S. Atinder Pal Singh M.P.(Patiala)
SPEAK IN INDIAN PARLIAMENT LOK SABHA & HIS WORKS
PANTHAK RELATIONSHIP THROUGH WORK FOR SOVEREIGN KHALSA PANTH
Ninth Series, Vol. IX No. 17 Monday. September 3, 1990
Bhadra 12 , 1912(Saka)
LOK SABHA DEBATES
(English Version)
Third Session
(Ninth Lok Sabha)
( Vol. IX contains Non. 11 to 21 )
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
S. Atinder Pal Singh COLUMNS 703 - 715
FIRST SPEECH
DELIVERED ON SEPT. 3, 1990
S. Atinder Pal Singh (Patiala) Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, today, I am delivering my maiden speech and I hope that the House would listen to the voice of this elected representative from Punjab. The members belonging to the B.J.P. as well as the Congress have expressed their apprehensions and misgivings. The entire nation has same sort of prejudice against the Sikhs.
First of all, I would like to tell the entire nation through this House that if you are really worried about the happenings in Punjab, your should give up all your prejudices and predilections. Your should think, as Shri Khurana has also suggested, over the genesis of the Punjab problem. I would like to gain the trust of the entire house and the nation and request that the Punjab crisis should be seen and understood in the proper perspective. I would like to clarity that unless the promises made to Punjab in 1947 are fulfilled, there can be no solution to Punjab problem. The present crisis cannot be overcome by holding elections to the Assembly or by scrapping TADA, changing police or civil administration and by setting up special courts, I would like to clarify that these are not the demands of Punjab. This problem has been created due to the wrong policies of the Government and the Government itself would have to solve it. The real demands of Punjab are different from thes! e demands. We would have to ponder seriously over them.
I would like to take you to pre 1947 days and draw your attention towards the statements made by the leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar and the debates of the Constituent Assembly. Unless those demands are fulfilled, there can be no solution to Punjab problem. Today there is no family in any of 12,687 village of Punjab of which one or the other Sikh member has not been killed by the police and there is no family which is not affected by the killings in Punjab. I am myself an evidence to all this. There was no registered case against me prior to my arrest. But the Congress Government announced a reward of Rs. 5 lakh on me. It was extremely shameless. Then at least Rs. 3.75 crore were spent through S.I.T. to arrest me. After are arrest, these cases were withdrawn despite my request that I should be tried so that the truth is revealed to the nation. Mine is not an isolated case of this kind. Every youth of Punjab is the victim of such prosecution and! maltreatment. My entire skeleton is shaken and rendered weak. The doctors in the Annexe are not prepared to issue the medical report out of fear of the Government. They tell me only verbally that all the cells of your things are dead, that you have a fracture in your head and a hemorrhage in the head and that the third bone of your chest has slopped. Even these days, sometimes, half of my body becomes senseless. I have a fracture in my leg and no one is prepared to write it in the medical report. (interruptions) Everyone else is given a medical report. I was not given any treatment in the jail. I am not putting across just my case. It is the case of every youth of Punjab. You should gather the messages of such incidents. You should also feel the sentiments created by such incidents. I would ask whether such sentiments are good for the unity of the nation ?
Now, I would like to draw your attention toward the resolution moved by the Congress party in 1929 at the Lahore Session. It reads as follows "the Congress will never accept a constitution which is not acceptable to the Sikhs". The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Lahore Session of the Congress in 1929. This was the pledge that Mahatma Gandhi reiterated in his editorial in the 'Young-India' dated 16 March 1931. I have got with me the documentary proof of everything I say in this House and anybody who has any doubt about it can see it for himself. Such type of resolutions were again passed by the congress in 1939. The Congress Party had itself handed over the same resolution to the crisps mission when it came to India in 1942 and it is recorded on page 318 of the debate of Constituent Assembly. Then came the Cabinet Mission recommendations. In its recommendations the Cabinet Mission recorded in Para 18 on 16th May 1940 that three nationalities were recognised in Ind! ia-First the Muslims, second the Sikhs and third, general. The word 'Hindu' has no where been used in it. It has been elaborated therein the that all those people who neither fall under the category of Sikhs nor that of Muslims be included in the general category. The Cabinet Mission says :
[English]
"We think that for these purposes it is sufficient to recognise only three main communities in India General, Muslim and Sikh. The "General" community includes all persons who are not Muslims or Sikhs."
In Para 15 it is said :
[Translation]
I would like to tell the house with considerable seriousness and stress the reason why Punjab problem became a burning issue.
[English]
"We recommend that the Constitution should take the following basic form :-
There should be a Union of India, embracing both British India and the States which should deal with the following subjects : Foreign Affairs, Defense and Communications..."
[Translation]
These three subjects have been enlisted for the Union of India. It further says that :
[English]
"...and shall have the powers necessary to raise the finances required for the above subjects."
[Translation]
The Center Government was given financial powers with regard to these three subjects. Para No. 2 says that :-
[English]
"Any question raising a major communal issue in the Legislature should require for its decision a majority of the representatives and voting of each of the two major communities..."
In para 6 it is said :
[S. Atinder Pal Singh]
"The Constitution of the Union and of the groups should contain a provision whereby any Province could by a majority vote of its legislative Assembly call for a reconsideration of the terms of the Constitution yearly intervals thereafter."
[Translation]
These provisions made in the Constituent Assembly through voting as well but they were not fulfilled. Under these provisions, it was promised that every State would have its separate constitution but this promise was not fulfilled. The Muslim league accepted these recommendations but the Sikhs were not satisfied with them and they rejected them. But the moment the Congress accepted these recommendations, the Muslim League rejected them the next day after passing a resolution to this effect because they thought that they would definitely be defeated by this. Thereafter, sikhs also rejected these recommendations. Pandit Nehru issued a statement, in his individual capacity on 7th July, 1946 on the eve of the annual session of the Congress party in Calcutta. Anybody who has any doubts can see the photo copy of the front page of the 'Statesman' dated 7th July, 1946 lying with me.
[English]
"The brave Sikhs of Punjab are entitled to special consideration. I see nothing wrong in an area and a set up in North where in the Sikhs can also experience the flow of freedom."
[Translation]
Pandit Nehru made this promise to the Sikhs and immediately after that rejected the Cabinet Mission and all its recommendations. In keeping with this very promise the Congress passed its own resolution on 27th and 29th of July. 1946. Dr. Sitaramaiah has recorded it in his "History of Congress," The Congress party and the whole Hose can see this for itself. This pledge to the Sikhs was again reiterated in the constituent Assembly. In the Constituent Assembly Debate, Page 754 its is recorded :
[English]
"Congress will give them all possible support, removing their legitimate grievances and in securing adequate safeguards for the protection of their just rights."
[Translation]
On behalf of the same party, Pt. Jawahar lal Nehru submitted a resolution, on 13-12-1946, called as 'Objectives Resolution' in its annual Conference which came to be known as a milestone in the achievement of India's independence. This Objectives Resolution was published in the form of a separate booklet in the Constituent Assembly. I would like to repeat the words that were used in the objectives Resolution, particularly, with regard to sikhs. Kindly have a deep insight and perception of every word. It says :
[English]
"The Resolution that I am placing before you is in the nature of a pledge. It has been drafted after mature deliberation and efforts have been made to avoid controversy. I do not think this Resolution contains anything which was outside the limitations laid down by the British Cabinet or anything which may be disagreeable to any Indian".
I beg to move :
(1) This Constituent Assembly declares its firm and solemn resolve to proclaim India as an Independent Sovereign Republic and to draw up for her future governance, a Constitution;
(2) Where in the said territories, whether with their present boundaries or with such others as may be determined by the Constituent Assembly and thereafter according to the law of the Constitution, shall posses and retain the status of autonomous units together with residuary powers and exercise all powers and functions of Government and administration gave an except such powers and functions as are vested in or assigned to the Union or as are implied in the Union or resulting therefore."
