AMRITSAR SAHIB (June 13, 2014)—The counter intelligence wing of the Punjab Police on Thursday claimed to have arrested a former militant, Hardial Singh alias Chatra, who was allegedly wanted in at least six cases. The intelligence wing claimed that Chatra remained associated with Sikh militant organization Bhindranwala Tiger Force (BTF).

In a press release issued here after the arrest, Gaurav Yadav, Inspector General counter intelligence, said Chatra was held near the interstate bus terminus. He said he was awarded life imprisonment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1997 in a murder case registered against him at the Patti police station in Tarn Taran. He remained under ground in 2005 after his bail plea was dismissed by the High Court.

Yadav said, “Chatra has additional cases registered against him at Sadiq (Ferozepur), Sultanpur (Kapurthala), Sarhali (Tarn Taran), and Bhikhiwind (Tarn Taran).”

The claim made by Police officers contains no authenticity as practice of abusing human rights in Punjab continues and to oppress political dissent.  Police frequently arrests Sikh youth terming them as “dangerous terrorists” and fabricating them in cases.  Punjab police has ruined future of many Sikh youth, since the late 1970s.  Punjab based human rights organizations, have from time to time, raised voice against such inhumane practices which are followed by the police when dealing with the Sikhs in Punjab.

Navtej Singh Gaggu

KAPURTHALA, Batala (June 13, 2014)—Navtej Singh Gaggu who was allegedly accused along with Harchand Singh Mari Kamboke in a case of assassinating the notorious police cat Ajit Poohla, was released today from modern jail Kapurthala. The police named 6 persons in this case. Three have already been discharged by the trial court Amritsar.

Navtej Singh and Harchand Singh allegedly burnt the fake Nihang to death in Amritsar jail in 2009. The complaint in this case was registered by former Jail Superintendent Balkar Singh. Both the suspects are from Tarn Taran district.

Poster

During the militancy era and aftermath, Ajit Poohla, self styled chief of Nihang Singh Jathebandi ‘Tarna Dal’, committed enourmous atrocities against the people. He brutally murdered many innocent civilians, and mercilessly raped the women. He was considered to be the biggest black cat of all Police. He had been prepared by Police to tackle the armed Sikh movement. Poohla enjoyed the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) granted to him by the government.

By burning Ajit Poohla, Navtej Singh and Harchand Singh, many people consider that he gave proper punishment to a cruel person who enjoyed impunity because of state patronage.

Navtej Singh Gaggu

Upon arriving at his home city Batala, Navtej Singh was greeted by residents who welcomed him warmly and distributed sweets. Large numbers of Sikh leaders were also present on the occasion.

AMRITSAR SAHIB (June 14, 2014)—Amritsar Sahib is one of the major cities of the Sikh nation. Amritsar City is a big town with a population of about one million, and is a major trade center.

Under instructions from Guru Amar Das Sahib, this city was founded by Guru Ram Das Sahib in 1574, on the land bought by him for an amount of rupees 700 from the owners of the village Tung. Previously Guru Ram Das Sahib had begun building Santokhsar Sarovar, near the erstwhile village of Sultan Wind in 1564 (according to one source in 1570). It could not be completed before 1588.

In 1574, Guru Ram Das Sahib built his residence and moved to this place. At that time, it was known as Guru-Da-Chakk, and later, it came to be known as Chakk Ram Das.

Guru Ram Das Sahib began excavation of the Amritsar Sarovar tank in 1577. It was ready by 1581. This tank was renovated by Guru Arjun Sahib in 1586. Since then this city is known as Amritsar, after the name of the sarovar.

The foundation of the Darbar Sahib was set by Guru Arjan Sahib on January 3, 1588. Later, it was propagated that the foundation stone of Darbar Sahib was set by Sain Mian Mir, a Muslim holy man. Sain Mian Mir was very friendly with Guru Sahib, but the foundation of Darbar Sahib was laid out by Guru Sahib himself.

In 1590, Guru Arjan Sahib moved to village Wadali where Guru Hargobind Sahib was born on June 19, 1590.

By 1601, the Darbar Sahib was fully ready. In 1603-04, the first volume of Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scriptures, was prepared in this city and was installed at Darbar Sahib on August 16, 1604.

It is here that Akal Takht Sahib, the Throne of the Almighty, was revealed by Guru Hargobind Sahib in 1609. Two flags representing the  temporal and spiritual authority  of Sikh sovereignty were set up in front of Akal Takht Sahib. Here Guru Hargobind Sahib wore two swords of Miri and Piri  representing temporal and transcendental authority. The building of Akal Takht Sahib was twice demolished by Afghan armies and was very badly damaged by the Indian regime in June of 1984. The Indian government repaired it in September of 1984. The Sikhs began demolishing it on January 26, 1986. The present structure has been constructed by five service-groups headed by Baba Thakar Singh of Bhindran-Mehta Jatha.

