Justice has not only been delayed but justice has been denied to the Sikhs : Vijay Goel

BJP to organize massive rally on 4 May to expose misuse of CBI by the Congress 

New Delhi, 3rd May, 2013. Expressing his solidarity with the Sikh community in the Capital which has been venting its anguish over the last couple of days over acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, the Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party President Shri Vijay Goel said, “I empathies with the community which feels betrayed as justice has not been delayed but justice has been denied to them.” 

Shri Goel said, “The Congress government over the years have never shown the will and intentions to take these long pending cases to the logical end. The anti-Sikh pogrom happened during Congress’ regime and it has failed to ensure that justice is delivered by bringing the guilty to the book.” 

Shri Goel said, it was the during the NDA regime that the Nanawati Commission was constituted to conduct an inquiry into the 1984 riots. The CBI had registered cases against Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in 2005 only on the recommendations of the Nanavati Commission. 

“No cases would not have been registered against those who led and participated the carnage against Sikhs in the Capital had the NDA government not ensured a speedy and effective inquiry,” he added. 

The CBI’s status as an independent agency is already under scanner as it is evident that it has been subjugated by its political masters to serve their purpose. It clearly appears that the CBI did not carry out its duty in action as well as spirit leading to acquittal of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar getting the “benefit of doubt” 

“It is strange that in the same case while the five co-accused have been convicted, Sajjan Kumar was acquitted. This further strengthens our belief that the CBI deliberately left loopholes in this case which resulted in this acquittal,” Shri Goel said. 

“The Delhi Police also played a dubious role and there were clear attempts to manipulate this case. Even the court has observed, “From the day one itself, Delhi Police has tried to shield the former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar from the grasp of law,” he added. 

The Delhi BJP opposes this travesty of justice and would not let this case and all such cases rest unless all the guilty are brought to the book. 

“Our party stands by the Sikh community and would continue with its fight to ensure that justice, though delayed by this time, is not denied to Sikhs in the Capital anymore,” Shri Goel said. 

Shri Goel announced, “It is clear that the CBI has now become ‘Compromised Bureau of Investigation’. In addition to delay in investigations and building up weak cases against Congress leaders like Sajjan Kumar, it tried closure of cases against another Congress leader Jagdish Tytler though fortunately the Court has disallowed that. In the Coalgate scam also, it allowed tampering of investigation reports by the UPA government despite the apex court directives.” 

To expose the misuse of CBI in all such sensitive cases, the Delhi BJP is organizing a mass rally at Talkatora stadium in the Capital on 4 May. Delhi BJP President Shri Vijay Goel, and Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, senior BJP leader and Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha will address this rally.

Sajjan Kumar acquittal: Sikhs protest outside Sonia’s residence

Zee Media Bureau 

New Delhi: Angry over the acquittal of former MP Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, Sikh groups on Thursday protested outside Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s residence and the party office in the national capital. 

Burning effigies of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sajjan Kumar, different Sikh groups gathered outside Gandhi's 10, Janpath residence. 

Protesters tried to break barricades put up by the Delhi Police in view of the planned protests. 

"Over a thousand protesters marched towards Sonia Gandhi's residence, breaking two barricades. But they were blocked by the policemen. Similar scenes were witnessed at 24, Akbar Road (the Congress office)," a senior police officer said. 

Akbar Road, Motilal Nehru Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, Mansingh Road, Maulana Azad Road and Janpath in New Delhi area have been closed due to the protests. 

On Wednesday, two Metro stations in West Delhi – Tilak Nagar and Subhash Nagar – were closed down after Sikh protesters stormed the facility and disrupted services. 

Sajjan Kumar was acquitted by a court in Delhi on Tuesday in one of the 1984 riots cases. Sikh groups had protested outside the court complex on Tuesday as well. One of the protesters had even thrown a shoe at the judge. 

with thanks : Zee News : LINK

Sikh group announces USD 1 mln reward for Sajjan's conviction

WASHINGTON: A US-based Sikh rights group has announced an award of USD 1 million to any individual, whose testimony and evidence may result in conviction of Sajjan Kumar, the senior Congress leader from Delhi. 