[Translation]
While moving the resolution he said :
[English]
"It is a Resolution any yet, it is something much more than a Resolution. It is a Declaration. It is a firm resolve. It is a pledge and an undertaking and it is for all of us, I hope, a dedication. And I wish this House, if I may say so, respectfully, should consider this Resolution not in a spirit of narrow legal wording, but rather to look at the spirit behind the resolution. This Resolution, let it not be done in the formal way by the raising of hands, but much more solemnly by all of us standing up and thus taking this pledge anew."
[Translation]
This is what was said by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru with regard to the States in his Objectives Resolution that was published on behalf of the Constituent Assembly. Pandit Nehru reiterated the same once again in Para 1 of page 14 of the Debate. This pledge was made by each and every member of the Constituent Assembly and Dr. Rajendra Prasad while favoring this resolution had passed the same resolution once again which can be seen on page 23 of volume II of the Constituent Assembly Debate. At the time of the declaration of India's independence, the Congress through a resolution, again assured the Sikhs on 8th March 1947 :
[English]
"The Working Committee will keep in close touch with the representatives of the Sikhs and other groups concerned with a view to cooperate with them in the steps that may have to be taken in safeguarding their interests."
[Translation]
The British scheme was submitted on 3rd June, 1947. In that scheme the Sikhs of Punjab while forwarding their demands wanted Punjab to be divided into two parts. both autonomous and sovereign. The Congress party favored the scheme. lyengar Committee was set up on behalf of the Constituent Assembly. Besides Pandit Nehru, People like V.B. Patel, Jairam Dass Daulat Ram, Gopalaswamy Iyengar, V. Krishnamachari etc. were also associated with this resolution on 17th April, 1947...
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Mr. Atinder Pal Singh, this being your maidan speech, I did not want to disturb you but you have already spoken for nearly 20 minutes and you have to speak on the Budget also.
S. Atinder Pal Singh : Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this is my maiden speech. It is the tradition of the House that at the time of maiden speech, a Member is given the right to freedom of speech and expression. With full regards, I...
Mr. Deputy Speaker : How more time do you need ?
S. Atinder Pal Singh : Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to take 10 minutes more.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : We shall sit till S. Atinder Pal Singh concludes his speech.
S. Atinder Pal Singh : Thank you. The Iyengar Committee in its report, to which Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru also has appended his signatures, has candidly recommended to entrust three subjects to the Center- the first being the Defence, the Second Foreign Affairs and the third, Communications. The Iyengar Committee in its report said that the power of financing all the three subjects should be vested in the Central Government. The same Iyengar Committee has said in its report that the States would have their own separate constitutions. A chapter on Union constitution from Page 141 to 152 has been published in B.N. Rao's book. In its Sixth chapter, from page 97 to 140, the model of the Constitution has been published. Vide Page 141 to 152, this Committee suggested the provision of separate constitution for the States in the constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly reconstituted the Union Power Committee. It submitted its report on 13.4.1946. In this report also.
[English]
(a) Defence (b) Foreign Affairs (c) Communications, and (d) the powers to raise the finance required for the union subjects.
[Translation]
were included. The Power committee submitted its report with regard to all the three subjects. But Mr. Speaker, Sir it is very regretful that as soon as we achieved independence, the Congress Party, the leaders of the country and the administration, all suddenly changed their attitudes to that of enmity towards the sikhs, the first example of which can be traced to the circular issued by the Governor, Shri Chandu Lal Trivedi on 10th October, 1947. It resulted in the martyrdom of 45 thousand sikhs and a loss of life and property, including the immovable property worth Rs. 95000 crore. They were migrating to India as refugees. They had decided to identify and merge themselves with India and made sacrifices to keep the country's unity and integrity intact. However on 10-10-47, Shri Chandu Lal Trivedi, through a circular issued by him, termed the Sikh community as a criminal community, those very sikhs who had come to India after having lost everything they had.
The circular further says that a close watch needs to be kept on them. As Shri Madan Lal Khurana has said the genesis of the Punjab. Problem has to be traced and the nation told about it in clear terms. I would like to know whether the country is ready to honour the assurances given to the Sikh Community. Most humbly, I want to bring out the truth before the House. After the resolution regarding partition, the country was divided into Hindustan and Pakistan. In the Legislative Assembly of independent Pakistan, 17 Hindu leaders accepted the constitution of Pakistan as drafted by the Constituent Assembly and put their signatures on it. Not a single Sikh was among those signatories. This is a matter of shame for this nation that Shri Bhim Sain Sachhar, one of the signatories, was appointed the first Chief Minister of Punjab and later on he was appointed as a Governor. Other signatory Shri Satyendra Narayan Sanyal was appointed a Judge of the High Court and there was another sig! natory Lala Avtar Narain Gujral whose son is a Minister. You can go through the debates of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan and can see their signatures in the first Constitution Report of Pakistan.
So their country has honoured the traitors but on the other hand you brand the Sikhs as traitors inspite of the fact that this sacrificed everything. I want to ask a question whether this country accepts the Sikhs or not ? The Sikhs were disgraced after the operation Bluestar. The people of punjab were not ready for that. The nation will have to restore their dignity with all humility. I want to ask as to why can't the Khalistan, Sikhistan or what ever name you may like to give it, be formed for the Sikhs in this country as promised by Pandit Nehru, when autonomy can be provided to the Gorkha-land Liberation Organisation, Nagaland can be given to the Nagas, Mizoram to the Mizos, Rajasthan to the Rajputs and Maharashtra to the Marathas. We are looked at with suspicion despite the fact that we have been constitutionally elected as Members of Parliament. It clearly shows that this country is still not ready to accept the people of Punjab. Please raise yourself above this prejud! ice. Silence is observed in this House to mourn the death of one or two persons killed in a rail accident or a riot. I want to ask as to why did not this House observe silence to mourn victims of 1984 riots and the operation Bluestar ? with due respect to the house and by keeping full faith in this country, I want to move a resolution in the house that to minutes' silence be observed to demonstrate the nations' trust in the people of Punjab. I want to ask as to why can't the Khalistan Liberation Organisation or the Sikhistan Liberation Organisation be constitutionally registered under the Election Commission in this country, when such a provision can be made for the Gorkahaland Organisation ? Why do you detest the Sikhs after all ? I am ready for a open national debate on this issue. I ask you go give an instance, if there is any breach of faith on the part of Sikhs. I can present documentary proof in support of all that I have said. I have already quote the words of Pandit! Jawaharlal Nehru in this regard.
Now, after quoting the words of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, I shall pay many thanks to you for allotting me time to speak, while delivering a discourse in Sheesh Ganj Gurdwara on 22nd March, 1931, Mahatama Gandhi made a promise to the Sikhs and said, "Why do not you believe the Congress, if it betrays you later on, you can deal with them since you have 'Kripan' in your hand. I shall be at the forefront with you. " Mind the very word' Kirpan. Today, the people of Punjab are acting upon the words of Mahatma Gandhi. They are called terrorists today as they are acting upon the words of the Father of the Nation. But I think, in a way, the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi is being called a terrorist, not the people of Punjab. Listen what has been written in this editorial of "Young India" dated 5 March, 1931. Mahatma Gandhi's own Newspaper. I am reading its photocopy which I have with me. I would like to repeat the very words which Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar used in h! is promise. I beg your pardon as I feel a bit of problem in reading it. These are the words of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar which he used on 25 November, 1947, in the Constituent Assembly. He said, "Dear countrymen, the minorities have reposed their trust in you, so you should not commit a mistake of betraying your trustees because its result will be very grave because minorities are explosive power which if explodes will shatter the structure of the whole country. The very history of Europe is a dreadful example of it." Today, we see the very words of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru coming true in Punjab.
we end I words to quote the words of Shri K.C. Jodh, General Secretary of All Subai Conference which he used in a latter written to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on 28th July, 1956. In his letter, Shri K.C. Jodh put a question to Pandit Nehru, "Should we trust the Sikhs because the Punjab issue, in fact, is an issue of faith ?" He further said, "the Sikhs should constitute their separate sovereign state if the Hindus to not trust them, and the history will lead us to this conclusion ultimately. Therefore, should we trust them" ? Sir, through you, I would like to express my feelings in the following words :
"Jab Bhi Watan Ko Lahoo Ki Zaroorat Pari,
Sabse Pahle Gardan Hamari Hi Kati.