On April 13, 1634, the Mogul army attacked Guru Hargobind Sahib here. From 1635 to 1698, Amritsar remained in the control of the Mina family  who are the descendants of Pirthi Chand, the rival brother of Guru Ajrun Dev. During this period, on November 23, 1664, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib visited the town. In April 1698, Bhai Mani Singh was appointed as the caretaker of the shrines of Amritsar.

The Mogul chief of Patti tried to occupy Amritsar several times. One such attempt was made in April 1709. The Sikhs, under the command of Bhai Mani Singh, and Bhai Tara Singh of Dall-Wan, repelled this attack. When Baba Banda Singh Bahadur occupied several areas in the Punjab, Bhai Mani Singh chose to leave Amritsar in order to avoid the Mogul attacks. On December 30, 1711, the Mogul emperor, Bahadur Shah, granted Ajit Singh Palit the charge of Amritsar in order to use him against Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. After the death of Bahadur Shah, Ajit Singh Palit returned to Delhi. In 1721, Bhai Mani Singh returned to Amritsar and restored regular worship. His first act was to solve a dispute between the  so-called Tat Khalsa, and the so-called Bandai Khalsa, for the right to the management of the shrines of Amritsar.

On March 29, 1733, a major gathering of the Sikhs took place here in front of Akal Takht Sahib. During the same time a Sarbat Khalsa gathering was also held to discuss the Mogul offer of Nawab-hood. In April 1734, Bhai Mani Singh was arrested, and later martyred at Lahore on June 24, 1734.

In 1740, Massa Ranghar, a debauched official, desecrated the Darbar Sahib. He was punished by Bhai Sukkha Singh, and Bhai Mahtab Singh, on August 11, 1740.

In 1757 Afghan army demolished Darbar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib. Baba Deep Singh led several thousand Sikhs against the Afghan. A major battle was fought on November 11, 1757, and Baba Deep Singh along with several thousand Sikhs embraced martyrdom.

Again, in 1762, the Darbar Sahib complex was demolished by the Afghan army. On December 1, 1764, the Afghan army made yet another attack, and 30 Sikhs, led by Jathedar Gurbakhsh Singh,who  fought against the mammoth Afghan army embraced martyrdom.

In 1765, the Sikhs began re-construction of the shrines. The central part was ready by 1776. About 1830, Ranjit Singh had some part of the inner section of the Darbar Sahib gold-plated. It harmed this Sikh institution as some ignorant people began unjustly calling it the Golden Temple rather than the Temple of God.

In 1846, the British established themselves in the Lahore Darbar. With a Resident in the Court, Amritsar became a place of frequent visits by the British. In order to keep sanctity of the city, H. M. Lawrence, the British Resident, issued an order, dated March 24, 1847, asking the English people to follow the Sikh protocol while visiting the Sikh centers. In 1858, a Municipal Committee was set up here.

In 1862, train services between Lahore and Amritsar were begun. Khalsa College, the first Sikh college was established here in 1892. [In 1969 Guru Nanak University was established here]. In 1913, the city obtained electricity.

In September 1915, the British declared Amritsar a “Holy City”. This order was declared annulled after August 15, 1947 by the Indian regime. On April 13, 1919, General Dyer opened fire on the gathering, at Jallianwala Bagh, near Darbar Sahib, killed 379 people and wounded another 1200.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (S.G.P.C.) and the Shiromani Akali Dal were established here in 1920.

The famous Sikh shrines at Amritsar include:

Five Sarovars (sacred tanks):
Amritsar (1586)
Santokhsar (1587-88)
Ramsar (1602-03)
Kaulsar (1627)
Bibeksar (1628)

Gurdwaras:
Baba Atal (1770)
Shaheed Ganj Baba Dip Singh (1803, partly in 1823)
Shaheed Ganj Baba Gurbakhsh Singh
Guru De Mahal (Residence of Guru Ram Das Sahib, Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Hargobind Sahib and Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib who was born here)
Darshani Deodi (near Guru Bazaar, associated with the memory of Guru Arjan Sahib)
Gurdwara Thara Sahib (on the bank of Amritsar Sarovar; associated with the memory of Guru Ram Das Sahib and Guru Arjan Sahib)
Gurdwara Thara Sahib (in memory of the visit of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib)
Damdama Sahib (in memory of the visit of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, in 1664),
Pipli Sahib (It is associated with memory of Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib),
Gurdwara Tahli Sahib (Guru Ram Das Sahib used to rest under a Tahli, i.e. Shisham tree. The Tahli tree, believed to be the same still exists)
Churasti Atari (associated with memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib)
Gurdwara Lohgarh Qila (Previously it was a fort built by Guru Hargobind Sahib in 1609) etc.

