A view of program held in Philadelphia
Philadelphia/USA (October 07, 2012): A conference was held at Upper Darby Gurdwara in Philadelphia, to discuss the human rights situation in Punjab vis-à-vis arrests of Akali Dal Panch Pardhani leaders and charging of the 5 Dal Khalsa men under sedition law by Delhi court in the 31 year old case. The event was organized by US chapter of Dal Khalsa with the support of Philadelphia Sikh Society.
Hundreds of Sikh men, women, and children attended the meet where Panthic luminaries (one after other) eulogized the role and contribution of Bhai Gajinder Singh and others in highlighting the plight and concerns of Sikhs in 80’s. All speakers condemned the recent unlawful arrest of Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu and Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind.
Dr. Amarjit Singh of KAC eulogized the efforts and achievements of Dal Khalsa for Sikh sovereignty and paid special respects to Bhai Gajinder Singh for his sacrifices made at a great personal peril.
Harjinder Singh senior leader of Dal Khalsa USA unit, criticized the Indian justice system for issuing non-bailable (NBW’s) warrants against five Sikh hijackers associated with the Dal Khalsa under sedition law for 31 years old charges. He praised Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for cautioning Indian establishment to follow the international human rights covenants and stop the illegal torture of Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind and Bhai Daljit Singh. He also urged the US Government to abrogate the extradition treaty with India as they have violated the treaty terms by the alleged torture of Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind.
Dal Khalsa leader snubbed Congress, BJP and others for opposing the construction of memorial of Sikh martyrs. Terming it ridiculous, he slammed Captain Amrinder Singh’s argument that the setting up a memorial about “Operation Bluestar” within the precincts of the Darbar Sahib would disturb the peace and harmony of the state.
The messages received for this special occasion from Harchranjit Singh Dhami, President, Dal Khalsa and Bhai Gajinder Singh, were read over to the sangat by Bibi Charanjit Kaur. The organization that participated in the convention were Panthic Society USA, Sikh Youth of America), Wake up Khalsa) , American Sikh Organization, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Society, American Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee and Shromini Akali Dal Amritsar.
The conference concluded with remarks of Dr. Bakshish Singh Sandhu, President, Dal Khalsa USA unit. He thanked all attending organization for their solidarity and support of this Panthic effort. He said that
Sikh Diaspora will use all legal means to place pressure on the Indian government to ensure those who have committed these human rights violations are held to account.”