We, the International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO), on December 29, 2005, asked US Secretary of State, Dr Condoleeza Rice, not to extradite Barapind to India only to face the wrath of the State, and humbly asked her goodness to rehabilitate him in US as he too has been kept in US jail, for long, for no offence committed by him there.
On behalf of the IHRO, I placed on record (reference number 051229-000045/US Dept of State) that human rights situation was worst in the state of Punjab during the tenure of Sidhartha Shankar Ray as State Governor and JF Ribeiro as Director General of Police, Punjab. “I would also like to bring to your kind notice that Ray headed a state government (Governor’s Rule), notorious for suppressing political activities and harassing ordinary citizens, while Ribeiro remained the chief of Punjab Police during the period 1985- 89 who had let loose the state repression of the worst order. The Federal Government in 1989 rewarded both these “gentlemen” by appointing them as Ambassadors to USA and Romania respectively for their “bravery” of butchering and eliminating active political resistance in this border state of Punjab,” added the IHRO urgent message-appeal to Dr (Ms) Rice.
While in New York, the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ) has called upon Ms Rice, on December 27, 2005, to withhold extradition of Kulbir Singh Barapind, who is more likely than not to be subjected to torture upon his to return to India.
The United Nations Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), as implemented in US law and policy, prohibits the US from extraditing individuals who are more likely than not to be tortured upon return.
Under US law, the Secretary of State is required to consider all relevant facts when exercising this duty to withhold extradition. The relevant facts, in Barapind’s case, include the existence in India of a consistent pattern of gross, flagrant or mass violations of human rights, the experience of other similarly situated returnees to India who report that they were tortured on return, and the individual circumstances of Barapind himself. The application for relief by ENSAAF states that Barapind was tortured by Indian security forces before fleeing to the United States in 1993 and that his family and Indian officials tortured friends.
The CHRGJ has submitted an amicus letter in support of the legal position taken by Barapind regarding US obligations under international and domestic law. “The Convention Against Torture makes it clear that the right to be free from torture is absolute and non-derogable,” Meg Satterthwaite, Research Director of the Center, has said in her amicus letter. “The evidence set out in the application suggests that an individual in the position of Barapind will more likely than not be tortured if extradited to India. Accordingly, a decision to extradite Barapind under such circumstances would plainly violate US law and policy.
The Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1985 (TADA) provided that the Indian State, with a legal structure, shall counter political opposition by introducing special courts. These special courts, used to try all TADA cases, empowered the state to prevent any public presence at the hearings and proceeded with a presumption of guilt against the accused. The identity of witnesses was kept secret from the accused. Under TADA, the burden of proof was shifted from the prosecution to the defence. Confessions, even those extracted through torture, were made admissible in courts. By the end of 1987, there were about 4028 people charged under TADA.
Various Indian human rights groups had accused the Punjab government of hiring undercover death squads to eliminate political activists. Advisor to Governor Ray, Ribeiro observed candidly that, “there was nothing unusual about the use of under-cover agents.” These death squads consisted of criminals released from prisons, who were provided weapons by the police to eliminate Sikh political activists, their family members and sympathisers with impunity. The death squads were also involved in extortion, abduction and other illegal activities.
In a press conference held on July 30, 1989, Ribeiro had revealed that “under-cover” hit squads were organised by him “with the consent and knowledge of” the people who mattered (Rajiv Gandhi), and “that such operations were needed in view of the gravity of the situation.” However, later as was inevitable, such operations “had gone out of hand, with the police officers concerned losing control over their men, who were often caught indulging in illegal activities.”
The Punjab police’s policy of using criminals for death squads became public after an “under-cover” agent, Dalbir Singh, shot two senior police officers in Patiala- SSP Sital Das and his deputy police officer Baldev Singh Brar, while being questioned. Many others like Santokh Singh Kala had revealed to the national and international media regarding their under-cover, illegal activities. “I have been gunning down some of the leading Khalistan militants,” the black bearded (Santokh Singh) Kala boasted… and was accompanied by three other members of his (death) squad… “As soon as I see someone I know is Khalistani I shoot him,” he (Kala) said. “The police give us ammunition… Whatever help we need from the police, they give it” (The Washington Times: April 5, 1998).