68 Bungas were constructed in the town from time to time.

The Central Sikh Museum and the Sikh Reference Library are also established here.  The famous Sikh journal Sant Sipahi is published from this city.
The Indian army burnt the Sikh archives, libraries and the records of the offices of the Akali Dal and the S.G.P.C. on June 6-7, 1984.

The offices of the Sikhs’ representative organizations i.e. Akali Dal, the S.G.P.C., the Sikh Students’ Federation, the Chief Khalsa Diwan have also been set up at Amritsar.

Golden Temple Darbar Harmandir Sahib

LUDHIANA, Punjab (June 15, 2014)—Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa (Haryana), who had campaigned for the release of illegally imprisoned Sikhs, met with a number of Sikh youth in Ludhiana.  He was here to gather support to resume the campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners who have already completed their sentences.

It appears that Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa may go on a hunger strike again, as his previous campaign did not bring permanent results.

Four Singhs who were released had to return to jails after their parole period lapsed.  While speaking with his well-wishers in Ludhiana, he shared a number of reasons that caused the “Amb Sahib” morcha to fail.  He alleged that he learned a great lot during the hunger strike, and he will not commit the same mistakes again.

He appealed to all Panthik organizations and Gursikhs to unite so this movement can be taken to the next level.  It has not been clarified if the campaign will be in a different form, or if it will include going on hunger strike again.

Bhai Gurbaksh Singh met with Gurpreet Singh (Guri Hans), Advovate Gurjinder Singh Sahni (President United Sikh Youth Federation For Justice), Manwinder Singh Giaspura, Bhawandeep Singh, Sahib Singh Lakhna, Harjinder Singh, Jaswinder Singh, and others.

AMRITSAR SAHIB (June 15, 2014)—Twenty-fifth martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Bhai Sukhjinder Singh Ji and other activists of the Babbar Khalsa and Khalistan movement was commemorated here at Village Jabbowal.  A number of prominent Sikh personalities took part in the anniversary program and paid their respects to the Shaheeds.

Namely, S.Simranjit Singh Mann, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa (Haryana), Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala, Bhai Papalpreet Singh, Bhai Baljit Singh Khalsa, Giani Ram Singh (Damdami Taksal), Bhai Kewal Singh Mehta, Bibi Sandip Kaur, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Baldev Singh (AKJ), Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee, and many others were present.

The program was organized by the efforts of Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala of Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala.

An eye check up camp was also held, in which a large number of local village residents were provided free check up service.

Sarbjit Singh, one of the organizers mentioned that the family of Shaheed Bhai Sukhjinder Singh Ji Babbar organized the whole program at their own cost, without fundraising from the Sikh Sangat.

Proposed building of educational center of Guru Granth Sahib World University to be established in Kenya

FATEHGARH SAHIB (June 15, 2014)—Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has resolved to establish a high class educational center of Guru Granth Sahib World University (GGSWU) in African country of Kenya.  The motive behind this initiative is of imparting world class education to the children of Sikh and Indian community residing there.

In a press conference held in the GGSWU, SGPC General Secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur said that the management committee of Gurdwara Makindu Sahib has granted 75 acres land for the project. This Gurdwara is located at Mombasa-Nairobi highway and 170 km distant from Nairobi. He said SGPC would be contributing Rs. 2 crore annually for the next 10 years to fund the project.

GGSWU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Gurmohan Singh Walia, termed this decision as historical.  He said the project would not only be beneficial for Punjabi and Indian community, but also for the diaspora residing in neighbouring countries.

Dr. Walia said that the report of this project has already been prepared by the University and handed over to deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal who has given his approval. Next action would be taken following the approval of educational committee of Kenya, he stated.

“Teaching and non-teaching staff will be transported to the center from here as the huge shortage prevails in the poor African country. At initial stage, courses in the fields of science, commerce, management and Sikh studies will be initiated. Sports activities will also be carried out as well,” Dr. Walia explained.

Sources said the decision of this project was taken with the consent of high officials of Kenya and India. The center will be managed by educational trust of SGPC.