"The 'Million Dollar' reward will be given to those individuals who will come forward with tips, evidence and testimony leading to the reversal of Judge Aryan's April 30 order acquitting Congress leader Sajjan Kumar for role in the killing of Sikhs in November 1984," Sikh for Justice said in a statement. 

Justifying the reward attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal advisor to SFJ, alleged that killing of Sikhs took place in broad day light while hundreds of citizens helplessly watched the systematic and gruesome killings of people in the first week of November 1984. 

"Now is the opportunity for those who witnessed the killings to come forward with testimony and evidence to help victims in seeking justice against those Congress leaders who organized violence against Sikhs," Pannun said. 

Since Judge Aryan gave " benefit of doubt" to Sajjan, Pannun said victims will challenge the acquittal of Kumar before Delhi High Court based on the precedent set by the Supreme Court in Devenderpal Singh Bhullar's case.

with thanks : Economic Times : LINK

Save atleast those prisoners .....

Sikh Congressional caucus formed in US

A new bipartisan American Sikh Congressional Caucus has been formed to educate US lawmakers and the general public about Sikh issues and support the American Sikh community that has often faced discrimination post 9/11.   Co-chaired by Democrat Judy Chu and Republican David Valadao, both House members from California, the caucus was joined by 28 members of Congress from both parties.

"More than a decade after 9/11, too many Sikhs across America face discrimination, bullying, and even bias-motivated violence from misguided individuals associating them with the terrorist attacks," said Chu announcing the formation of the caucus Tuesday.

"This caucus will be the voice for American Sikhs in the House of Representatives, working across the aisle to address the unique challenges that this community faces," she said.

Thanking members of Congress lending their voices to this cause, Chu said: "Together, we will preserve religious freedom, protect the safety of all people, and celebrate America's diversity."

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK : for detailed news.

£4m Sikh temple dream is reality

SCOTLAND'S biggest Sikh temple has been unveiled in Glasgow after a community raised £4million to build it.

�4m Sikh temple dream is real

The Gurdwara, in the South Side's Albert Drive, is the result of months of hard work and years of planning.

The city's Sikh community is now rallying round to get it ready for a grand opening on Sunday, when the congre- gation will take part in a procession from the former site in nearby Nithsdale Road to the new building.

Situated next to the Tramway Theatre, the new temple's cost has been met by fundraising from within the Sikh community and donations from other faiths.

Gurdwara president Surinder Singh, 51, said: "The Gurdwara was a dream of ours and to see it now, almost complete, it is beyond my expectations.

"I have to commend all those involved in making it a reality."

The temple will be complete on Sunday with delivery of the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Five elders, known as Panj Piare, or "beloved ones," will lead a colourful procession which will transport the texts to the new temple.

Mr Singh, from Barrhead, Renfrewshire added: "At the moment this is just a building but the arrival of the holy scriptures and the congregation is what will make it a very special Gurdwara."

with thanks : eveningtimes : LINK : for detailed news.

A blow to Sikh's fight for restoring their turban pride

AMRITSAR: In a blow to Sikh's fight for their turban pride, the Quebec Soccer Federation (QSF) has refused to adopt a direction from the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) to allow Sikh players to wear turbans. While expressing disappointment over the decision of QSF World Sikh Organization (WSO) President Prem Singh Vinning told TOI on Thursday, "We fail to see what is so complicated about allowing Sikh children to play with their peers. What purpose does the QSF restriction on the turban serve? There is no conceivable justification for this. If there are genuine concerns, we are open to dialogue but if this situation is not quickly resolved, the real victims will be the children."

Late last week, in light of the decision of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to allow headscarves for players, the CSA had confirmed that referees may, until further notice, extend this ruling to the wearing of turbans,patkas , keski. Vinning said that the Quebec Federation however had stated that it will not accommodate the turban and will send the issue to its provincial referees' committee, which will make a recommendation to the federation's executive committee in the coming months.