Hum Kathe Hain Yeh Aahel Watan, Ki Watan
Hamara Hai Tumhara Nahin."
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir we have an equal claim over this country as you have. We also need respect and we want to live in this country in accordance with the promises that were made in the Constituent Assembly. We want to have our own state in this country and this demand should be accepted by you. Khalistan or Sikhistan whatever name you may like to give, should be formed on the very lines on which Marathwara for the Marathas, Rajasthan for the Rajputs, Nagaland for the Nagas and Mizoram for the Mizos exist in this country. I invite the whole country for an open debate on this issue. In this regard, I would like to tell all Political Parties that every person of Punjab wants Punjab greivances to be removed. Let me tell you that there is no other issue in Punjab except the issue of distrust. With these words I conclude my speech and express my thanks to you.
[English]
Mr. Deputy Speaker : The House stands adjourned to re-assemble tomorrow at 11.00 A.M.
18.11 hrs.
The Lok Sabha then adjourned eleven of the Clock on Tuesday, September 4, 1990/Bhadra 13, 1912 (Saka) Ninth Series, Vol. IX No. 20 Thursday. September 6,1990
Bhadra 15, 1912(Saka)
LOK SABHA DEBATES
(English Version)
Third Session
(Ninth Lok Sabha)
( Vol. IX contains Non. 11 to 21 )
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
S. Atinder Pal Singh COLUMNS 454-455
SECOND sPEECH
DELIVERED ON SEPT. 6th, 1990
S. Atinder Pal Singh (Patiala) : Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like draw the attention of this august House to the following matter of public importance.
Due to excessive taxation the electronic industry is suffering heavy losses in Punjab, as a result thereof a number of small and medium electronic industries have either been closed or are on the verge of closure in Mohali and several other areas of Punjab. While the rate of this tax is quite low in its adjoining State, it is more than double in Punjab. As such it is very necessary to remove this disparity. It is creating problems for the marketing of electronic goods manufactured in Punjab in national and international markets. Goods manufactured in this industry are not selling in the market thus causing heavy losses to it.
I would, therefore, like to make a demand that taxes on electronic goods manufactured in Punjab should be totally abolished so that Punjab could emerge as an electronic industry State. I would also like to demand that the entire State of Punjab should be declared as an industrially backward State so that maximum employment avenues could be created in the State. At the same time Punjab should be provided all Central assistance as an industrially backward State which has not hitherto been given to it.
Ninth Series, Vol. IX No. 21 Friday. September 7, 1990
Bhadra 16 , 1912(Saka)
LOK SABHA DEBATES
(English Version)
Third Session
(Ninth Lok Sabha)
( Vol. IX contains Non. 11 to 21 )
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
S. Atinder Pal Singh COLUMNS 490 third speech
delivered on sep. 7th 1990
Shri Madan Lal kHurana (South Delhi) Mr. Speaker. Sir, I have given a notice of Privilege Motion
Mr. Speaker : Please be seated Yes, Shri Atinder Pal ji.
S. AtinDer Pal singh (Patiala) : First of all, I would like to raise the question of Privilege.
MR. SPEAKER : Please may what you have given in writing and leave the question of Privilege for the time being.
Shri Madan Lal Khurana : Mr. Speaker. Sir, Yesterday in unprecedented incident took place .......
MR. SPEAKER : Please be seated. I will call you after a moment. (Interruption)
S. Atinder Pal Singh : Mr. Speaker, Sir, hundreds of Sikh youth are under detention in jails in Punjab since 1984 without any trial. Trials are yet to begin and according to the constitutional provisions, it is essential to produce a person before a judicial magistrate within 24 hours of his detention. I too was not produced before any judicial magistrate for there months. Thus it is absolutely necessary that their detentions are reviewed without any further delay as hundreds of such youth have been languishing in jails without any trial Not only this more than 250 Sikh women are under detention against whom no cases have been registered. I am appareling to you for this. They should be released without any loss of time and TADA should be scrapped. I have discussed all these things with you. Special laws enforced in Punjab without any constitutional sanction should also be scrapped as also false cases under registered against innocent youth in Punjab should be withdrawn. In m! y own constituency (Interruptions)
S. Atinder pal Singh : This is an important matter. As hundreds of youth are being killed in false encounters. Now-a-days A.K. 47 rifles have been supplied to Policemen also. I would like detailed information in respect of A.K. 47 rifles supplied to police personnel. On whose orders the Government has supplied A.K.-47 rifles in punjab. (Interruptions)
Ninth Series, Vol. X No. 22 Monday. October 1, 1990
Asvina 9, 1912(Saka)
LOK SABHA DEBATES
(English Version)
Third Session Second Part
(Ninth Lok Sabha)
( Vol. X contains No. 22 To 24 )
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
S. Atinder Pal Singh COLUMNS 79 - 82 forth speech
delivered on october 1, 1990
Shri vishwanath Pratap Singh ( Prime Minister) : Let the hon. Members from Punjab speak first : I will speak later.
[Translation]
S. Atinder Pal Singh (Patiala) : Mr. Chairman, Sir, today is the most shameful and distressing day for the democratic and elected parliamentary system. In this House, which is called temple of democracy we are going to pass a constitutional amendment bill to suspend the democracy.
Mr. Chairman, Sir it appears as if entire India has decided to hand over Punjab to police for good. It appears as if entire India has negotiated a bargain with the bureaucracy that the massacre of Sikh youths will be continued in Punjab. It appears as if whole of India has decided to hand over Punjab to paramilitary forces for spreading lawlessness there. Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to ask all the citizens of this country, who believe in democracy why after all they have given this special status to Punjab ? We have been demanding special status for Punjab and the special status which you have given to Punjab includes massacre and discrimination in the constitutional and legal system. This is such a system which is opposed most by the people of Punjab. On behalf of the people of Punjab and sikh community all the world over. I would oppose this amendment in this House even up to the last drop of my blood. I want to tell the people of India that the people of Punjab can'! t be won over through Police rule or through the barrel of the gun or any other method. Until this country fulfills its promises the confidence of the people of Punjab can't be won over. I want to make it clear that the people of Punjab have all alone been expressing their faith in India. Now they have to think before expressing their faith once again. Please don't take such an action by which...................(Interruptions)
Mr. Khurana, you have got the chance to speak, now listen to me. When you don't have the courage to face the truth you can in no way do good to the country. The welfare of the country lies in this that we accept the truth and reality with open heart and faith. The people who are struggling in Punjab these days are as good citizens of this country as you and me who are sitting here. How can you discriminate them ? How can you push them before the policy. How can you subject them to the bullets....(Interruptions)...If you can give full freedom to police in Punjab, then we too have got the same right to live as you have. Even if a goat is confined in a slaughter house it also resists the butcher's knife. Keep this thing always in mind. Every problem in Punjab, such as water or linguistic are problems or the problem of Chandigarh have become secondary. Now the citizen of Punjab who is a citizen of India is struggling for his constitutional rights. The citizen of Punjab is hims! elf is raising the issue of his rights. There won't be any solution in Punjab unless you give them their rights. The confidence of Punjab is difficult to be won over unless the country has some faith and confidence in its people. Govelgian approach has been adopted in the whole of India and the confidence of sikh community is difficult to be won over if they are slandered. You yourself are maintaining distance from them. The House has to see how the sikhs can come closer. The sikhs will come closer when attempts will be made to bring them close. It want to tell the entire nation through this House that this time more than fifty per cent of the strength of B.S.F., more than seventy per cent of the strength of C.R.P.F. and Maharashtra Police etc., are working in Punjab. Whenever there is a move to make some changes in the Punjab Police Administration, it is said that Punjab Police will be demoralised. I want to submit to the government and the Prime Minister that there is no ! question of demoralisation of a force which is devoid of morality. Dis ciplinary system is adopted to deviate the morale of security forces. Punjab Police and para-military forces are driven to lawlessness because of lack of discipline. Those who are lawless can't be demoralised because they are already demoralised. if the government wants to regain the confidence of the people of Punjab then this House should observe silence for two minutes to express regret for the happenings of 1984. In order to gain the confidence of Punjab, the Prime Minister should this time make an announcement of elections in Punjab. If this House wants to win the confidence of the people there, an announcement should be made that all the sikh women and youth would be released, as more than 250 women are arrested and cases registered against them. If the government wants to gain the confidence of the people of Punjab it should tone up the administration, and police administration and assert its powers more firmly.