CHANDIGARH (June 15, 2014)—After receiving major setback in recently contested Indian Parliamentary Elections, ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Badal recalls sensitive issues concerned with Sikhs and Punjab. On Friday, Badal took up the following issues—injustice in case of 1984 Sikh genocide, transferring Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas to Punjab, Punjab river water dispute, voting rights to so-called Sehajdhari Sikhs, row of separate Gurdwara Committee for Haryana, corridor for Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib (Pakistan), discrimination with Punjab in relation to industry packages etc., with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a meeting.

1984 Sikh genocide

Badal sought a probe under the Commission of Inquiry Act into the violence against the Sikhs in Delhi during 1984. He urged that the “conspiracy” behind the pogrom be included in the terms of reference of the inquiry.

Transfer of Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas

He urged that Chandigarh and Punjabi-speaking areas be transferred to Punjab “in the spirit of the policy which guided the re-organisation of the state on linguistic basis in 1950″.

Parkash Badal meets Narendra Modi

River Water dispute

On the river waters, he alleged that the state had been treated unfairly and denied its legitimate share of river waters as per the riparian law.

Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib (Pakistan)

Badal also urged Modi to ask the Pakistan Government to allow a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib (in Pakistan) to enable Sikh pilgrims to visit the shrine.

Separate Gurdwara committee for Haryana

The Chief Minister expressed resentment at the Haryana Government’s move to set up a separate Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, which he termed as “dangerous.” He urged that Parliament enact a legislation to ensure SGPC supremacy in areas that come under the jurisdiction of the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925.

“Sehajdharis” row

Regarding the voting rights of so-called Sehajdharis, Badal sought the Centre’s intervention for “corrective measures.” He said the NDA Government headed by Atal Behari Vajpayee had issued a notification denying voting rights to the “Sehajdharis” that was nullified by the court on the ground that such an amendment could not be brought about by a notification. But the court had upheld the right of the legislature to lay down the eligibility criteria for the voters.

Sops for industry and debt relief for farmers

He sought concessions to Punjab industry on a par with those granted to Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, a financial package for the holy city of Amrtisar on the lines of Varanasi (from where Modi has been elected to the Lok Sabha) and a special debt relief package for Punjab farmers.

It is notable that some old Akali leaders feel that the reason behind declining graph of SAD is ignoring its traditional panthik agenda which was its real strength. They feel that due to this very approach, SAD (B) is losing its base among Sikh community. These points have also been discussed in party’s core committee meetings held after the elections. Taking up such issues with PM by Badal can be seen in light of such introspection.

Didar Singh Nalwi

Jagdish Singh Jhinda

CHANDIGARH, Punjab (June 16, 2014)—Haryana Sikh leaders, Jagdish Singh Jhinda and Didar Singh Nalwa, again joined hands on the issue of separate Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee for the State of Haryana. Both have agreed to reconstitute a ad-hoc committee and called a joint convention on July 6 in Kaithal.

For many years, both of the Haryana based leaders have struggled jointly for the cause of separate Gurdwara Committee; however, in the previous regime of Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, they had splinted over differences. As per certain sources, their joint efforts would provide new energy to the struggle for separate Gurdwara Committee in Haryana.

In the convention, Jhinda and Nalwai have invited Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and finance minister Harmohinder Singh Chattha.

While addressing a press conference at Chandigarh, they announced that “an explosive” decision could be taken during the convention. They alleged that Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal had asked them to support Chautala’s party and promised to take positive decision on forming of separate committee but later, he took a U-turn on the issue.

Prior to the activity of these leaders, Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Badal, sought amendment in All India Gurdwara act to avoid separate committee.

On the other hand, SGPC president, Avtar Makkar, has condemned demand of the formation of a separate Gurdwara committee for Haryana.

In a statement, Makkar said Nalvi should refrain from “creating a divide among the Sikh community and playing into the hands of the Congress”. He said a separate committee for Haryana would not be acceptable

PATIALA, Punjab (June 16, 2014)—Drawing the attention of the Union Government on the “alarming situation” of the drug menace in the state, Patiala MP and leader of the Aam Adami Parliamentary Group Dharamvir Gandhi has urged the Centre to take immediate steps to check cross-border smuggling of drugs. In a statement, he said the Punjab Government had been blaming the Centre for the flourishing drug trade in the state.

He said after the recent Lok Sabha election, the state government had launched an anti-drug drive and arrested hundreds of youths, who were victims of the drug menace in Punjab. “This was no way to tackle this problem. Since this desperate attempt is being made in the aftermath of the election, I have every reason to doubt the sincerity and seriousness of the government to contain the problem,” said Dr Gandhi.

