Sajjan Kumar denied interim bail

The Kadkaddooma court in Delhi has denied the interim bail application of Sajjan Kumar.

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Anti-Sikh riot case: Delhi Court likely to hear Sajjan Kumar's bail plea tomorrow

PTI

New Delhi: A Delhi Court is likely to hear tomorrow the anticipatory bail plea of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who along with others have been chargesheeted by the CBI in two 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases.

Special CBI judge PS Teji would take up Kumar's bail applicationwho has been issued summons by a court after taking cognisance of the CBI charge sheet against him.

In his application, the Delhi Congress leader contended that he has been co-operating with the investigating agency and never been arrested by it during the probe. He also claimed that he was granted anticipatory bail by the Delhi High Court in 1990 in similar cases.

The court had already reserved its order on the similar anticipatory bail applications of Kumar's co-accused Peru, Mahender Yadav, Brahma Nand Gupta, Balwant Khokhar, Krishan Khokhar and Ved Prakash.

The accused are required to take bail as they have been issued summons by a court on CBI's chargesheet against them. The CBI, which had chargesheeted 13 people, including Kumar, on January 13 in two separate 1984 riots cases for allegedly making provocative speeches, leading to the killing of 12 persons in the violence that broke out following the assassination of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

The probe agency had filed the chargesheets in the court after concluding its investigation into the cases registered on the recommendation of Nanavati Commission in 2005.

with thanks : source : taken from : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_anti-sikh-riot-case-delhi-court-likely-to-hear-sajjan-kumar-s-bail-plea-tomorrow_1347792

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SGPC not averse to printing Guru Granth Sahib abroad

By Jaideep Sarin

Amritsar, Feb 14 (IANS) In what could come as a major relief for Sikhs across the world, especially non-resident Indians (NRIs), the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has said it is not averse to printing of the Sikh holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib in other countries provided certain conditions were fulfilled.

The SGPC, the mini-parliament of Sikh religion headquartered in this holy city and with an annual budget of nearly Rs.450 crore (Rs.4.5 billion/nearly $100 million), has said that it can allow the printing of the Granth Sahib in other countries.

“We are open to the idea of allowing the printing of the holy scripture in other countries if the Sikh population in these countries can provide us the land and resources required for proper printing,” SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar told IANS.

“If the ’sangat’ (people) can assure us this, we are ready to seek clearance from the ‘Singh Sahibaan’ (Sikh high priests),” Makkar added.

The 1,430-page Granth Sahib contains ‘Gurbani’ (Guru’s teachings). It is seen by the Sikhs as the Guru incarnate.

The holy scripture was originally installed at the Harmandar Sahib (popularly known as the Golden Temple) in 1604 by the fifth Guru Arjan Dev. The 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, had installed the Granth Sahib as the timeless Guru. The Guru Granth Sahib is a sort of living Guru in the midst of the Sikhs.

The SGPC controls all rights for the legal printing of the Granth Sahib which is now done only in Amritsar. The Sikh holy scripture, which is always in huge demand from Sikhs and Sikh institutions globally, is supplied and transported globally through the SGPC from Amritsar.

In recent years, chartered flights have been arranged by Sikhs from countries like the US and Canada to get copies of the Granth Sahib from Amritsar. On each such flight, the holy scripture is kept separately on each seat of the aircraft after following the religious maryada (decorum).

SGPC-appointed sewadars (volunteers) accompany the scriptures on such flights.

The Granth Sahib, also called Adi Granth, contains compositions of the first five Gurus, the ninth Guru, 15 Bhagats (Jai Dev, Nam Dev, Trilochan, Parmanand, Sadna, Ramanand, Beni, Dhanna, Pipa, Sain, Kabir, Ravidas, Farid, Surday and Bhikhan) and 11 Bhattas (Mathra, Jalap, Harbans, Talya, Salya, Bhal, Kulh Sahar, Nal, Kirat, Gayand and Sadrang).

