 1984 killing of Sikhs to be recognised as Genocide Abolition of the Death Penalty in India Immediate release of Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar An end to negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India due to continued human rights abuses in India Right of Sikhs to self-determination and to have their own independent Sikh homeland 26 June 2013 The Sikh Federation (UK) having previously organised numerous lobbies and meetings organised the first ever Sikh conference at the European Parliament on Tuesday 25 June. The subject chosen was Human Rights Abuses and the Death Penalty in India. Bill Newton Dunn a Liberal Democrat UK Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the East Midlands and a member of the India Delegation hosted the 3-hour conference and welcomed Sikhs from a number of countries across Europe – UK, Italy, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The conference was chaired throughout by Gurmel Singh of the Sikh Federation (UK). The conference was divided into four plenary sessions, but even before proceedings started MEPs such as Nigel Farage the leader of the UK Independence Party came to meet UK Sikhs and listen to their concerns. Others that met UK Sikhs in advance were Sajjad Karim a Conservative MEP from the North West who also joined Sikhs later in the conference and Glenis Willmott a Labour MEP from the East Midlands. Glenis was crucial in helping secure the right for Amritdhari Sikhs to wear the Kirpan in the European Parliament. This right was first fully exercised on mass in January 2013 and repeated yesterday with even larger numbers of Amritdhari Sikhs. The first session was about the June 1984 Sikh genocide and mass human rights abuses in Punjab by the Indian authorities and the November 1984 massacre of innocent Sikhs. The speakers for the first session were Jaspal Singh and Jaswinder Singh from the UK. A number of video clips were used throughout the conference to visually highlight different issues covered. Marina Yannakoudakis a Conservative MEP from London expressed a specific interest in learning more about the plight of Sikhs. The main speaker for the second session was Sukhvinder Singh from the UK. This session was about the death penalty in India, including the case of Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and the reasons for Balwant Singh Rajoana’s actions. Several MEPs later spoke about their opposition to the death penalty. Sajjad Karim a Conservative MEP from the North West spoke about his opposition to the death penalty despite surviving the Taj Hotel attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also said he was heavily involved in negotiations on behalf of the EU with India being the rapporteur on the free trade agreement between the EU and India and specifically requested evidence against Kamal Nath as continues to have direct dealings with him. The third session was about on-going human rights abuses of the Sikhs with reference to the illegal arrest and torture of political opponents Kulbir Singh Barapind and Daljit Singh Bittu; the unprovoked police murder of 18-year old Jaspal Singh in March 2012; the torture and police murder of 24-year old Shaminder Singh Shera and 17-year old Veer Singh in January 2011 and January 2012 respectively; and the death in police custody of Sohanjit Singh and Kulwant Singh and in March 2011 and February 2012 respectively. Jaspal Singh from the UK spoke about each of these cases and Dabinderjit Singh reiterated their present significance alongside the death penalty cases. The session was concluded by Maninder Singh from the UK who spoke about the True face of Indian democracy: Indian politicians facing criminal charges and failures in India’s judicial system. Numerous other MEPs contributed during the conference, including Edward McMillan-Scott the Vice President of the European Parliament for Democracy and Human Rights and Liberal Democrat MEP from Yorkshire and the Humber who later tweeted ‘Interesting Sikh Federation (UK) meeting in EU Parliament today to discuss rights of Sikhs in India and abolition of the death penalty’. Other MEPs that spoke included Jean Lambert a Green Party MEP from London and the Chair of the South Asia Delegation; Michael Cashman, a Labour MEP from the West Midlands; David Martin, a Labour MEP from Scotland; and Anthea McIntyre, a Conservative MEP from the West Midlands. Two MEPs from Italy also took part, Francesco De Angelis and Patrizia Toia. Around 15-20 assistants of MEPs attended the conference and Sikhs from the UK also met separately with MEPs such as Richard Howitt a Labour MEP from the Eastern region who was unable to attend the conference. Dabinderjit Singh from the UK presented the fourth and final session about justice delayed is justice denied and the right to self-determination as Sikhs have entered the 30th year since the June 1984 Indian army attack on the Golden Temple Complex. The session was concluded by Harjinder Singh speaking about identity discrimination in Belgium and the denial of Sikh human rights and difficulties in different European countries, such as France, Austria and Italy. This was also linked to the issue of Sikh self-determination and how a Sikh homeland would be of benefit to Sikhs throughout the Diaspora. The conference concluded with the reading of the five conference resolutions produced below. Sikhs present then passed these resolutions in the Sikh traditional manner of five loud Jakaaray of ‘Jo Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal’ - ‘Who so declares, Truth is Eternal, is blessed!’ Meaning - a declaration of allegiance to the Guru, and ultimately aligning oneself with the public struggle for truth and justice. These resolutions will now be translated into a number of different languages and taken forward at a national level by Sikhs with their MEPs. Gurjeet Singh National Press Secretary Sikh Federation (UK) Resolutions passed by Sikhs from across Europe at the Conference on Human Rights Abuses and the Death Penalty in India in the European Parliament on 25 June 2013 Resolution 1 – Recognising the 1984 Sikh Genocide Having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the Geneva Convention (1949), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) recognises the events of June 1984, the mass human rights violations against the Sikhs in Punjab by the Indian authorities and the massacre of innocent Sikhs in November 1984 collectively as the 1984 Sikh Genocide and reiterates its concern and dismay as we enter the 30th anniversary of these events that India has failed to prosecute police officers, politicians and others responsible for this genocide. Resolution 2 – Abolish the death penalty in India Having regard to the European Parliament's Human Rights annual resolutions condemns recent executions by India after an eight year hiatus that run counter to the regional and global trends to abolish capital punishment; recognises the UN Special Rapporteur on extra judicial, summary or arbitrary executions conclusion on India that the death penalty is being imposed for a growing number of crimes; calls upon the Indian Government to put forward an immediate moratorium on the death penalty; reconsider the May 2012 recommendations of United Nations Human Rights Council related to the abolition of the death penalty and calls on the 27 Member States of the European Union, in particular the two permanent members of the UN Security Council, to collectively raise the need for India to abolish the death penalty at the earliest opportunity at the United Nations General Assembly. Resolution 3 – Release Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar Having regard to the European Parliament's July 2011 Resolution on India and the death sentence on Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Article 2 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty, the EU-India Dialogue on Human Rights, Amnesty International calls on 12 April 2013 for the Professor’s death sentence not to be carried out, to remove him from death row immediately and retry his case in proceedings that comply with international fair trial standards; observes the inconsistent approach by the Supreme Court of India who in the case of Mahendra Nath Das on 1 May 2013 granted clemency on the grounds of inordinate delay as his mercy petition against his execution was kept pending by the President, but two weeks earlier rejected a similar petition filed by Professor Bhullar who waited for eight years for a decision by the President; reiterates its concern that recent independent medical reports commissioned by the Indian authorities regarding the Professor’s mental and physical health suggest that on compassionate and moral grounds his death sentence should be commuted; further urges India to release the Professor without further delay given he has spent more than 18 years in prison following a controversial conviction where M B Shah, the Presiding Judge in the Supreme Court had acquitted the Professor based on the evidence presented; recognises this has become more pressing given the unprecedented move by the special public prosecutor, senior advocate Anoop G Chaudhari, who had appeared against the Professor in the Supreme Court in 2002 to state in April 2013 that a judicial error had been made in awarding the death sentence against the Professor and S S Virk, the former Director General of Punjab Police stating in May 2013 that the Professor was not guilty of what he was being accused of and he deserves justice as he and his family have been wronged. Resolution 4 – Continued human rights violations in India and the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India Having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is deeply concerned about the continued human rights violations in India against the minority Sikh community; calls on the Indian Government to prosecute police officers responsible for torture, disproportionate and excessive use of force, illegal detention and extra-judicial killings of Sikhs, calls on the international community to prosecute those in India responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity and calls on the European Commission to end the negotiations with the Government of India for the creation of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India. Resolution 5 – Unquestionable right of Sikhs to self-determination and to have their own independent Sikh homeland Having regard to Articles 1, 55 and 56 of the Charter of the United Nations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966); objects to India’s continued reservation to the right to self-determination and applauds the objections raised by France, Germany and the Netherlands against India’s reservation to reiterate self-determination applies to all people; stresses India has also lost the right to argue the limitation of territorial integrity with regards to Sikhs as the Indian State when it enacted its first Constitution in 1950 it failed to deliver any safeguards or political rights for the Sikhs as a people or nation and has oppressed the Sikhs and other minorities through gross human rights violations; recognises the unquestionable right of Sikhs to self-determination and to have their own independent Sikh homeland; stresses that peaceful and non-violent means are the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Sikhs and the Indian State, calls for direct talks between the International Coalition for a Sikh Homeland and the Indian State; and calls on the Council, the Commission and EU Member States to support and deliver assistance to Sikh institutions and development projects with the aim of protecting and strengthening the Sikh population.