“Approaching this problem with a narrow framework of electoral gains or losses is not justified. This step of the government can never succeed. Unless the youth are given useful employment after a proper de-addiction drive, the problem is here to stay,” he said.

“In my opinion, it is in the public domain now as to how our state fell a victim to the conspiracy and evil designs of certain political forces in the 1980s and 1990s and suffered grave losses both in terms of human life and economic derailment. Both terrorism and war against it were foisted upon the people of Punjab by these political forces resulting in the death and misery of thousands of people,” he said.

The Patiala MP said: “During all these years of turmoil, our state got heavily indebted and is still paying huge instalments every year to the Centre. I urge the Central Government to write off all debts against Punjab and stop punishing the people of the state for no faults of theirs”.

Panj Singh Sahiban Counsel Meeting

AMRITSAR SAHIB (June 16, 2014)—Panj Singh Sahiban (Highest presidium of five Sikhs) led by appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh, was unable to reach any decision in the case of clash which took place at Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) Complex on June 6, 2014. Giani Gurbachan Singh, however, stated that Simranjit Singh Mann president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), and other panthik groups were never cleared of their alleged involvement in the violent clash. Panj Singh Sahiban held a meeting on Sunday at the Akal Takht Sahib. The Darbar clash was main issue on their agenda.

Giani Gurbachan Singh said, “It is a violation of maryada (religious code of conduct) to let any political leader deliver speech from the Sri Akal Takht Sahib. No politician can use the highest temporal seat as a dais to instigate, or gain any vested mileage.”

“It was not right for Panthik groups to raise pro-Khalistan slogans during the congregation held to mark 30^th anniversary of June 1984 holocaust. When Mann was asked to pacify his supporters, he tried to address the gathering and demanded a microphone,” he said.

The issues pertaining to the transportation of Guru Granth Sahib overseas were also discussed in the meeting. Panj Singh Sahiban have sought suggestions from the community about the appropriate mode of transportation.

The Takht also directed Gurdwara committees to install CCTV cameras and depute at least two attendants round the clock in shrines to avoid damage to the sacred saroop (form) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in case of fire.

The presidium found Harminder Sing,h a Bengaluru-based Sikh who is a member of a gurdwara management committee,guilty of desecrating a Gurdwara and declared him tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct).

“He was found indulging in immoral acts inside the premises of the Gurdwara and he did not desist in spite of our written warnings,” said Akal Takht jathedar, adding, “The ‘guilty’ Sikh has been directed to appear before the Akal Takht Sahib during the next meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban. The date will be intimated to him.”

The Singh Sahiban at its meeting also took note of certain derogatory remarks that were passed against the Akal Takht jathedar by Gurcharan Singh Babbar, a Delhi-based Sikh, who runs an organization called the ‘All India Sikh Conference’. Babbar had in a recent article in a Punjabi magazine, criticized the functioning of the jathedar. He too has been asked to appear before the Sri Akal Takht Sahib at the next meeting.

Panj Singh Sahiban counselwho took part in the meeting of five included:

• Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh
• Takht Keshgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Mal Singh
• Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh
• Nandgarh, Sri Harmandir Sahib head Granthi Giani Jagtar Singh
• and Giani Sukhjinder Singh, a Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib.

LAHORE, Pakistan (June 17, 2014)—Shaheedi Gurpurab (Martyrdom day) of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was observed on Monday by Sikhs in Pakistan at historic Gurdwara Dehra Sahib here as per the original Nanakshahi Calendar.

The Gurpurab had already been observed here due to confusion prevailing over the calendar row among Sikh community. On Monday, Sikh sangat arrived from various parts of the world to attended the bhog ceremony of the Akhand Path Sahib, which was followed by ‘Shabad Kirtan’. The congregation was addressed by various Sikh personalities including former Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) chief, Bishen Singh, and former Delhi Gurdwara Committee president, Paramjit Singh Sarna.

Bishen Singh alleged that SGPC chief Avtar Makkar tried to form a rift among the Sikhs during his recent visit but today’s gathering proved that he failed in his attempt.

Citing the reference of unfortunate clash held in Sri Darbar Sahib Complex on June 6, he said Makkar should set his own house in order instead of interfering in the Gurdwara affairs of Pakistan. He urged Sr Akal Takht Sahib to forbid any politics on the Nanakshahi Calendar row and should settle down the issue in a transparent manner at the earliest.