The Guru Granth Sahib contains 5,894 hymns in 15,575 stanzas. Of them 974 hymns are written by the first Guru Nanak Dev, 62 by the second Guru Angad Dev, 907 by the third Guru Amar Das, 679 by the fourth Guru Ram Dass (founder of Harmandar Sahib), 2,218 by the fifth Guru Arjan Dev, and 115 by the ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur. Among the remaining 922 hymns of Bhagats, the highest number of hymns (541) is by Kabir.

Considered an authentic scripture, the compositions of the Sikh Gurus were preserved and subsequently collected by Guru Arjan Dev. When the original copy (which is now at Kartarpur in Pakistan) could not be obtained, Guru Gobind Singh dictated it to Bhai Mani Singh.

The scripture is used by the Sikhs at the time of birth, marriage and death.

The Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as the body of the Guru and is kept on a raised platform under a canopy, covered in clean clothes. Devotees have to be barefoot with their heads covered before bowing before the Granth Sahib.

(Jaideep Sarin can be contacted at jaideep.s@ians.in)

With thanks to the Source : in the link above

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Have you ever thought about it?

Why do we throw money in front of our most respected GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI?

I think our GURUS must not be liking it at all, because it is totally against the teachings of our GURUS. If we have to give some donations, then it can be silently given to the cashier.

To be frank we are bowing in front of that giant GOLAK and not to our GURUS.

Dr. GURJIT SINGH

Afghanistan's Sikh heroine fights for rights

She wanted to be a pilot as a child, but has now been recognised as a leading campaigner for the rights of Afghan women.

"It is difficult for a woman to be a pilot in Afghanistan. My father said it does not fit in with this country's culture," Dr Anarkali Kaur Honaryar tells me, sitting in her office at the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission.

In some ways the high flyer has taken on a challenge much tougher than piloting planes.

She fights for women's rights in a society that remains staunchly patriarchal, and where many of her gender still breathe beneath their veils.

For detailed news, please click the Head Line above. With thanks : source : BBC News

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Join SikhsIndia - let's try to save the Sikhi

We are really worried over the fate of Sikhi. Kids from Sikh families are trimming beards, wearing caps, consuming alcohal and other drugs. They can not speak or read Punjabi, can't even recite Gurbani.

Have you ever thought, where are we heading for ? If you have any ideas, suggestions, please share with us. If you wish to work with us, please let us know, about you with a pic & cell number.

You can add your comments, suggestions, ideas on our SikhsIndia blog, below this post.

with best regards

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Gurupurab & Nagar keertan pics

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Gurupurab pics : Sri Guru Nanak Sewak Jatha, Chand mohalla

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Wrap up all anti-Sikh riot cases in 6 months, says HC

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought to quickly bring to a close 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases as it ordered that all pending trials, including that of Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler, will have to be concluded within six months at the lower courts.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice A P Shah said, “We direct the trial will be conducted as expeditiously as possible and will be completed within six months.”

For detailed news, please click the headline above or with thanks to source use : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/wrap-up-all-antisikh-riot-cases-in-6-months-says-hc/577379/

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Punjab on boil again over removal of Sikh holy scripture from Ravidass temples

By Satinder Bains

CHANDIGARH: The move by a section of Ravidass community to disintegrate from Sikh religion and set up aseparate religion 'Ravidas dharma' has created a social and caste conflict in Punjab.

The members of Dera Sach Khand Ballan in Jalandhar district, brain behind separate religion has announced to replace Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, with Amritbani Satguru Ravidas Maharaj, a new granth prepared by them. Tthe Doaba region of Punjab has strong presence of Ravidass community, now vrtically divided on the issue.

The Sikh clergy and the leader of community have also criticised the attempts to separate Bani of Guru Ravidass from Guru Granth Sahib. Certain deras within the Ravidass sect have started opposing dera Ballan's move.

Punjab police has also rounded up certain Bahujan Samaj Party leaders who were allegedly trying to instigate one section and mobilising public support against replacement of Guru Granth Sahib. Three persons, including Ambedkar Sena (Mool Niwasi) state president Harbhajan Suman, Sena member Brajesh Kumar Gauri and local BSP leader Sukhwinder Tony, have been booked.