Mr. Chairman, Sir, in the end I would like to tell the government and the entire nation through this House that this amendment will strengthen the separatist tendencies in this country. I want to inform the whole nation through you that you can't bring Punjab closer by this, instead they will to away from you. I want to say that I would oppose this amendment even up to the last drop of my blood. On behalf of the people of Punjab and on the strength of the mandate given by them. I demand ...**...If you can't give, we shall take to a course by which we would get our rights. This is what the people of Punjab are doing these days. If some solution to this problem is to be found that government shall have to talk to the people because of whom this problem has arisen. This is beyond my comprehension and the comprehension avoids talking to them. So it is not possible to find a solution by keeping those very people aside who are the reason of that problem. If the government wants ! to find a solution to this problem, they should call the struggling youth and talk to them and recognize their political leadership. I oppose this amendment tooth and nail and walk out of the House.
14.19 hrs. Tat this stage, S. Atinder Singh left the House.
[Translation]
Shri Madan Lal Khurana (South Delhi) : I have a point of order. In this House, which is the supreme body of India, we can deliver speeches within periphery of our constitution, but in our speeches we should not speak like '.......................' and this should not form a part of the proceedings. What will be the effect of such words on the posterity when they will see that the people are demanding a separate constitution and a separate symbol. So we want a ruling from you whether such words should be allowed or not ?
Shri Jag Pal Singh (Hardwar) : How for this is correct when you are talking of a Hindu nation ? (Interruptions) Ninth Series, Vol. X No. 24 Friday. October 5, 1990
Asvina 13 , 1912(Saka)
LOK SABHA DEBATES
(English Version)
Third Session Second Part
(Ninth Lok Sabha)
( Vol. X contains No. 24 )
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
S. Atinder Pal Singh COLUMNS 44 - 49 fifth speech
delivered on october 5, 1990
S. ATINDERPAL SINGH (Patiala) : Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir a number of doubts are raised, whenever a discussion on Punjab issue in the context of Sikhs is held in this House. I have said it in my maiden speech also that you can only win the confidence of the people of Punjab when you free yourself from self-interests and prejudices. I would like to ask some questions in brief from the Hon. Prime Minister and from the leaders of all the parties sitting in this House.
First :If this country is called Hindustan, no hon. Member sitting in this House raises any objection to it. I would like to ask if Atinder Pal Singh says that Hindustan is an unconstitutional word and that it should be expunged from the proceedings that have have taken place till now, he would be leveled as a traitor for taking this constitutional step. Will it be proper ? Show me a single sentence in the Constitution where India has been referred to as Hindustan. The name of our country is Bharat. Can't you see communalism and treachery in using the word Hindustan ? Is such a thing in the interest of the country ? But when I raise any demand in the House. I am leveled as a traitor, even though my demand is constitutional. This House should make it clear whether it is ready to accept us or not ?
Second : When I have been elected to this House, am I a Member of Parliament or not ? And if it is so. why am I looked upon with suspicion ?Why don's you free yourself from prejudices ? If you can't do so, I also take a pledge today that we will make no effort to free you from your prejudices. Should all the efforts be made from our side only ? Has this country no duty towards the people of Punjab ? Will this country always look upon the people of Punjab with suspicion ? If this is you view, I cannot support it.
Third : You must think before you bring the amendment here. Democracy is being murdered there for the last three and half years. The entire nation except Punjab is on one side. As the situation in Punjab is not stable, you can murder the democracy there. At least, you should do some re-thinking. Even God excuses 3 murders, but you have done more than that. Where is the limit ? Constitutional limit in this regards is only five years. At any cost, you cannot suspend democracy for more than five years. After 5 years, you have to go to the people for electing a Government. Then why are you side-tracking this issue ? Don't you have the courage to face the people ? What is the meaning of this democracy, if you and the democracy of this country do not have the courage to face the people ?
Fourth : I do not want to raise these questions, but I am forced to do so because whenever representatives of Punjab say something, they are looked upon with suspicion. A lot has been said about the police.
15.00 hrs. What I am telling you is based on facts. I pose this question to the nation. If the car of Atinder Pal Singh was seized and his driver arrested on 17th December by the Batala Police for the simple reason that Atinder Pal Singh visited the houses of the people killed in police encounters, then I want to ask as to what action was taken thereon after the matter was brought to the notice of the Home Minister, I.G., Police and Punjab administration ? What is our fault that we are not allowed to move in our own country ? When a member belonging to B.J.P. is arrested, the entire House unitedly protests against it but why similar protest is not made in our case ? Atinder Pal Singh is threatened by S.S.P., Patiala that if he did not mend his ways, he would get him killed in an encounter ! Is the House concerned with the safety of the member of Parliament ? How can an S.S.P. have the audacity of refusing meeting a member of Parliament and shutting the door of his office say! ing that he might go and complaint to anybody ? My S.P.O. was arrested only because he belonged to Atinder Pal Singh. I brought this matter to the knowledge of the Home Minister and the Prime Minister. At that time, there was no case against the SPO When it was brought to their notice, a twelve bore country made gun was put on his shoulders. He was kept under detention for 22 days. The D.C. Batala wrote a letter to the Punjab Home Ministry stating that there was no case registered against that person. The day I brought this fact to the notice of the Home Minister he was charged of possessing a country made 12 bore gun. It something that is in the interest of the nation ? If it is so, we are not prepared to accept it. We are not willing to co-operate in such an atmosphere. If you are genuinely interested in solving the Punjab problem, you must stop hollow slogans. I want to say in very unambiguous terms that Punjab is totally fed up of these slogans of appeachment. Please gi! ve these slogans a practical shape and tell us in clear terms the faci lities slated for Punjab. What are your views on Punjab ? Do you accept Sikh as Sikhs or not ?
The maximum punishment under the Act is three years but the Sikh youths in Punjab have been in custody for more than five years. For what fault of theirs is this discriminatory attitude being adopted towards them ? On what ground have they been kept in jails for a period extending up to five years without trail. Please tell us as to why the sikhs are being tried in Special Courts and why they are not tried in open courts ? And, when we put our demands we are charged with treason! If this is the definition of treason, then I would say that those who have laid down such a definition are the biggest traitor. The House must address itself to the solution of Punjab problem.
The situation cannot improve if we continue to present our views based on politically motivated facts. If you are sincere in finding a solution. then the Prime Minister should make an announcement that all those who have been languishing in jails. Without trial will be released. Cases have been registered against more that 250 Sikh women. I urge upon lady Members of Parliament to come forward and help them. What is the fault of those who have not been tried so far ? The Prime Minister should make an announcement for their release today itself.
If you want to win the confidence of Punjab then why does the House not express its regret over what had happened in 1984 ? If a minor accident takes place and 10-50 persons are killed, then the House expresses its grief but why this House has not conveyed its condolences to the next of kins of those killed in the 1984 riots which were actually engineered ? I want the Prime Minister to take and initiative in this matter and bring a resolution to this effect.
