1984 Anti-Sikh Riots in Kanpur: SIT’s probe stalled in four cases, seeks MHA’s help

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is further investigating the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases of Kanpur and has been given a six-month extension till November this year, has not been able to trace the complainants and the witnesses of four cases.

The anti-Sikh riots in Kanpur that erupted in the wake of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had left 127 people dead.

In order to jumpstart its probe in the four stalled cases, involving the murder of nine persons, the SIT has requested the UP Information Department to publish details of the four cases in newspapers in Punjab as they suspect that the victims’ families could have moved there.

 “After reading the case details in newspapers, people could come forward to help the SIT in the investigation. Telephone numbers of SIT members would be mentioned along with the details of the case in the newspapers,” said Superintendent of Police and SIT member, Balendu Bhushan.

The SIT has also written a letter to SSP Kanpur to circulate pamphlets and paste posters seeking information from the public about those four cases.

“So far, we have little information and documents of those four cases. For investigation, we need to speak to witnesses of the case,” Bhushan added.

The SIT shortlisted 39 cases of murder and dacoity in which the Kanpur police had earlier filed chargsheet in 11 and closure report in the remaining 28

Link:https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/1984-anti-sikh-riots-in-kanpur-sits-probe-stalled-in-four-cases-seeks-mhas-help-6468054/

On Video Call, Father-Son Salute Each Other In Army Uniform, Win Hearts

The father-son duo, both in Army uniform, salute each other on video call

A photo of a newly commissioned army officer salutes his father on a video call while they are both in uniform is winning hearts on social media. The young Sikh officer is seen outside while his father is indoors, the photograph suggests. It was shared by lawyer and author Navdeep Singh on Twitter and was liked by thousands. Mr Singh says he found it the photo on Facebook.

"A proud newly commissioned officer saluting his equally proud father, both in uniform, on a video call. From my Facebook timeline," Mr Singh tweeted with the photo.

The young officer is seen smiling as he salutes his father, also an army officer. An overdrive of likes and comments followed soon after the photo was shared.

Link:https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/on-video-call-father-son-salute-each-other-in-army-uniform-win-hearts-2246227

Amritsar Police Distribute Masks To Spread Awareness About COVID-19

Amritsar(Punjab) [India], June 20 (ANI): Police personnel in Amritsar on Saturday distributed face masks, specifically to those flouting government regulations put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Women, children and youth were seen roaming on the Taran Taran road here without masks on, despite the weekend lockdown enforced by the state government.

According to the DSP Harkrishan, the police are attempting to make people more aware about COVID-19 and how to protect themselves and others from the infectious virus.

"I'm glad that the local police are handing out masks and explaining to the public that we should wear masks not only for ourselves but also for the people around us" said Manu, a local resident.

On June 1, the Central Government eased certain restrictions after nearly three months of a nation-wide lockdown. With regard to this, the state is currently observing a weekend lockdown. Only shops selling essential items are allowed to open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Link:https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/amritsar-police-distribute-masks-to-spread-awareness-about-covid-1920200620155338/

Amritsar Police Challans Weekend Lockdown Violators

Amritsar (Punjab), Jun 20(ANI): During Weekend shutdown in Punjab, Amritsar Police distributed masks on the new flyover constructed on the Tarn Taran road.

Irrespective of multiple reminders and awareness drives, people were seen taking walks and were travelling without masks. Police not just informed them to follow preventive measures but also charged them by cutting their invoice. The step was taken to spread awareness for COVID-19 pandemic among people as positive cases continue to spike in Punjab.

 Link:https://www.aninews.in/videos/national/amritsar-police-challans-weekend-lockdown-violators/

A Year On, Bihar Police Still Trailing Congress's Navjot Singh Sidhu

Bihar's Katihar district police had lodged a case against cricketer-turned-politician for violating the Model Code of Conduct during a campaign speech in Lok Sabha polls last year.

Chandigarh: 

A year after a case was filed against Congress MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu in Bihar, the police has not been able to meet him despite repeated visits to Amritsar.

A team of Katihar police arrived in Amritsar on Wednesday and is yet to meet the Congress MLA. Speaking to NDTV, Sub Inspector of Bihar Police Janardhan Ram said he has contacted the local police and visited Mr Sidhu's residence but he was not available. 