The move to declare Ravidass sect an independent religion is considetred the aftermath of killing of Sant Rama Nand head of dera Ballan in Viena (Austria) by Sikh youth. The Sikhs there had accused Ravidass temple management for showing disrespect to Guru Grnath Sahib.

Followers at all the around 40 shrines of the Ravidassia sect in India used to pay obeisance to Guru Granth Sahib. Many Ravidas temples have also came up in other countries.

Police has suggested to the leaders of Ravidass community that they create parallel places of worship for the new scripture, instead of displacing Guru Granth Sahib, to avoid hurting Sikh sentiments.

Sant Surinder Dass head of Guru Ravidass dera Adda Kathar in Jalandhar, has opposed move of separate holy scripture for Ravidass community. He has told his followers to pay obeisance to Guru Granth Sahib.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has said that state government would take every possible step to diffuse the situation and maintain peace and harmony. The government it is learnt is making secret parleys with Ravidass sect leaders to find a solution. It is feared that move of Ravidass community might have backlash in Sikh community, leading to conflict between two communities. Sikhs have been opposing removal of Guru Grnath Sahib from Ravidass shrines.

with thanks : Source : http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/23200/38/

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Sikh religion is controlled by big POLITICIANS because of the BIG MONEY involved in the Gurudwaras

Dear Dr. Gurdeep,

Sat Sri Akal

Your writings are of a true intellectual who is trying to understand intricacies of Sikh religion.

Unfortunately everything is so complicated and Sikh religion is controlled by big POLITICIANS because of the BIG MONEY involved in the Gurudwaras nobody can solve the problems faced by Sikh religion today. Why I am saying this is because there is not even a single true Sikh as per the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib. Everyone has his own personal interest involved because of so much MONEY involved.

As you know I have just finished reading Prof Sahib Singh s DARPAN 4th time completely and as per the teachings of GURUS not even one Sikh is following the teachings of our GURUS. I consider myself most fortunate to have read word by word meaning in my lifetime

Prof Darshan Singh started his career by doing KIRTAN in Greater Kailash around 30 years back when we used to stay there and I am a big fan of him. I considered him closest to GOD just like Prof Sahib Singh but of late something has gone wrong with Prof Darshan Singh I think he should forget about all and start KIRTAN again

I have so many things to tell you about SIKHS because you are the only one who can understand.

Sorry short of time

Dr. GURJIT SINGH

submitted by Dr. Gurdeep Kaur

Turban pride day : 14th February, 2010

We are proud of the Dastar given to us by Guru Gobind Singh ji. If you are organising any programme related to Turban Pride Day on 14th February, 2010, please mail us the detailed report with pics for uploading on Sikh blog www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com. If you could mail us your pics in Sohni Dastar, we will be pleased to upload the selected ones in various designs on Sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com in the new section TURBAN PRIDE DAY.

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Keertan Darbar

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New poster : Prof. Darshan singh Khalsa

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Step taken in haste: Ballan head's deputy

What is happening is not what Sant Ramanad, whose killing in a Ravidass Temple in Vienna triggered the reaction, preached and practised. This (severing ties with Guru Granth Sahib) is certainly not what he would have liked, he pointed out. “Sant Ji would extensively quote from the Guru Granth Sahib during his discourses and teach Gurbani to students at Dera Ballan,’’ he added.

For detailed news, please click the headline above or the source with thanks as below : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Step-taken-in-haste-Ballan-heads-deputy/articleshow/5544086.cms

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Sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com crosses 20,00,000 hits

WJKK - WJKF

Pleased to inform that the Sikh web portal http://www.sohnijodi.com/ has crossed 20 Lakh hits. It is a Sikh portal with details about Sikhism, sikh gurus, Guru granth sahib, Code of conduct, Hukamnama, Ardaas, Panj piare, Nishan sahib, Langer, Amrit sanchar, Sikh kakkars, Nihang singh, Ragee jathas, Sikh virasat, Sikh magazines, Sikh societies, Sikh history, Sarai booking, Gurdwara directory, Gurdwara pics, Gurdwara videos, Sikh business directory, SGPC, DSGMC, Sikh politicians, Sikh personalities, Punjabi singers & a lot more.