  23. CONFERENCE IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IN BRUSSELS ON THE DEATH PENALTY AND HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN INDIA 13 June 2013 The Sikh Federation (UK) has confirmed it has arranged a conference on Tuesday 25 June 2013 in the European Parliament in Brussels on the Death Penalty and Human Rights abuses in India. Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said: ‘The conference is taking place in the Paul Henri Spaak Building in the European Parliament in Brussels. Politicians from across Europe have a crucial role to play in acting as a catalyst for change in the Indian judiciary's use of the death penalty and ensuring human rights are protected.’ ‘The case of Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar is expected to feature prominently as well as the inability of the Indian judicial system to deliver justice for Sikhs highlighted by the failure to successfully indict Sajjan Kumar.’ ‘Sikhs from around a dozen European countries, including the UK, Italy, Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Greece and Switzerland were invited at the end of May to encourage their MEPs to participate in the conference and to attend themselves.’ Attendance at the three-hour conference from 12 noon to 3pm is by invitation only due to an overall capacity of around 130. The Sikh Federation (UK) has reminded Sikhs across Europe to email their MEPs and encourage them to take part in the conference and meet with Sikhs from their respective countries at the conference. MEPs that are members of the Indian delegation and human rights sub-committee have also been invited to the conference. Anyone wishing to attend the conference is encouraged to email the Sikh Federation (UK) as soon as possible on sikhfederationuk@yahoo.co.uk. Further details are available by visiting the Sikh Federation (UK) Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SikhFederationUK Gurjeet Singh National Press Secretary Sikh Federation (UK)
  24. SIKHS PREPARE FOR ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE MARCH & FREEDOM RALLY IN LONDON - BHAI AMRIK SINGH Thursday 6 June 2013 Tens of thousands of Sikhs will gather in London on Sunday 9 June to mark the 29th anniversary of the Indian army attack on the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar in June 1984. Sikhs from across Britain will begin to assemble in Temple Place and Surrey Street near Temple tube station. The remembrance march led by the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) with swords drawn will begin in the Strand near the Indian High Commission at around 1pm. The march will head for Trafalgar Square and then pass through Whitehall where Sikh representatives will stop at 10 Downing Street and deliver by hand a memorandum for the British Prime Minister, David Cameron. This year the memorandum is being delivered a few months after David Cameron became the first ever sitting British Prime Minister to visit and pay his respects at the Golden Temple. Sikhs are hopeful he now has a much better understanding why Sikhs worldwide remain deeply dismayed and angered by the actions of the Indian authorities in sending in troops to the holiest of holy places for the Sikhs and killing hundreds if not thousands of pilgrims - innocent men, women and children. On the back of David Cameron’s visit and first-hand experience of the Golden Temple Sikhs will be renewing their call for the support of the British Government as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to tackle the continued injustices Sikhs face within India. This includes asking for an Independent UN led enquiry into the treatment of Sikhs in India from June 1984 onwards. After calling at 10 Downing Street the march will continue past the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, enter Parliament Square, go past the Houses of Parliament and end with a two-three hour freedom rally in the Millbank lining the River Thames. Numbers taking part in the march and rally are expected to be so significant that police are preparing to close the Millbank from Lambeth Bridge with Sikhs heading back as far as the Houses of Parliament and Parliament Square. In the last 12 months there has been unprecedented activity by British Sikhs in relation to human rights and the use of the death penalty in India. A 100,000+ petition was handed in at 10 Downing Street in December 2012, a Parliamentary debate on the death penalty in India took place in February 2013 and continued peaceful demonstrations have also taken place, including a mass protest on 15 April 2013 regarding the failings of the Indian judicial and political system as regards the imminent hanging of Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar. Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said: ‘Ultimately, the only solution to conflict in Punjab will lie in the exercise of self-determination by the Sikhs, in accordance with international law, by which means the Sikhs will be able to protect themselves, their natural resources and their “honour, dignity and independence”. We are committed to peaceably establishing an independent sovereign Sikh homeland, a state often referred to as Khalistan that will provide lasting stability in the region. http://www.punjaboutlook.com/sikhs-prepare-for-annual-remembrance-march-and-freedom-rally-in-london-bhai-amrik-singh/
  25. Sunday 9 June 2013 Assemble from 11am at Temple Place (near Temple tube station) March through London (Strand, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square) and finish with rally next to UK Parliament Organised by the Federation of Sikh Organisations (FSO) & Gurdwaras Contact your local Gurdwara about transport arrangements for Sangat to arrive between 11am and 12 noon (Coach drop off point (11am): Victoria Embankment near Temple tube station WC2R 2PH) (Coach pick up point (5pm): Victoria Embankment near Westminster tube station SW1A 2JH) For further information ring 07938 633554 or 07968 335588 Also visit: https://www.facebook.com/SikhFederationUK For route of the Remembrance March use: http://binged.it/18eJoKx
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