I would like to make it clear that this should not be termed as demands. The Government is responsible for creating these problems. The Government will have to solve these problems and rectify the blunders they have committed. None but the Government has to do this. If the Government shirks from it, it should not expect the solution of the Punjab problem.
My concluding submission is that solution to any problem cannot be found unless we approach the person responsible for creating the said problem. Why don't you contact those persons who are responsible for creating problems in Punjab. If you really want to find a solution to this problem you will have to approach them and win their confidence. I would like to know the action that you are going to take in this regard ?
We have seen what took place in that state during the last six months. Now I would like to know your line of action for the coming six months. In this regard, it is necessary to take the House in to confidence. I would request the nation not to look toward the sikh community with a suspicious eye.
As I had referred to in my first speech also, those people who had signed the resolution regarding parallel constitution in the Pakistan Assembly were made Chief Justice, etc. and among those signatories, seventeen were Hindus who agreed to the creation of Pakistan. Among the signatories there was not a single Sikh. This reveals your patriotism towards the nation. If this is the definition of patriotism, we refuse to accept it. If the fight in Punjab is on this very point, then we cannot go along with you. You must make it clear as to what is your opinion about us, about Punjab and about the Sikh community.
I would like to conclude here with the request that if you really wish to win the confidence of the people of Punjab, then you must descend to the grass-root level and tell the people of the State what you have decided to offer to them.
Ninth Series, Vol. XIII No. 5 Friday. January 4, 1991
Bhadra 16 , 1912(Saka)
LOK SABHA DEBATES
(English Version)
Sixth Session
(Ninth Lok Sabha)
( Vol. XIII contains Non. 1 to 10 )
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
S. Atinder Pal Singh COLUMNS 281-282 sixth speech
delivered on january 4, 1991
S. Atinder Pal Singh : Mr. Speaker, Sir, 70 per cent of the total strength of B.S.F., 55 per cent of C.R.P.F. is posted in Punjab in addition to Sixty thousand jawans of Punjab Police. Now the Central Government has sent a division of army to Punjab to take action against the citizens there. It will be extremely fatal for the country, because at present after every four Sikh youths in Punjab a jawan has been posted. It more forces are posted there in Punjab it will be taken that the Central Government is adopting hostile policy and the citizens of Punjab are not being considered citizens of this country. So keeping in view the action being taken by the Indian Army on civilian population, I would like the Government to make an announcement that army won't take any action against the citizens and will return to their barracks.
So the Government should explain and regain the confidence of the citizens of Punjab.
Ninth Series, Vol. X IIINo. 7 Tuesday. January 8, 1991
Pausa 18 , 1912(Saka)
LOK SABHA DEBATES
(English Version)
Third Session
(Ninth Lok Sabha)
( Vol. XIII contains No. 7 )
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
S. Atinder Pal Singh COLUMNS 26-27 seventh speech
delivered on JANUARY 8, 1991
S. Atinder pal Singh : Mr. Speaker, Sir in Rajpura division of Patiala district tanked of Hindustan Petroleum while going from Gujarat to Jalandhar, met with an accident near Ghanori Kalan due to leakage of gas from it. The cause of the mishap was that it was carrying gas in duplicate cylinders. when there was a leakage, fire broke out. The driver of the said tanker abandoned the tanker and fled. As a result of this accident sixty houses were totally gutted, their roof were blown off, fifteen people were killed 250 cattle died and seventy people, who received more than fifty percent burns, are still battling for their lives in Rajendra Hospital located in Patiala. I want to ask the hon. Minister through you as to what steps do you propose to take to check the pilferage of gas which causes heavy of loss of the people and the action taken in respect of Ghanori Kalan accident.
Shri Satya Prakash Malviya : Mr. Speaker, Sir, the question put by the hon. Member is not linked with the main question. I need a separate notice for it.
S. Atinder pal Singh : Mr. Speaker, Sir, if the hon. Minster is not in a position to reply to my question right now, he may be directed to lay it on the Table of the House later. Fifteen lives have been lost in this incident.
Mr. speaker : All right, the hon. Minister will lay the reply to your question on the Table of the House. Please take you seat.
Ninth Series, Vol. XIV No. 11 Tuesday. March 12, 1991
Phalguna 21, 1912(Saka)
LOK SABHA DEBATES
(English Version)
Seventh Session
(Ninth Lok Sabha)
( Vol. XIV contains Non. 1 to 11 )
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
S. Atinder Pal Singh COLUMNS 65-70 eighth speech
delivered on march 12, 1991
S. Atinder pal Singh (Patiala) : Mr speaker Sir, I thank you for providing me an opportunity to speak. I would be brief. it is unfortunate and unconstitutional that Parliament, which is meant for the protection of democracy and is the symbol of democracy should once again pass a Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to deprive a state of elections-which is the strength of democracy for another six months. I fail to understand why their special status is given to punjab. We want that punjab should be given special status but not like this, signals are sent from here that Punjab wants to be separated from the country. Whom do you blame, the Government or the people of Punjab for that. I have been requesting you again and again that kindly do not send such signals. The people of Punjab who believe in democracy may feel a sense of alienation. Most of the laws have been changed in Punjab. Is it not creating a feeling of separatism in the people these ? The basic fabric of constit! ution in so far as Punjab is concerned has changed. I would like to ask whether this House can allow such a thing. Are people do not elect us to this House for changing the basic fabric of the Constitution. If it is true then we would not only be considered as undemocratic but murderers of democracy. I appeal to you from the core of my heart.... (Interruptions) Those who raise slogans in favour of democracy what happened to their conscience. why do they joins hands and try to stop the democratic forces in Punjab. I would like to knew from the hon. Prime Minister who is sitting here whether elections would be held in Punjab? The Prime Minister had been to Himachal Pradesh last month. There were reports in the Press in Punjab that Himachal Pradesh would be given special status. But if Punjab demand , that special status people say it has tendency towards separatism. If that special status can be given to Himachal Pradesh why can't it be given to Punjab. Military is ruling ove! r Punjab. Six farmers were shot down by a colonel in Amritsar. They we re shot dead in broad day-light and were fabricated in a case. When the people's representative went to meet the colonel he said that if they espouse the cause of the farmers they too would be liquidated. When some representatives went to meet the Punjab Governor, he remarked 'why are you sporting a beard' Probably the meant that those who were sporting a beard would be forced to shave off their beard. I would be forced to shave off their beards. I would like to declare here that every Sikh wants to save his nationality. They want to save their religion. You should not say that you are with us. If you are not able to protect you religion we are not with you. This may be hair-raising for the citizens of this country... (Interruptions) Repression has increased many tunes in Punjab. Every party demands that.... (Interruptions) I would like to submit that Sikhs are very liberal. It is said that they always lose at the table. The sikhs have never compromised. You should try and t! raining them to the negotiating table and there they will lose. Believe me they will never compromise. They will prefer to become targets. A Sikh will compromise only in case he is victorious If he is told he has won. he will lose everything at the negotiating table. He never loses. He makes sacrifices Even today the leadership is there, in Punjab. If we push this leadership back, the leadership may not come to the negotiating table and will not come to the negotiating table and will not be liberal. We have suffered a lot and we are ready to be unanimous for the sake of the country. We will die, and definitely die but at that time we will tell the whole world that we are dying because India does not want to keep us with itself.
I would appeal that we should cut across party affiliations and listen to the voice of the people of Punjab and categorically explain our stand on Punjab.
"Vajood Dewangi Van Par Chara Hi Kaho Kya Hai
Jahan Aklo Khirad Ki Ek Bhi Mani Nahin Jati : "
It is unfortunate that we gather here to perfect the constitution and the democracy but the good sense does not prevail. Nobody is prepared to listen to those who speak of unity and social integration. What for are we setting here. I want to appeal to the House on behalf of the people's of Punjab :-
"In Bijlion se Kah do ki Mera Ashian to Funka
Mere Hosle Ko Funko, Mere Azam ko Zalao,
Meri Zindagi, Yehi Hai Ki Sabhi Ko Faiz Pahunche
we are not fighting for our god.