LATEST SIKH NEWS, Sikh views, Public service messages, Details of Gurmat samagams, Sikh links & a lot more including SIKH MATRIMONIALS with details of Sikh Boys & Sikh Girls are also there on the website. Please log on to the sikh site and add your matrimonial profiles.

SikhsIndia blog, SikhsIndia yahoo group, SikhsIndiaBlog channel on youtube are also visible on the site. You can subscribe the SikhsIndia blog for the latest Sikh news in your mail box regularly.

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Bhai Tarsem singh ji, Dharm Parchar committee, DSGMC

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Nagar keertan News on Dainik Jagran City Plus

News & Pics of Nagar keertan on the Parkash Utsav of Guru Gobind singh ji organised by Sd. Tarjeet singh Nagi, Member DSGMC & Dashmesh Naujawan Sabha (regd.), Jamnapar, published in the Dainik Jagran - City Plus dated January 31st, 2010.

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Postage stamp of Singh Sahib

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None can take 'bani' from Granth Sahib: Jathedar

AMRITSAR: The already sour relations between followers of Guru Ravidass and Sikhs could turn more bitter following Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh’s warning that no one would be allowed to take the bani (voice of Gurus) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib for scripting a separate religious book.

Talking to TOI on the issue of formation of separate religion, Ravidassia Dharm, by the followers of Guru Ravidass and release of separate granth (book), Amrit Bani Guru Ravidass, the jathedar said contemplation was still on for extending invitations to the Ravidass sect leaders to sink differences, if any.

For the detailed news, plz click the headline above, with thanks to the Source Times of India.

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Sikhs defy Akal Takht edict against Prof Darshan Singh

CHANDIGARH: In a highly significant development, which could have far-reaching consequences within the Sikh community, a large number of Sikh organizations, intellectuals, panthic bodies, thinkers and individuals openly defied the hukumnama (edict) against former Akal Takht jathedar Prof Darshan Singh by the incumbent jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh, though a symbolic gesture of sharing a meal with him on Tuesday.

Supping with the former clergyman at a city hotel was an action of blatant defiance of the edict, which had cautioned the Sikh community to sever “roti-beti di saanjh” (all social relations) with him. Going a step ahead, the gathering called for a revolution against the forces which were influencing the clergy and political rulers of Sikhs by silencing dissenting and rational voices. “With this meal today, we declare a no-confidence move against the jathedars and their political masters,” the speakers declared.

Please read detailed news at the source with thanks by clicking the headline above.

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Gatka at Nagar keertan on Parkash Utsav of Guru Gobind Singh ji at Krishna nagar

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Your comments plz : Prof. Darshan singh ragi Excommunicated from Sikh Panth.

Sat Sri Akal,

In the history of Sikhs, this seems to be the first instance, when a person, that too, of the calibure of Ex Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, has been EX COMMUNICATED from Sikh panth. Yeah, we viewed the CD, learned versions from both the sides. Tried to understand various chapters of Dasam Granth sahib. But can not understand, why the Five Priests, refused to talk to Prof. Ragi in the open. If the matter was discussed in open & relayed live on PTC or other TV Channels, even the sikh masses could have heard the reality. But it never happened.

May we request you to add your valued comments, as all of us are willing to say something, may be in favour or against, but still, please say something, if you really wanna say.

regards

SikhsIndia

Some of the comments we received were :
AMARJIT SINGH said..... It is a "black day in sikh history". I really very shocked that the person who always fight for truth was ex-communicated by Akal Takhat Sahib. The issue related to Dasam Granth, Nanakshahi calander, Arti & other maryadas performing by Patna Sahib & Hazoor Sahib Takhat was not considered. Sikh Rehat Marayada issued by SGPC & approved by Akal Takhat Sahib prohibts these maryadas but when the issued was taken by Singh Sahib Prof Darshan Singh ji, he was ex-communicated. Should we start these maryadas in other Gurdwaras or wait for the truth.