The Indian paramilitary forces and the Punjab police forcibly took innocent women to police station where they were raped, tortured and paraded naked, according to a joint report by the IHRO the Nari Manch (Women’s Forum)- The Rape of Punjab, 1989. The most common reason put forth for their detention was that their husbands, sons or brothers were suspected of being linked with the “terrorists”, while the actual suspects were themselves absconding for fear of police atrocities and extra-judicial killing at the hands of the state agencies.
During 1985-89, the IHRO investigated hundreds of cases of grave human rights violations in Punjab alone. Some of them have been incorporated in The Fascist Offensive in Punjab, 1989. These incidents are a witness to the fact that Ribeiro let loose butchery of the worst order in the state of Punjab. Subsequent to this, the regime of Punjab chief minister Beant Singh and Director General of Punjab Police, KPS Gill, proved to be more fascist than not.
Therefore, the young Sikh activists, such as Kulbir Singh, were not criminals. They belonged to respective families of the Sikhs in Punjab. Nor the Sikhs consider them so. They became victim of the circumstance and political situation then prevailing in India.
“Whereas it is essential, if a man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by rule of law,” also says the Preamble to the UN Declaration of Human Rights, December 10, 1948. Here responsibility of the state has amply been fixed.
But diplomatic assurances from India would not necessarily protect Barapind against torture. The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of punishment has criticized diplomatic assurances as unreliable, ineffective and non-binding. And the case Prof Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, who was extradited from Germany and now facing gallows in India, is a testimony to the fact that India owes nothing to any one, especially on human rights front. Alas, what a situation…
In light of these circumstances, we ardently urge you not to extradite Barapind to India only to face the wrath of the State, and humbly ask you to rehabilitate him in US as he too has been kept in jail, for long, for no offence committed by him in States. The Sikh nation and all human rights groups should follow the suit.
D S Gill
Chairperson
IV
First Announcement and Call for Papers
LAHORE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE RESCHEDULED
Guru Nanak Heritage of Interfaith Understanding Conference
And COMMEMORATION of
Non-Violent Martyrdom at Nanakana
On February 16-18, 2006. At the first symposium of its kind to be held in Lahore, the scholars and leaders of all world religions will make presentations and lead discussions on the universal teachings of Guru Nanak as it impacts on the interfaith understanding and harmony. Originally scheduled in November 2005, this conference was postponed on account of unprecedented calamity of earth quake.
From February 19-20, 2006 Two days commemorative congregations will be held at janam asthan Sri Nanakana Sahib in memory of the non-violent Sikh martyrs who gave their lives for the Gurdwara Reform (sudhaar). An evening of live poetry, spoken word, recitations, & general sublime related to the occasion (kavi darbar) will be followed next morning by completion of the recitation of the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib, kirtan darbar, and oral presentations. The topic of presentations will be the antecedents of the Gurdwara Reform Movement of 1921 and its relevance to the needs of today.
On February 20, 1921 hundreds of Sikh men and women gave their life to liberate janam asthan Sri Nanakana Sahib from corrupt managers; 130 skulls were recovered from ashes of those doused with gasoline and set on fire. These martyrs were following foot steps of their founders, Guru Arjan and Guru Teg Bahadure, who led non-violent martyrdom for sake of their faith. The commemoration of this event was halted due to partition. Its revival is timely when similar problems are facing the Sikhs in the new world today. Sri Nanakana Sahib Foundation is reviving to reminiscence the forgotten history and the lessons of non-violent martyrdom for the Sikh Gurdwara Reform Movement of the last century.
From February 21-26, 2006 people of all faith will join world Sikh delegations will undertake the pilgrimage of peace following the foot-steps of Guru Nanak in Pakistan and visit relief efforts serving the earth quack victims. After visiting Sikh holy places in Lahore, janam asthan Sri Nanakana Sahib, Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh in Peshawar, and relief efforts at various places, the pilgrimage will conclude with a prayer by world religious leaders at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib on February 26.