As per press release issued by Paramjit Sarna from Pakistan, various speakers while addressing the gathering announced that if Sri Akal Takht Sahib didn’t resolve the Nanakshahi Calendar row before the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji, the Pakistan Gurdwara Committee will itself call ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev to sort out the issue on its own. Sarna said the original Nanakshahi Calendar was implemented after thorough deliberations among the Sikh community, but it was amended merely to please a few Sikh sects.

Pakistan Punjab Assembly member Ramesh Singh Arora said Pakistan union government was dealing with the issues confronting the Sikhs with utmost sincerity.

Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Khalid Ali said the Nanakshahi Calendar was the internal matter of the Sikh community and they would not interfere in it. He said the Pakistan Government was committed for the development of Sikh shrines and extending all the amenities to the Sikh pilgrims from other countries.

The SGPC and the DSGMC didn’t send their jathas because they had sent the Jatha as per the Gurpurab date inscribed in amended version of Nanakshahi Calender and Pakistan High Commission denied them visas, contending that the event was being observed in Pakistan on June 16 as per the original calendar.

Avtar Singh Makkar

AMRITSAR SAHIB (June 17, 2014)—Condemning the promises being made by Haryana Chief minister, Bhupinder Hooda, to form a separate Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee for Haryana, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Makkar has stated that Hooda is trying to create a divide among the Sikh community through a well-planned conspiracy.

Issuing a hard hitting statement, Makkar appealed to Sikhs to remain cautious against the nefarious designs of the Congress. He slammed Hooda for reviving the issue and warned him that the Sikhs would not let him to succeed.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda

“Anti-Sikh forces” are on the prowl and waiting for an opportunity to tarnish the image of the SGPC, which is the premier body of all Sikhs across the globe”, he alleged, adding that the sole intention of Congress is to interfere in the Gurdwara affairs through people like Jagdish Singh Jhinda and Deedar Singh Nalvi.

Makkar said that Sikhs will not allow any sort of change in the current set-up of the SGPC at any cost. He said the management of historic Gurdwaras in Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh have been running smoothly in the hands of SGPC for many years.

NEW DELHI (June 19, 2014)—The ongoing conflict in Iraq and Syria has disrupted the life of not only different Muslim communities, but also those of other religious and ethnic backgrounds.  There have been reports that Jews and Christians have been targeted, however the plight of the Punjabi and Sikh community has been largely ignored by International media.

In a Tweet, Syed Akbaruddin, Official Spokesperson, Minister of External Affairs, India, acknowledged that 40 Punjabis have been untraceable since Mosul was taken over by ISIS.  It is believed that the ISIS terrorist group kidnapped at least 40 Punjabis who have not contacted their families since then.

No action has yet been taken by the Indian Government to protect the lives of the Punjabis stuck in Iraq.  The Prime Minister Office of India has not yet disclosed any plan to intervene in Iraq situation to safeguard its people there.

ISIS, which stands for Islamic States in Iraq and Syria, is an unrecognized state and active Jihadist militant group in Iraq and Syria. In its unrecognized self-proclaimed status as an independent state, it claims the territory of Iraq and Syria, with implied future claims intended over more of the Levant—including Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus and Southern Turkey.

Syed Akbaruddin confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Baghdad is in regular touch with Indian nationals and advising them.  A 24 hour control room has also been set up in Middle East, and seasoned diplomat, Suresh Reddy, might be flying out to Baghdad soon.

AMRITSAR SAHIB (June 19, 2014)—A closed door meeting took place between former Delhi Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) President, Paramjit Sarna, and appointed Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh.  Sarna paid obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib after returning from his trip to Pakistan with a jatha of Sikhs to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji.

Sarna, and a few other Sikh organizations had organized the trip to Pakistan, despite the fact that the SGPC had cancelled it plans after Pakistan Gurdwara Committee ruled out possibility of commemorating the Gurpurab as per the amended Nanakshahi calendar.  It is believed that the issue of Nanakshahi calendar was the primary reason behind the closed door meeting.

Aside from meeting with Giani Gurbachan Singh, Sarna also met with Baba Jagtar Singh, Kar Sewa, from Taran Tarn Sahib.

Sarna has reportedly taken over kar seva, or self-less service, of repairing some historical Sikh shrines in Pakistan.  Paramjit Sarna does not enjoy proximity with the SGPC or the Akali Dal, Badal.

Editor’s Note: Paramjit Sarna is known to have proximity with various RSS and Congress leaders.  Although Pakistan Sikhs have appreciated his efforts in organizing yatras, any kar seva or amendments to Nanakshahi calendar should be completed only after supervision and full disclosure to the Sikh Sangat.