"Every time we visit here to get his signature of the bail bond papers, he remains elusive. Even in this visit, we are trying to reach out to him through his personal assistants who have still kept us in waiting," said Mr Ram.

When contacted, city police commissioner Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill said the local police was never contacted by Bihar police. "Inter-state communication happens when the visiting team has to arrest someone. In this case they are just visiting to get signatures on judicial papers, so we are not kept in loop," said Dr Gill.

Meanwhile, Mr Ram, who is planning to stay in the city for another couple of days, confirmed that in every visit they coordinate with the local police and even accompany the local team to Mr Sidhu's residence.

Bihar's Katihar district police had lodged a case against cricketer-turned-politician for violating the Model Code of Conduct during a campaign speech in Lok Sabha polls last year. 

Mr Sidhu had reportedly said, "Do not consider yourself as being in minority. You constitute the majority here. You are about 64 per cent. Do not fall into the trap laid by people like (Asaduddin) Owaisi (chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen). They have been propped up by the BJP. Recognise your strength and vote en block to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Link: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/a-year-on-bihar-police-still-trailing-congresss-navjot-singh-sidhu-2249214

Canada PM backs Sikh leader Jagmeet Singh, calls his expulsion for calling out racism disappointing

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP politician Jagmeet Singh

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday criticised political party Bloc Quebecois for not recognising systematic racism in the country., reported Global News. Trudeau also supported Opposition party leader Jagmeet Singh who was temporarily expelled from the House of Commons for calling another MP racist.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP politician Jagmeet Singh

On June 17, a controversy began after Bloc Quebecois’ politician  Alain Therrien refused to sign Singh’s New Democratic Party’s motion recognising systemic racism in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, according to CBC. The motion highlighted that “several indigenous people have died at the hands of the RCMP in recent months....” Following a heated debate, Singh accused Therrien of being racist and was subsequently asked to leave the House for the remainder of the day.

“It is disappointing that the Bloc Quebecois continues to refuse to accept that systemic discrimination, systemic racism exists within our country, in every part of our country and in all our institutions,” Trudeau said during a media briefing on Thursday. “Recognising systemic discrimination is the important first step towards being able to address it.”

Trudeau added that Singh had raised a conversation that was bound to make some people uncomfortable, but asserted that they were still necessary. “[With] regards to Mr Singh, I think it’s important that we recognise that racialised Canadians whose lived reality is discrimination...all too often...are allowed to make people uncomfortable in bringing out these issues,” he said.

Link:https://scroll.in/latest/965093/canada-pm-backs-sikh-leader-jagmeet-singh-calls-his-expulsion-for-calling-out-racism-disappointing

Khalsa Jatha Gurdwarda :How London's oldest Sikh gurdwara has faced the good times and the bad during lockdown

The stunning Khalsa Jatha gurdwarda, and insets, volunteers preparing and transporting meals to members of the community

Faith groups across Kensington and Chelsea have a tradition of joining together to support communities and it’s been no different during lockdown.

They are now making plans for welcoming congregations back - when that is possible.

It’s thought that places of worship could reopen - with careful steps in place in early July.

Europe’s oldest Sikh place of worship the Khalsa Jatha - also known as the Central Gurdwara - on the borders of Kensington is preparing to welcome people back.

 During lockdown the gurdwara put in broadcast-quality cameras  so it could stream prayers which were said five times a day and people joined in by Zoom.

 President Gurpreet Singh Anand said the safety measures will include a one-way system, hand sanitiser and strict observance of the 2m social distancing rule, with everyone wearing a face mask.

 There will be a maximum of 40 worshippers with volunteers on hand to “very kindly, nicely and compassionately” ensure people keep to the safety rules.

Gurpreet Singh Anand carries meals during coronavirus. The gurdwara provided some 550 meals each day to people in need

Mr Anand said: “It’s a time that’s been difficult for us all. We have all lost relatives, we have all seen deaths. It’s human nature to celebrate the good times and the bad.”

Khalsa Jatha gurdwarda were worshippers are now starting to return

And the gurdwara has lost two members of the congregation, an elderly man and another who had returned from overseas.

Because of its 112-year history the gurdwara normally attracts people from as far afield as Reading, Gerrards Cross and Croydon.