A spokesperson of WSO Balpreet Singh said that as soccer registration has already begun for the summer season, the QSF's delay in implementing the turban accommodation will mean Sikh children will be excluded for a second consecutive season adding that no other soccer association in Canada restricts the turban.WSO Vice-President (Quebec and Atlantic Region) Mukhbir Singh said, "the CSA, of which the QSF is a member, has clarified that the turban can be worn . The QSF decision to continue to exclude the turban means Sikh children in Quebec will miss another season of soccer with their peers. "I cannot see any logic in the QSF's agreeing to allow headscarves for girls but refusing to allow turbans for boys " said he.

with thanks : Times of India : Link

Hemkunt Sahib .....

Sikh players wearing turban to be accommodated on the soccer pitch in Canada

AMRITSAR: Sikh players wearing turban would now be accommodated on the soccer pitch after Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) directed to soccer associations and referees across the country that Sikh players who wear the turban can be accommodated on the soccer pitch. 

While hailing the decision World Sikh Organization (WSO) President Prem Singh Vinning told TOI on Tuesday, "The accommodation of the turban already takes place not just across Canada but across the world. There is no reason why the turban can't be accommodated. We're glad the CSA has clarified the issue for referees and has hopefully resolved this matter for good." 

He said that CSA general secretary Peter Montopoli, had advised the WSO that in light of the decision of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to allow headscarves for players, and in response to inquiries by referees, the CSA Board of Directors has confirmed that "referees may, until further notice, extend this ruling to the wearing of turbans/patkas/keski." Notice of this decision was sent out to the CSA's provincial and territorial members across Canada late last week, said he. 

with thanks : Times of India : LINK : for detailed news.

Flying Sikh Milkha given lifetime achievement award

Flying Sikh Milkha Singh was given the life time achievement award during a function organised by the Punjabi Cultural Board in Mumbai earlier this week. Singh received the award from actor Farhan Akhtar and was given the award along with Dharmendra, Raj Babbar and singer Rommy Gill.

"It's a great honour for me that the Punjabi Cultural Board gave the award. It was a great feeling meeting the likes of Dharmendra, Raj Babbar and Farhan Akhtar and I am happy that the Punjabi Cultural Board gave me the award. A lot of Punjabis live in Mumbai and across all over India and I am sure this award will also inspire them," shared Singh.

with thanks : Indian Express : LINK

Baisakhi: Sikhs dedicate festival to save girl child

KANPUR: The festival of Baisakhi was dedicated to save girl child this year. It was celebrated with enthusiasm and fervour in the city on Saturday. Wearing traditional costumes and drenched in devotion, people thronged gurudwaras. A cultural mela was organized atMootijheel in which people took 'BetiBachao' oath. Ragi of Amritsar Sahib Jagjeet SinghKomal administered the oath.

Members of the Sikh community started visiting gurdwaras since morning to attend special prayers. At noon, after the Baisakhi ardas, prasad was distributed. Special prayers were held at Gurudwara Bhai Banno Sahib on GT Road.

Hundreds of people visited Moothijheel ground to witness Baisakhi Mela.

In the evening, men were seen dancing on the deafening dhol beats in the artificially made green fields. India Got Talent participant Veer Khalsa Team from Punjab took part in the event.The Veer Khalsa team members and Ragi of Amritsar Sahib also announced that Beti Bachao campaign would continue in gurudwaras in the city. Nukkad nataks and skits were also organized to create awareness against heinous practice of female feoticide.Neetu Singh, chairperson, Sikh Welfare Society, said Ragi of Amritsar Sahib Jagjeet Singh Komal had announced to distribute symbolic saplings to the devotees to be planted at homes. These saplings would be named after the daughter of the family."This is a unique way to make people realize that daughters are like trees who always bear fruits and give shade. We must take care of trees and daughters alike," Neetu Singh added.

Baisakhi has its origin to the celebrations in 1699 organized by the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh to form the Khalsa. Baisakhi is also known as the festival of harvest.

with thanks : Times of India : LINK