Guru Nanak (1469-1539) began his life from what Sikhs call the Janam Asthan, now located 75 miles west of Indo-Pakistan border; travelled every where from China in the North East, Sri Lanka in the South and Baghdad in the West, to spread the message of peace and harmony among people of all religions, colours, and nationalities. He completed his journey in the town of Kartarpur, the town he founded on the land now situated on the Indo-Pakistan border. There, he founded a community of spiritual householders who would spread peace and harmony. His burial mausoleum and his cremation ground, both laying side by side, bear witness to his all inclusive (sarab sanjhi) teachings.
Sri Nanakana Sahib Foundation is organizing this program co-sponsored by Dyal Singh Library Research and Cultural Forum, Academy of Guru Granth Studies, and Sikh Awareness Foundation., to create a momentum towards involving Sikh community in particular and the world community in general to undertake projects towards reviving Guru Nanak’s legacy for today’s world starting from the holy land of his birth. Further, there will be serious dialogue on the historic Gurdwara Reform Movement and its relevance today. Is there is a need for another Gurdwara Reform Movement today?
The Symposium program is being developed around the following themes.
A. Heritage of Nanak’s Foot-Steps in Pakistan
B. Janam Ashan and Kartarpur in Sikh Doctrines
C. Islamic Contributions to Interfaith Understanding
D. Sufi Literature on Interfaith Harmony
E. Management of Holy Shrines and World Peace
F. Management of Sikh Shrines and Indo-Pakistan Relationship
G. Guru Nanak’s Teachings in Today’s World of Conflict
H. Non Violent Martyrdom and its theology
I. Gurdwara Reform Movement of 1920 and its Lessons for Sikhs Today
J. Looking Back to Move Forward
The organizers are inviting high ranking academics and artists from all over the world to participate in symposium, kavi darbar, and other presentations.
Organizing Committee
Harbans Lal, PhD., D. Litt (hons)
Founding Vice President, Sri Nanakana Sahib Foundation
President, Academy of Guru Granth Studies, USA
Zulfiqar Ali Kazmi, PhD
President, Inter-religious & International Federation for World Peace, Pakistan
Ganga Singh Dhillon
Founding President, Sri Nanakana Sahib Foundation
Chairman, Advisory Committee, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee
Washington, DC
Zafar Cheema
Director, Dyal Singh Library, Research and Cultural Forum, Lahore
Syed Afzal Haider, Senior Advocate
Legal Advisor, PSGPC
Former Law Minister, Pakistan
K. L Seshagiri Rao, PhD
Co-Editor, Inter-Religious Insight, World Congress of Faiths, London
Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Uni. Of Virginia, USA
Rt. Rev. Bishop Samuel Azariah
Member Central Committee, World Council of Churches
Those interested in receiving future communications may contact the following.
Harbans Lal, PhD., D. Litt (hons)
6415 Amicable Drive
Arlington, Texas 76016, USA
Tel. 817-446-8757; Email: japji@comcast.net
III
MARK OF EXCELLENCE
Becoming Guru-Centered
Mark of Excellence is a series of lectures, presentations and workshops specifically catered to meet the needs and desires of a particular audience. Essentially, participants attend personal and community development sessions that seek to foster the Sikh values based on Gurmat traditions: Sikh scripture, history, and discipline. Other principles of universal significance are also incorporated that do not disturb the harmony of the Sikh faith.