And it can attract 400 people at a time, with up to 1,000 attending during the day.

 Mr Anand thinks as lockdown has given people time to reflect on the important things in life and “removed the superficial. We are expecting people to come back not for a social gathering but to meet God.”

Volunteers at the Khalsa Jatha gurdwarda cooking up a storm during lockdown

Volunteers have also helped fund and deliver 550 meals a day to help support the community - with food going to a range of places including the food bank in North Kensington, Hammersmith and Charing Cross Hospitals, Beatrice Place for older adults with mental health needs amongst others.

Just one of the many batches of meals prepared at the gurdwara

Mr.Anand said that the gurdwara has united with other places of worship, just as they did after the Grenfell Tower fire just a mile away.“It’s brought us together collectively to do more. One finger can carry so much weight - ten fingers can carry so much more,” he said.

Holland Park Synagogue. One of the many places of worship that have joined together in an Interfaith Forum 

More than 40 places of worship which belong to the Interfaith Forum are embracing technology so their congregations can stay connected apart and they plan to develop it even more after lockdown.

They include the Holland Park Synagogue where services are currently virtual and WhatsApp was pressed into action to find out who would like cheesecake and challah delivered to help celebrate last month’s Shavuot - or harvest festival - remotely.

 And Mr Anand said: “The Covid and Grenfell responses have shown that there is a resilience  across the community, with all these acts of kindness and responses across the community - it’s a positive act of society.”

Link:https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/how-londons-oldest-sikh-gurdwara-18448366

Sardar Bajinder Singh : Sikh vendor Performing Sewa at Khairuddin Mosque For 40 Years in Amritsar

   Sardar Bajinder Singh :  Khairuddin Mosque 's Rare Supporter in Amritsar

      Khairuddin Mosque,Amritsar

With animosity against Muslims growing in India, it is rare to find an ally. One such individual is Sardar Bajinder Singh. Against all odds, he has been serving as a volunteer at the Khairuddin Mosque.

Better known as Jama Masjid, the Khairuddin Mosque is nestled in the heart of Amritsar, which is roughly 29 kilometres away from the Wagah border that divides India and Pakistan.

Singh’s journey started four decades ago.  A greengrocer, Singh, has spent much of his life near the 18th-century mosque, helping Muslim worshipers.  “I’m passionate about helping my Muslim brothers at their place of worship,” said the 62-year-old man.

Singh is so dedicated he never leaves town. And, if, for some reason he does, he makes sure his son takes care of his responsibilities at the mosque. “I can’t imagine staying away from the mosque for too long,” said Sing

The service at the mosque, he said, has been part of his life since the 1980s.  “I’ve dedicated a major portion of my life to this service,” Singh claimed.   During his time at the mosque, Singh ensures that the worshipers are comfortable. “I take care of their shoes outside while they are offering their prayers inside,” said Singh.

According to his family, not a day goes by without him visiting the mosque.  The faithful at the mosque, know him as Bhaji (brother). On days when Singh is unable to visit the mosque, his sons fill in for him. “My sons, Baldev Singh and Varinder Singh, fill in for me if I’m out of town or unable to be there for the Friday prayers,” said Singh, who is also known as Sardarji by worshipers at the Khairuddin Mosque.

  Religiously, each Friday, Singh claimed, he closes his shop so he can be at the mosque.

When asked what does he get out of this service, Singh said, I find peace in serving my Muslim brothers. “I don’t ask for anything. In return, the worshipers offer kindness and love to me,” he said.

Singh is not the only non-Muslim who serves at the mosque.  Ajay Kumar Mahajan, a shop keeper across the mosque, is responsible for its security. “I make sure mosque is safe and protected between 9am and 9pm each day,” said Mahajan.

“I have never seen any person with so much selfless devotion in my life,” Imam of Jama Masjid Maulana Hamid Hussain said.