Gurdwara Act

NANDED, Maharashtra, India (June 19, 2014)—Sikhs based in Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra, staged a protest Wednesday against the demand to enact the All India Sikh Gurdwara Act that the Shiromani Akali Dal (B) President, and Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Badal, recently sought when approaching Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. The protesters organized the demonstration peacefully.

Addressing the demonstrators, advocate Madan Mohan Singh said the SAD (B) began to take such measures when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power at the Center. Citing a reference to the June 6, 2014 clash which broke out at Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) Complex, he lashed out at the SAD (B), saying that those who could not handle the environment at Sri Akal Takht Sahib were dreaming that they could control of all the historical Gurdwaras in the country. He alleged while apostasy is on the rise in Punjab where the SAD (B) is a ruling party and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is also under BJP control, that Sikhi is spreading in and around Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib.

Baba Balwinder Singh also opposed the proposed Act harshly. He said the move would further create rifts among the Sikhs. “The historical Gurdwaras in the other parts of the country should be allowed to manage their own affairs,” he added.

Previously, Giani Kulwant Singh, appointed Jathedar of Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib, had stated that the Sikh community in Maharashtra was against the enactment of any such Act.

The issue has been ignited by the meeting held recently between Parkash Badal and Narendera Modi during which Badal had discussed the All India Gurdwara Act among other matters. The Punjab Chief Minister expressed resentment at the Haryana Government’s move to set up a separate Gurdwara parbandhak committee, terming it as “dangerous.” He urged Modi, expressing the sentiment that Parliament should enact a legislation to ensure SGPC supremacy in areas that come under the jurisdiction of the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925.

Reacting over the efforts made by SAD (B) in this direction, Jathedar Kulwant Singh said, “We will oppose the move tooth and nail. The SAD (B) move is aimed at bringing all Gurdwaras in the country under the control of the SGPC, but we will not allow it.”

AMRITSAR SAHIB (June 20, 2014)—Sikh Youth of Punjab (SYP), the youth wing of Dal Khalsa, today took exception over the statement by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Badal, that no politician was patronizing the drug trafficking in Punjab. 

SYP President, Nobeljit Singh said “all parts of Punjab were in the octopus-like grip of different kinds of alcohol and drug abuse. It is a sad irony that Punjab is today leaning on loneliness, misery and stress [caused by drugs].”  

Stressing that without the politician-smuggler-police nexus, the trade of drugs was not possible, he asked Sukhbir Badal to explain as to how could this trade nourish and flourish without any political backing or patronizing. “Without naming any individual we would like to say that apart from police officials, political mafia of different shades was providing shelter to traffickers”, alleged the youth leader.

Referring to certain measures taken up by Punjab government to tackle drug abuse, Nobeljit Singh said that the government has come out of slumber after too much of damage and hoped that some positive results would come out if it would pursue its plans in utter sincerity and seriousness. 

He said the younger generation was a victim of manufactured drugs. Smack from neighboring states reaches Punjab through the complicity of the police, administration and politicians. Bogus pharmaceutical companies in Delhi and Gurgaon manufacture fake drugs and they are sold in bulk in Punjab without bill and prescription, in clear violation of the Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Coming down heavily on successive central governments, he said the state machinery, either due to negligence or as part of a grand design, was ensuring the availability of drugs from other states. “We believe at one level, it was a part of the design to engage the Punjabi youth in drugs as a weapon to check their political consciousness and to counter the fighting spirit in them”. 

Notably, SYP has organized a series of marches in different cities and towns to highlight the plight of youth affected by the rise of drug menace.

ISIS

CHANDIGARH, Punjab (June 20, 2014)—The Punjab State Government has released details of Punjabis that have been kidnapped in Iraq.  The list includes details of 52 persons.  Sikh24 has learned that the Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Badal, has established contact with the Iraqi Prime Minister.  Badal raised concern for the safety of Punjabis that have been abducted by the ISIS militants.  Although Badal has contacted Iraq Chief Minister, what actions can be taken in this turmoil is not yet known.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has been able to determine the location where these abducted Punjabis are being held captive with workers of a few other nationalities.  This information has not been disclosed to the public however.  Official Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of India, Syed Akbaruddin, has stated that the Indian Government is aware of the location, however it is not able to disclose this sensitive information.

Some families have alleged that they have been able to establish contact with their relatives in Iraq, however they face a dilemma as their passports are in possession of their employers. 

Click on the list to expand

S. Simranjit Singh Mann,

Sangrur, Punjab (June 20, 2014)—Led by former member of parliament Simranjit Singh Mann, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) has decided to contest the forthcoming Assembly byelections in Punjab. The decision was revealed by party’s Secretary General Jaswant Singh Mann after a meeting of the Sangrur and Barnala district units of the party Thursday.