"Meri Zindagi yahi Hai Ki sabhi Ko Faiz Pahunche
Mein chirag -e- Rah guzar Hum Mujhe Shonk Se Jalao"
With these words, I would like to appeal
"Jalaiye Kitna jala Sakte Hain
Naman Chidko, Namak Chidko
Maza Eseme Ata Hai
Kasam Le Lo Nahin Adat
Mere Zakmon ko Marham ki"
This is the present day situation in Punjab. The Government repeatedly declares that it wants to restore normalcy in Punjab. If the Government sincerely wants to achieve that objective, I would request the hon. Prime Minister to make an announcement now regarding holding of elections in Punjab. I urge the hon. Prime Minister to take this step and add another laurel to his good reputation, just before relinquishing office. I request all hon. Members to listen to the voice of the people of Punjab in order to restore democracy in the State. Signals which provoke the sentiments of youth in Punjab should not be sent. The Resolution which is sought to be passed today symbolizes the intention of the hon. members to fuel atrocities in Punjab.
Lastly, I would like to say that it will be difficult to find a solution to the Punjab problem, if this resolution arms at encouraging violence in Punjab and separate the State from the country. If the Government considers Punjab part and parcel of the country, it should declare so in clear terms and also withdraw this resolution. withdraw it right now. I am present here with the hope that this will be withdraw now. Otherwise on behalf of the people of Punjab, Its youth in particular, I shall walk-out.
Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra(Delhi Sadar) : Sir, I don't want to start an argument on this issue. I
shall only endeavor to clarify my party's stand in this matter. Our party favours holding of elections in the entire country in keeping with the demands of democracy. If elections are not held at some places, it doesn't speak well of the Government which is in power. As in other states elections should be held in Punjab also. This is the stand of our party but.
S. Atinder Pal Singh : No 'buts' please. A democracy is a democracy, these is no room for 'ifs' and 'buts' in it. Do you want that we should be denied our right to vote. (Interruptions)
Mr. Speaker : Please sit down.
Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra : Our contention is that all states should get maximum rights, no State should remain backward or exist as a property of the Center.
A point was raised regarding provision of resettlement facilities to the dependents of those killed in the 1984 riots and punishment to the guilty. Our party supports this point. The best thing about Punjab is that no communal disturbance has occurred there till now. No Hindu-Sikh riot took place at any place there. Neither sikhs killed any Hindu in their village nor Hindus killed any Sikh in their villages. Sir, taking advantage of this thing....(Interruptions)...
S. Atinder Pal Singh : You are saying like this and that is why you do not want elections in Punjab.
To
Khalsa Panth
(The first Eye witness report on Operation Blue Star released on 14th of June 1984 in New Delhi at Hotel taj)
by
Atinder Pal Singh
acting President
All India Sikh Student's Federation
Sri Amritsar
(this DOCUMENT is COLLECTED from the delhi high court record attested by its registrar . govt. of india use it as a EVIDENCE against atinder pal singh in SEDITION case. Spelling mistakes as per orignal document)
A
Messase
For Khalsa Panth
The humble servant of the Khalsa Panth, Sardar Atinder pal Singh, Senior Vice-President of the All India Sikh Student's Federation, who has assumed the responsibilities as President after the heroic martyrdom of his President, "Bhai Amrik Singh," has issued the following statements-
1. In the holocaust of June 1984, Sant Jarnail Singh, Khalsa "Bhinderanwala", "Bhai Amrik Singh", Baba Thara Singh, "General Subheg Singh" and thousands of Sikhs laid down their lives to achieve the objective of 'Raj Karega Khalsa'. I, on behalf of all the 60,000 members of the All India Sikh Student's Federation (founded in the year, 1944) pay rich tributes to their memory and we, today take pledge that we shall continue the struggle to achieve our objective namely, 'to create environments for the fulfillment of our national aspirations'. We shall feel honored if our lives are spent in emulation of the examples of Sikh national heroes.
2. The Sikhs are today facing the biggest crisis since the last 400 years. The Hindu government and its people have declared a war on the Khalsa Panth by attacking the holy precincts of the Darbar Sahib, about a hundred and seventy Gurdwaras in the Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chandigarh and also the Sikh masses in villages, towns and cities.
Since 1947, we have been struggling hard to convince the Hindu government in India to ensure our identity, freedom of religion and culture but have reached a point of no-return, when no democratic method can ensure us the freedom of our religion and culture and our very existence is threatened in Hindu India.
We are war with a government whis is bereft of civility, human dignity and respectability.
3. The barbaric military attack was begun on 30th May, 1984 and was planned to be a surgical operation to be carried out on 3rd June, 1984 the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, our fifth Guru, so that the loss of lives would be maximum. However, as destiny would have it, on 2nd. June 1984 Major General Jaunswal of the 15th. Division refused to carry out a massacre of the Sikhs, as according to him this was sinister action of the government against its own people. This saddened the government a great deal. It took two days for the military to arrange a fresh attack and thus the death toll was to some extent reduced. You the members of the fourth estate, may kindly recollect that Mrs. Indira Gandhi had to telecast was delayed because of cabinet discussions on these new developments.
4. The Indian Army with a strength of four corps (11 corp, 10 corp 1 corp and 2 corp) was deployed and was supported by the Navy and the Air Force. The entire state of the Punjab became a prison for the Sikhs.
On the 1st of June, the holy precincts of Darbar Sahib were attacked by the B.S.F. and the C.R.P.F. to incite and instigate the Sikhs, but the Sikh national soldiers showed extreme caution and twenty of our youth were killed without a bullet being fired by them.
On the 5th of June, 1984, the Indian Army of the 'secular' government of India, stormed the holiest of holy, Sri Darbar Sahib & Sri Akal Takht Sahib. In the first attack, the military suffered heavy losses and had retreat. Further reinforcements were deployed.
I would like to expose the government and its false claims regarding the use of weapons by the military. The Indian Army was equipped with the following variety of Russian weapons :
1. 130 mm artillery guns
2. Armored cars
3. Forty-two tanks
4. 3.7 Rocket launchers
5. Laser Beams
6. 27 Lbs. field bombs
7. Lethal poisonous gasses.
5. The Sikhs are known for their valor and this was best amplified by the resistance shown by the Sikh national soldiers. These Sikh freedom fighters showed exemplary courage in protecting the sanctity of the holy precincts. The Sikh youth in the age group of eight and sixteen, wrapped themselves with explosives and destroyed the armored cars and tanks, and not by using rocket launchers for they did not possess any : The Sikh sangat, numbering 6,000 (out of which only 1,200 surrendered; which according to official details were mostly employees of the S.G.P.C. and the Akali Dal lied down before the tanks to stop their entry, but the barbaric Hindu military had no qualms in overriding them to enable them to storm the Akal Takht with 27 lbs. field bombs and 3.7' rocket launchers.
Our brave Sikh liberators killed more than 5,000 Indian military men, which fact can be verified from the number of wounded soldiers recovering in the various army and navy hospitals all over the country. Though the government has suppressed these details it is common knowledge of every Sikh and others living in Amritsar that three commando units and three battalions- the Garwahlis, the Biharis and the Dogras were totally wiped out.
The three hundred and fifty Sikh freedom fighters fought till the last man, and with such huge military mite the Indian forces could gain entry an area of about one lakh square feet only after three days.
We salute our brave brethren and pray that we get inspiration from them to continue the struggle.
Here, I also want to note that more than a hundred children within the age group of eight to twelve years were individually asked by army officers whether they 'still wanted Khalistan'. As each one of them answered in the affirmative they were shot dead by the swans of the Indian Army. They all died upholding the glorious traditions of the Khalsa Panth.