The Sikh Research Institute offers a variety of theme-oriented sessions for emerging leaders in the community – high school and college students and young professionals. Each event seeks to facilitate learning while enhancing personal development and growth for each participant. Past events conducted throughout the country include:
. The Guru: Connecting with the Divine Light, London, UK (October 2005)
. The Sikh Revolution: Houston, TX (August 2005)
. The Guru: Connecting with the Divine Light, Merriam, Kansas (September 2005)
. Asa kI Var: Creating Oneness by Transcending Duality, Atlanta, Georgia (August 2005)
. The Guru Khalsa Panth, Atlanta, Georgia (June, 2005)
. Infinite Wisdom, Fremont, California (March 2005)
. Sabad Asgah: Experiencing the Infinite Wisdom, San Antonio, Texas (December 2004)
. The Guru: Message & Nation, Los Angeles, California (November 2004)
. Mul Mantr, San Antonio, Texas (January 2004)
Through each program, workshop presenters provide an opportunity for the youth to ask questions and seek an answer through discussion and interpretation.
Date Saturday – December 31, 2005
Location Houston, Texas
Theme Asa ki Var: Creating Oneness by Transcending Duality
Participants College/University Students & Young Professionals
Sponsor Houston Sikhs
Registration College Students: $10,
Young Professionals $25
This Mark of Excellence event will feature the following sessions:
Session I Transcending Duality in Thought
Session II Transcending Duality in Conduct
Session III Transcending Duality in Society
Session V Questions & Answers – Open forum to seek opinions from a Gurmat perspective
For more information and to obtain a registration form, please contact:
York University - Stedman Lecture Hall (4700 Keele Street, Toronto)
Candlelight Vigil
In remembrance of the victims of 1984
Saturday November 5, 6:30 pm
Gage Park (Main Street and Wellington St, Brampton)
Memorial Program
Movie on 1984, Kirtan & Speeches
Sunday November 6, 1:00 pm
Rexdale Gurdwara (9 Carrier Drive, Rexdale)
Special Presenters At All Events:
Jaskaran Kaur and Sukhman Singh Dhami from ENSAAF
For More Information or to Volunteer:
Tel: 416-831-3705
Email: toronto@ensaaf.org
Web: www.ensaaf.org/toronto.html
I
Coalition Calls for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Institute on Religion and Public Policy
Press Release
Washington, D.C. - A coalition of organizations and faith leaders from
across the religious and political spectrum has issued an “Interfaith
Statement in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform.”
“As immigration continues to become a more and more important - and heated -
topic in American politics, the faith community must encourage government
leaders in the Executive and Legislative branches to find a bipartisan
solution to address this pressing national dilemma,” commented Institute on
Religion and Public Policy President Joseph K. Grieboski, a signatory to the
Statement.
Specifically, the statement urges creation of a reform proposal that
includes the following:
- An opportunity for hard-working immigrants who are already contributing to
this country to come out of the shadows, regularize their status upon
satisfaction of reasonable criteria and, over time, pursue an option to
become lawful permanent residents and eventually United States citizens;
- Reforms in our family-based immigration system to significantly reduce
waiting times for separated families who currently wait many years to be
reunited;
- The creation of legal avenues for workers and their families who wish to
migrate to the U.S. to enter our country and work in a safe, legal, and
orderly manner with their rights fully protected; and
- Border protection policies that are consistent with humanitarian values
and with the need to treat all individuals with respect, while allowing the
authorities to carry out the critical task of identifying and preventing
entry of terrorists and dangerous criminals, as well as pursuing the
legitimate task of implementing American immigration policy.
Led by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, World Relief and the US Conference
of Catholic Bishops, numerous national organizations, local groups and
individual religious leaders have endorsed the Statement in Support of
Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
In addition to faith-based and community organizations, political leaders at
the national, state and local levels have been engaged in developing plans
to address undocumented migration and to achieve Comprehensive Immigration
Reform. Among the leaders who have raised the necessity of solving this
problem are President George W. Bush; Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Edward
Kennedy (D-Mass.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.);
Representatives Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Luis Gutierrez
(D-Ill.); and Governors Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), Janet Napolitano
(D-Ariz.), Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Calif.) and Rick Perry (R-Texas).
“The American political establishment must seek a solution that provides
both justice and mercy for the immigrant community,” Mr. Grieboski
continued. “This Statement speaks clearly and effectively to the needs of
both the immigrant community, to the concerns of political leadership in the
United States, and to the responsibilities of religious leaders and
organizations.”