Mann stated the party would field its candidates in all three assembly constituencies for which byelections are held. The meeting was presided over by Master Karnail Singh Narike, a General Secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar).

It is notable that byelections to the Talwandi Sabo and Patiala Assembly seats were already due, while Dhuri MLA Arvind Khanna had also sent his resignation to the Speaker.

“In view the byelections, the party’s organizational structure is being energized. New members were being enrolled across the state while an opportunity was being given to active leaders to serve the party”, Mann added.

Shamsher Singh Maloa, Bahadur Singh Bhasaur, Barnala district president Ranjit Singh Sangherra and Sangrur district president Harjit Singh Sajuma were also attending the meeting.

Bhagwant Mann

SANGRUR, Punjab (June 20, 2014)—The Aam Aadmi Party Member of Parliament from Sangrur, Bhagwant Mann, has secured release of a Punjabi stuck in Iraq.  Bhagwant Mann had earlier told the media that along with other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, he is ready to go to Iraq to provide whatever assistance possible.  Mann had mentioned that S. Harinder Singh Khalsa, the AAP Member of Parliament (MP) from Fatehgarh Sahib has a lot of experience with external affairs, and should also be given a chance to help with the situation.

Bhagwant Mann posted on Facebook earlier today that he has booked a flight for a Punjabi stuck in Iraq.  In a phone call received from Iraq, Bhagwant Mann was told that the situation in Iraq is worsening.  Bhagwant Mann mentioned that he could hear gun shots being fired.  The Punjabi who had called Bhagwant Mann from Iraq mentioned that he had possession of his passport, however did not have an airline ticket to fly out of the country.  Mr. Mann booked a ticket for his safe return to Punjab.

Bhagwant Mann appealed to all those stuck in Iraq to contact the Punjab Welfare Society in Kuwait at +0096599034211.  The Punjab Welfare Society is willing to arrange for travel for anyone stuck in Iraq.

It is not known what any political leader in India can do to help; however the Prime Minister’s Office seems to be watching the situation merely as its audience.  In such a case, whatever help the Aam Aadmi Party is able to provide is commendable.

Bhagwant Mann further mentioned that the fact that Punjabis have to travel to Iraq for work proves that the  financial situation in Punjab is worse than Iraq.  He said this fact would be raised in the Parliament.

AMRITSAR SAHIB—A number of families gathered at Harmandir Sahib to perform ardas (prayer) for the well being of their wards in Iraq.  Many of them, with tears in their eyes, prayed to seek safe return of their family members.  He expressed grief at the fact that Indian Government was not swift enough in taking action over the Iraq crisis.

Family Members of Punjabis Stuck in Iraq, Pray at Harmandir Sahib

Parkash badal meets Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI (June 21, 2014)— Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Badal, and President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), on Thursday submitted a memorandum to Union Minister Rajnath Singh,, urging him to stop the Haryana Government from meddling in affairs related to historical Sikh Gurdwaras.

The delegation alleged that the Congress Government in Haryana was making deliberate attempts to set up a parallel body to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) that was tantamount to interfering in Sikh religious affairs.

A member of the delegation said, “Despite its claims of being a secular party, the Congress, during the last Assembly elections, chose to mention this issue in its manifesto,” said the Akali leaders. They said during the last SGPC elections, the “Congress-sponsored elements made a separate Gurdwara committee for Haryana their main poll plank and lost all 11 seats to SAD (B) nominees. Yet they have not abandoned the move, which could threaten [the] peace.

The memorandum claimed that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government had also opposed this move and had dissuaded the Haryana Chief Minister from pursuing it.

A separate memorandum was also submitted to Rajanth Singh in which, the delegation urged the Indian government to to settle the issue of voting rights of so-called Sehajdharis. For this, it advised the government to introduce a legislation. The Sehajdharis were given the right to vote through an amendment in the Gurdwara Act in 1944 . On November 30, 2000, March 30, 2001, and again on March 30, 2002, the SGPC passed resolutions against this.

The SAD (B) urged the Modi Government to introduce a legislation in Parliament to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, so that the so-called Sehajdharis are denied [their] voting rights. They want the amendment to be enforced retrospectively from October 8, 2003.

The Vajpayee-led Indian Government issued a notification on October 8, 2003, “deleting the exception” awarded to the “Sehajdharis”. But the notification was set aside by the High Court on December 20, 2011, on the ground that such an amendment could not be brought about by a notification.