Link:https://tribune.com.pk/story/2245685/1-khairuddin-mosque-rare-supporter-amritsar/

Canada's Indian-origin Sikh MP Jagmeet Singh

Canada's Indian-origin Sikh MP Jagmeet Singh was removed from Parliament after he called a lawmaker "racist" for denying approval for a motion calling out systemic racism in the police force, according to a media report.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader said that he stands by his words even after he was removed from the House of Commons for calling Bloc Quebecois House Leader Alain Therrien a "racist" for denying the approval needed for a motion calling out systemic racism in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), CTV News reported

"I don't back down from standing up to racism. I don't think it benefits for me to call people names, I was angry at the moment and I stand by it," Singh told reporters after the incident on Wednesday

Singh was seeking the unanimous consent of the House of Commons to pass a motion calling on the House to recognise there is systemic racism within the RCMP and call on the government to review its budget as well as the federal law that governs the police force

"In this moment where Indigenous people are being killed and being brutalised, Black people are being killed and brutalised in Canada. We've not seen any action. And in that moment, we put forward this motion, but I thought given where we are, given what's going on, given the lack of action, here is something we can do concretely to actually make a difference? Kind of shocked that anyone would say no to this motion," Singh told reporters.

Link:https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/canada-s-sikh-lawmaker-calls-mp-racist-removed-from-parliament-1690378-2020-06-18

Sikh youth beaten by group of persons in UP's Amroha

Amroha (Uttar Pradesh) , June 18 (ANI):

A Sikh youth was allegedly beaten up by a group of people after his tractor was stopped by two-three persons in Amroha's Sherpur area on Wednesday.

A video of the incident has also surfaced.

"I was returning home after getting my tractor serviced and then two/three persons put their hand out so I had stopped. I thought they were asking for a lift so I offered," Kulvinder Singh, who was allegedly beaten by the group, told ANI.

During the incident, Singh alleged that the group had taken off his turban.

He added that the two/three people climbed on the tractor and they "started beating" him up. "I kept asking them to explain the reason but they kept saying that they will tell me. Within two minutes, two more people came and surrounded me from all sides. They also joined in to beat me," he added.

"I even called my family to tell them what had happened but they snatched my phone away. My turban was taken off and they started to pull my hair as well," he said further.

Amroha SP Vipin Tanda, while speaking to ANI said: "Based on the video that went viral, an FIR has been registered and two men have been arrested and are being sent to jail. The police is currently investigating the matter."

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/sikh-youth-beaten-by-group-of-persons-in-ups-amroha-video-of-the-incident-surfaces20200618173559/

Amroha: सिख युवक से मारपीट के मामले ने तूल पकड़ा

Sikh Activist Valarie Kaur Makes a Case for Loving Your Enemy in her Book ‘See No Stranger’

“I was part of this generation of Sikh advocates who had this frame that if the nation only knew who we were, then it would be enough, then it would stop this tide of hate,” Valarie Kaur tells Observer on a phone call, not trying to hide the pain in her voice. “But knowing is not enough. We have to be agents of revolutionary love.”

Kaur’s new memoir, See No Stranger, (originally published :16^th June 2020 )is an account of her effort to learn, teach, and live that ethic. Her family’s story in America, she writes, starts with her paternal grandfather, Kehar Singh, or Bab Ji, who came to the United States in 1913 and was immediately imprisoned in line with the country’s racist immigration policies. A white immigration attorney, Henry Marshall, filed a writ of habeas corpus on his behalf and he was released. He became a farmer in California’s central valley, where her family has lived since. If Marshall had seen her grandfather as a stranger, Kaur writes, she would not have even been born.

Kaur finds examples of revolutionary love across many faith traditions: "When we think about Jesus has called to love our neighbor as ourself; or Abraham's decision to open his tent to all; or Buddha to have compassion for all; or Mohammad's to take in the orphan; or Mirabai in the Hindu tradition to love without limit; when we love without limit, then it is revolutionary ... then it becomes a force for interior and political and social and cultural and spiritual change."

 Link:https://observer.com/2020/06/valarie-kaur-see-no-stranger-interview/

https://sojo.net/media/many-faiths-one-commitment-radical-love-conversation-valarie-kaur

An Evening with Suresh Singh (The Cockney Sikh) Connecting Online Via Zoom: Discussion on his Book " A MODEST LIVING, MEMOIRS OF A COCKNEY SIKH"

Suresh Singh's Book  :Modest Living, Memoirs of a Cockney Sikh 

Stefan Dickers and Suresh Singh will be in conversation on Zoom tomorrow, Friday 19th June at 6pm, showing Suresh’s family photographs and discussing his book A MODEST LIVING, MEMOIRS OF A COCKNEY SIKH. All are welcome at this free event which is part of Newham Heritage Month. 