6. The sanctum sanctorum has also been desecrated. 'There are more than 400 bullet marks on the Golden Temple. The historic body of Sri Guru Granth Sahib has been wounded. The Granthi Sahib (Priest) Bhai Ram Singh was severely wounded. The revered Ragi Jatha of Bhai Amrik Singh was killed in the sanum sanctorum of the Golden Temple.
The holy sarovar, which is the source of inspiration to the Sikh community was filled with the dead bodies of the Sikh martyrs who were mercilessly killed by the Indian Army.
The Thadha Sahib and the Deodi in front of the Thadha Sahib has been completely destroyed.
Thousands of priceless manuscripts, including historical hand-written bodies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, lying in the Sikh Research library have been reduced to ashes by the army. The records of the S.G.P.C., and Darbar Sahib were set ablaze and destroyed. The Guru Nanak Niwas has also been set ablaze.
Darshani Deodi has been completely destroyed and the Toshakhana looted. From the Toshakhana, silver and golden Palki Sahibs have been destroyed & priceless covers of Guru Granth Sahib have looted and destroyed. After looting the jewels and emerald from the Chandni Sahib and other treasures, the military set it ablaze. These jewels are now adorning the necklaces of the wives of military officers and jawans engaged in the actions, Priceless treasures and traditional arms belonging to our Great Gurus and erstwhile Sikh generals like Baba Deep Singh were looted by the army and are now being exhibited as war trophies by the military. The area in front of the Darshani Deodi and Sri Akal Takht, was a virtual bloodbath with about a horse's hoof length of blood.
7. The vandalism at Sri Akal Takht by the government of India will be remembered by the Sikhs in the same way as the Chinese remember the vandalism of the Forbidden City by the Europeans in 1857.
8. According to the government of India's official version, the government wanted to arrest twenty seven alleged extremists, who were supposed to be hiding in the precincts of the Golden Temple and the Operation Bluestar was planned for it. But in reality the government declared every Sikh as an enemy and the statement of the Prime Minister on the eve of the attack was a like a head of state addressing her people before the state forces are sent for war against an enemy.
9. The Golden Temple Complex is still occupied and so are 37 other prominent historical Gurdwaras which include the Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Gurdwara Mukatsar, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran in Patiala, Gurdwara Moga, the martyrdom places of Baba Ajit Singh Baba Jujhar Singh at Chamkaur and the martyrdom places of Baba Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh at Sirhind.
The whole of Punjab has been occupied as an enemy country as the government of India is not satisfied with the loot it has made from it during the last 37 year of colonial rule, Khalsa ji, historians and members of the fourth estate, may you kindly remember in this context that the army was withdrawn from Bangladesh within a month, but the Sikhs are worst enemies of India and occupation of their territories continues.
The government of India has declared pension benefits of Rupees One lakh to the next of kin of the soldiers who lost their lives in the action. Such benefits were denied to those killed in the wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971. What a great vengeance against the Sikhs.
10. The whole of Punjab, the countryside in particular is groaning under the so-called mopping operations during which innocent Sikh are being killed mercilessly, Young Sikhs-boys and girls are removed from their homes, their turbans removed, hand tied at their backs Keshas (Hair) untied in order to block their vision and then shot at point-blank range in front of the entire rural folk.
More than 20,000 Sikhs have been killed and the whereabouts of another 50,000 is not known. It is feared that they have been killed in fake encounters and concentration camps at Ladha Kothi in Sangrur District, Chandi, Mandir in Chandigarh, Patiala fort in Patiala, Meerut-Cantt. and Agra Cantt. in Uttar Pardesh, 3EME Center, Bairagarh in Bhopal, Babina, Mhow and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, N.D.A. Khadakvasla in Pune and Jaipur in Rajasthan, About 260 young girls are also being tortured in these centres.
The above reminds the Sikhs of the cruel deeds of General Cowan ICS, who, at Malerkotla, tied hundreds of Kuka Sikhs to the mouths of tanks and blew them into smithereens. As we have not forgotten that incident even after a hundred years, we shall never forget this holocaust for centuries to come.
about 40,000 Sikh homes have been raided by the army in retaliation (as more than 5,000 man of the Indian army have so far been killed by the Sikh liberation soldiers). All these have been mercilessly looted by the army in celebration of their victory.
11. Now let me give you the role of the Hindu community After the occupation of the Golden Temple Complex on the 6th, of June, 1984 the bodies of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindaranwala, Bhai Amrik Singh Baba Thara Singh and General Subheg Singh were pleased in front of the Darshani Deodi and displayed to the Hindu population whose happiness know no hounds. How did the Hindus enter the Golden Temple Complex ? 240 representatives of the Durgiana Temple committee, the Hindu Mahasabha and the Hindu Suraksha Samiti were given special passes by the government of India. Rupees Seven and a half Lakh Rupees was given (by the army) Durgiana management to kill Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhinderanwala.
These members were too willing to celebrate the victory of the Hindu kingdom. To that on sweets, sweetmeats, cigarettes, mutton, drinks, etc. were distributed amongst the army within the holy precincts of the Golden Temple Complex.
May it be put on record that on 9th, June, 1984, two Sikh soldiers of the Indian army who were stationed at the Akal Takht, killed thirty-five of their co soldiers who were merry-making there. My community and the Panth shall remember them as martyrs.
Not only in the Punjab but all over the country the Hindus celebrated this victory and ridiculed the at the lightest pretext.
Also during the mopping up operations supposedly to find out extremists, the Hindus lent and are lending full support covertly in Identifying Sikh homes, for the military to shoot and loot.
12. I, the humble servant of the Khalsa Panth emphatically point out that the military has looted more than 500 crores in cash & kind from the Akal Takht, Sri Darbar Sahib and a hundred and seventy of the other Gurdwaras This money and treasure is the property of the Khalsa Panth given at the Akal Takht Sahib to enable the Sikh freedom fighters to liberate the community from the Indian yolk. We will endeavor and recover this loot with Interest from the Indian army and the government of India.
The traditional weapons which were given as 'Darshan Bhet' by devout Sikhs to their Gurus and which were looted after gaining control of the Akal Takht will be forcibly recovered from the Hindu Indian army.
13. I, the humble servant of the Sikh nation would like to caution the Sikh world and plead to every Sikh to keep his eyes open and be alert to the designs of traitors within the community. Especially those who surrendered before the army action and also those who later on preferred to enjoy the comforts of luxurious rest houses (called jails by the government) than to organise and lead the community in this hour of grave crisis.
The Akal Dal which is an organisation of brave 'Shaheeds' should strive & persevere to get their body rid of such leaders and pseudo- jathedars who have used their martyrdom for petty ministries and positions.
The members of the Akali Dal and the Sikh world at alarge should be aware that these very men may through secret parleys the government try and deceive the community to satisfy their love for 'kursi'.
It is not only my conviction and that of my organisation, but he voice of the entire Sikh nation that the khalsa panth will not allow any Sikh to enter political offices under the Indian constitution anywhere in the country.
It is time that the body politic of the Akali Dal must come forward to renounce the agreement made by it with the Hindu leaders in 1946, for the government of India has lost its right to represent us, and that agreement is no longer binding on the Sikh community.
14. Unlike other religious groups in Indian and the world, the Sikhs are the only people who are enjoined upon to carry weapons on their body as a means of protection of oneself and readiness to offer protection to the needy. The Sikh Gurdwaras are not mere places of worship and congregation but a center which always offers protection and safety to all those who need it from the tyranny of the state and anti-social elements.
The Sikh way of life is to hail the saints and to destroy the demons.
As such all Gurdwaras must have arms and the tradition of maintaining the best of sophisticated weaponry is perfectly in order & according to the tenets of the Sikh Gurus. History bears testimony to the fact that Guru Gobind Singh possessed ninety - three types of weapons including a 'Cheh-mukhi a sophisticated weapon of those times, which was not in the possession of the then Delhi Darbar. Also according to a Hukamnama (order) of the tenth Guru only those Sikhs should come to seek his Darahan who were the best of weapons and brought sophisticated weapons as an offering.
Today, all those who are questioning the storing of arms at the Akal Takht Harmandir Sahib and other Gurdwaras are in fact questioning the wisdom of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is an indirect method of condemning the Sikh way of life, the Hukamnamas of our Gurus and the Sikh concepts of Miri-Piri and Sant-Sipahi All those- Sikhs and non Sikhs: who are indulging in this compaign of vilification will have to face the consequences.
15. The Sikh outside the punjab are under a very wrong notion that the struggle in punjab is a regional problem and the Sikh in the other states of India are not concerned. This is a big folly, let it be known to all that they are soon going to be the victims of this policy of genocide of the Hindu Indian government. It is in their interest that they should see the writing on the well and without losing-time make adequate arrangements and preparation for the protection of their families and protection of the sanctity of their Gurdwaras.
Sikhs all over India should rise above local politics and see the whole situation in a broader perspective. They should actively participate in this war of liberation by spending time, money and efforts. In their own self interest, they and their organisations should desist from oppsoing and condemining the Sikh liberation struggle. The panth knows its traitors will deal with accordingly.
A large number of Sikh- men women are facing mocktrials tortures (so far the government of India has used fifteen different in human methods of torture in the jails and concentration camps) and privations at Ladha Kothi in Sangrur district and other places mentioned above.
Four to six bodies are thrown out of the Chandi Mandir concentration camp at Chandigarh every day which fact can be verified by those who can get these so for, fifteen Sikhs have been killed at the camp in 3EME, Bairagarh, Bhopal. This sad story continues unabated.
May I humbly request the Sikhs out of Punjab to endeavor their maximum to liberate these heroes or else a whole generation will be wiped out.
It is also the bounding duty of the Sikhs in India to come forward and assist with all their mite the rehabilitation of the families who are the victim of the wanton aggression of the Indian government.
16. I, the humble servant of the Khalsa Panth, personally and on behalf of my organisation and its members commend the unique services rendered by the Sikhs living abroad in the furtherance of our liberation movement.
My brethren. You have rightly held demonstrations against the barbaric actions of the government of India in front of Indian embassies and missions. I appeal to all Sikhs living abroad, to stage such demonstrations on the 6th of very month so that the western world can understand the enormity against of cruelty Sikhs in India. The Sikhs, wherever, they are should expose the hallowness and felsehood of the Indian government vis-a-vis Sikhs. A case should be prepared and presented to world bodies like the U.N.O. Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International. on all occasions, when world leaders meet efforts must be made to familarise them with the fate of Sikhs in secular, socialist India.
I appeal to Sikhs in all corners of the globe to unite under the present leadership which is already voicing the Sikhs viewpoint to the various governments Unity the need of the hour. we must desist from organising new factions and function as a disciplined people under the canopy of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
17. The Sri Akal Takht Sahib embodies our sovereign indestructible will for freedom. The Khalsa Panth will get it erected when the Sikhs are a free people and that too through the hands of Ammritdhari Sikhs Particularly the members of the families of all those martyrs whose children laid down their live to maintain its sanctity and glory. Let it be clear to the government and the traitors of the Panth that the Akal Takht erected by them and other repair work done would be dismantled.
The cronies of the government - in the garb of Nihanga and pseudo-saints and factional leaders of breakaway Akali Dal groups (without any membership) are too well-known to the Khalsa Panth. The Sikhs must offer almost residence to the designs of the government. As the need has arisen, we shall forcibly stop these paid laborers and stooges of the Congress, whatever the price we may have to pay.
18. I and sixty thousand members of my organisation and their parents are in the throes of pain and agony in pointing out that while thousands of the youth of Punjab are languishing in jails, the government is manipulating to hold a mockery of examinations under the control of the military. We will ensure that no examination will be allowed to be held till all those who have been detained are released and the army is completely withdrawn from the Punjab.
I, the humble servant of the Sikh nation, hereby sternly warn the teachers, professors, supervisors and university employees that they should not participate in the conduction of the exams. If they do, they shall be doing it at their own risk.
19. The Khalsa Panth extends a hearty welcome the 15,000 soldiers who have spontaneously left their barracks in sympathy to our liberation struggle. They are the true saint-soldiers who have offend themselves at the altar of Indian bigotry.
Every Sikh - particularly those living in states other than Punjab must strive to get them released, as they are likely to be shot dead at the hands of the Hindu military.
We also welcome all those IAS, IFA, IPS and other officials who have resigned from Indian posts and have expressed their solidarity with the Panth. The panth will not tolerate the compulsory retirement of police officers and administrators, for it is yet another example of "gross" indiscrimination by the Hindu government.
All those who have resigned and those who have been discriminated will be looked after taken care of by the Khalsa Panth.
20. According to official sources the Indian Army was to assist the civil administration but instead without declaring martial law, the army is in control of the civil administration. All executive power is exercised by the army generals The sixth and seventh floors of the Punjab Secretariat at Chandigarh are the headquarters of the army, R.S. Dayal with assistance from military officers controls the state affairs from the sixth floor The IAS, IPS officers have been divested of their powers and are mere clerks of the military.
According to secret notification of the government of India the army intends to stay atleast till 31st. Dec. 84 provided the conditions are restored to normalcy which means that the government is likely to extend occupation of Punjab thereafter took.
The latest ordinance proves that the government is determined to destroy the Sikhs root and branch.
These dark deeds of the government of Indira Gandhi is reminiscent of the Mac Aothian occupation of Japan after the Second world war.
I, the humble servant of the Khalsa Panth appeal to Sikhs all over the world to understand the implications of this attitude of the Hindu kingdom. It is possible that like Assam the government may hold elections under the duress of the army and foist upon us a puppet government of Nazis in France in 1940.
21. I, voice the conviction of all Sikhs that we will not allow our Gurdwaras to be converted into 'mandirs' by the government which is hell bent on installing mahants and touts ot manage all Sikhs institutions. The effort of the government to divide the Sikh community by raising vital fundamental Issue like, karsewa storing and wearing of arms sonic political base of Sikhim will be thwarted by the Khalsa panth we will run our institutions and manage our Gurdwaras in accordance with the tenets of the Sikh religion.
22. I, also declare that all police officials, military men administrators, members of the Congress cabinet the Prime Minister and president of India who all in unieon prepared a conspiracy to annihilate the Sikhs would be given an opportunity to seek Justice after Nuremberg trials at the Akal Takht.
23. On behalf of the Sikh nation, I wish to add that our struggle for liberation is not merely limited to Punjab but has wider international implications when we succeed in our objectives it would ensure the freedom of Kashmir stability in Pakistan and the designs of nec-imperialists like USSR would be foiled. It would also ensure the freedom of Afghans, who are reeling under the hordes of Russian bears.
We will soon establish diplomatic relations with all countries especially our neighboring countries. we also deem fit to emphasize here that hence forth Sikh no longer accepts the Sikhs citizens.
24. very humbly, the All India Sikh Student's Federation submits a five-point Charter. which every member of the Khalsa Panth should entrain on their hearts :
(1) We are no longer Indian and India no longer exists for us now our one & only destination is a sovereign and independent state duly recognised by public law.
(2) We have no demands to make and no compromises to discuss.
(3) No Sikh in India, hereafter will participate in any election under the Indian constitution, Including the elections of the SGPC and the DGPC. we shall frame our own laws at the Akal Takht for the management of our Gurdwaras & other institution all over the world
(4) We are Royal devotees of Waheguru and we shall hereafter seek his favor and shall endeavor to work towards the realisation of our being, SOVEREIGN SUI GENERIES.
(5) Every Sikh family must send atleast one son or daughter for the Sikh liberation movement. They should organise themselves into Shaheedi jathas and be ready to fight and dle.
Atinder Pal Singh
14 th of june 1984
acting President
All India Sikh Student's Federation
Sri Amritsar
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