Suresh Singh &  Jagir Kaur at 38 Princelet St,London ,UK

Suresh Singh, author of A Modest Living, Memoirs of a Cockney Sikh recalls his Bengali friends described him as “one of us”.  We join Suresh and Bishopsgate Institute’s archivist Stefan Dickers to reflect on the role of food and music in his journeys around London from childhood to where he now lives in East Ham. 

A Modest Living, Memoirs of a Cockney Sikh is published by Spitalfields Life . Born and bred in London,  Suresh became the first Punjabi punk, playing drums for Spizzenergi and touring with Siouxsie & the Banshees.

In the book, chapters of biography are alternated with Sikh recipes by Jagir Kaur. 

“A timely reminder of all that modern Britishness encompasses”

The Observer

More about your host:

                      Stefan Dickers

Stefan Dickers is the Special Collections and Archives Manager at Bishopsgate Institute and looks after its extensive material on London, Protest and LGBTQ+ History. He qualified as an archivist in 2001 and began at Bishopsgate Institute in 2005. Previous to this, Stefan worked in the archives of the London School of Economics and Senate House Library.

Link:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suresh-the-cockney-sikh-from-east-ham-tickets-108782988848

Suresh Singh, The Cockney Sikh wearing Jazzy Tank Top for nearly half a century.

Suresh Singh ( London,UK) has been wearing this tank top since 1973

Perhaps everyone has a favourite piece of clothing they have worn for years? I always admired Suresh Singh’s jazzy tank top and I was astonished when he told me he has been wearing it for nearly half a century.

Suresh’s father Joginder Singh came to London from the Punjab in 1949 and the Singh family lived at 38 Princelet St longer than any other family in Spitalfields.

Suresh Singh aged four

In our age of disposable fashion, the story of Suresh’s treasured tank top is an inspiring example of how a well made garment can be cherished for a lifetime.

“My mum made this tank top for me in 1973 when I was eleven. She had friends who all knitted and they had bits of wool left over – what you would call ‘cabbage’ –  so mum collected all these balls of different coloured wool. Otherwise, they would have been chucked away. She kept them in her carrier bag with her needles that she bought at Woolworths in Aldgate East. They were number ten needles.

Suresh and his mum at 38 Princelet St,London,UK

Mum said to me, ‘Suresh, I’m going to knit you a tank top.’ I never asked her because dad had taught me that I should always be patient, but I think mum saw the twinkle in my eyes and she knew I wanted one. I had asthma, so it was to keep my chest warm. She knitted it over the winter, from November to January. Mum never had the spare time to spend all day long knitting, she had to do it in bits as she went along and keep putting it away.

Mum did not follow a pattern, she just looked at me and sometimes took measurements. It started getting really huge, so I said, ‘Mum, it’s going to be too big.’ She had a sense of scale, she did not draw round me and cut a pattern. Mum never did that. She replied, ‘You’ll grow into it.’ The idea was you would slowly grow into new clothes.

When my tank top was finished, it hung down to my knees and the armholes were at my waist, but Mum was adamant I would grow into it. I loved it because it was all the rainbow colours. There was red, then yellow, then black, then pink and that really beautiful green. It was so outrageous. No other Punjabi kid had one like it. They all wore Marks & Spencer or John Collier grey nylon jumpers, but I had this piece of art. To me, it was a masterpiece. It was so beautifully made, it was mum’s pride and joy. When I wore it, people would exclaim, ‘That tank top, mate, it’s classic!’ I would say, ‘Yeah, my mum made it.’ Sometimes, because it was too big, I could pull it up and tie it in a knot at the front.

Mum made it with such love that I have always kept it. Eventually, my children wore it, but I am claiming it these days. It is a one-off. What made the tank top special for mum was that she was making it for her son. People often say it is a work of art but mum never went to art school. She picked up the tradition of making something for your child. She put so much love into it and I wear it today and it is still really nice. It gives me comfort and it keeps my chest warm.

It has got swag, you know what I mean?

It fits me now.”

Suresh Singh & Jagir Kaur at 38 Princelet St,London,UK

Link:https://spitalfieldslife.com/2020/06/18/suresh-singh-the-cockney-sikh-on-zoom/