JASWANT SINGH said..... EXCOMMUNICATION IS RIGHT. PROF. DARSHANSINGHJI HAS GOT EGO PROBLEM. THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE HE HAS PREACHED US TO HONOUR AKAL TAKHAT. NOW HIS ACTION IS NOT AT ALL JUSTIFIED. MAY WAHIGURU BLESS HIM TO SHED HIS EGO AND GO AND DISCUSS THE REAL ISSUE WHICH THE WHOLE SIKH PANTH IS AWAITING.

RAJINDER KAMBOJ said..... i thinh that professor Darshan singh was hundred persent right.please understand the he did not do anything wrong.that is why i fully support him.

harinder said..... i think this is sad turn of events where one of the most charismatic personalities was excommunicated from the sikh community.

Gurmat Gian Group said.....Its a sad day for all of us. Many must be laughing at us and making fun of us and considering Sikhs a backward class of people with old mind set. We are proving to the world that Sikhism is a religion of past. Our young generation would further get alienated from our culture.We are been driven by illiterate class of fools.I pray to Waheguru to given us Summat so that we stop taking this path towards self destruction.

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur said..... Indeed excommunication of Charasmatic personality like Prof.Darshan Singh Ragi's from khalsa Panth will always be remembered as a black day in the Sikh History.

Though being a Sikh myself ,I am fully aware that the Akal Takht verdicts are held in high esteem by the Sikhs & in it is rooted their binding force.But can not understand,then why the Five Priests, refused to talk to Prof. Ragi in the open to form /involve public opinion(Sangat)also.
Being in academics, this decision from the highest Sikh authority somehow leaves me feeling very helpless and discouraged as it spoils the true spirit of Sikh religion.

There are so many unanswered questions to my mind which I dare to ask from our Sikh Panth leaders:

1.If Dasam Granth is banned & considered as not authentic,then why it has been equally adorned as Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Patna Sahib & Hazoor Sahib?

2.What about the Gadaipur's Gobind Sadan Asthan(near Mahipalpur in Delhi) where large number of sikhs perform Havan within the compound while receiting Jap Sahib?

3.In Academic Seminars ,we do discuss/quote Dasam Granth also!So are they going to accused us for this or curb our freedom of expression at academic level also?

3.Why Sikh Panth leaders don't pay attention to stop the evil practices prevailing & spreading in Sikh Panth at an alarming rate i.e. pressings the legs of the cot on which the Guru Granth Sahib is installed,rubbing nose/massaging against walls on plateforms,placing water below the Guru Granth Sahib seat ,doing shradhs when all these are irreligious & contrary to our Gurmat Maryada(Guru's Way)!

Sikhism is a religion which is not conventional & is away from superstitions ,ritualism, rigidity ,and fanaticism. It stands for the elimination of rituals but still majority of the Sikh population enslaved of superstitions/rituals.They do practice fast,women keep karva chowth fast with full sanctity,wear black thread/stones,do believe in Astrlogy, make/consult Janam Patris's also with Brahmins/Pandit,do chalia's ,making & installing statues,idols inside the Gurudwaras etc.Though we all know that Sikhism was formed against all these evils.Still we call ourselves Proud Sikhs!!

Gurus denounced the tendencies of those who worshipped and treated them as an incarnation of God.Then Why........???????????

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For a cause, hot off press - V-Day dinner with reporter to help Haiti victims

London, Feb. 1: Inderdeep Bains, 26-year-old chief reporter on the Royal Borough Observer, a weekly newspaper in Berkshire, has brought new meaning to the expression, “hot off the press”.

She is offering a dinner date with herself on February 14 to raise money for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Her paper has pitched Inderdeep as the top prize among those who donate at least £20 to the cause.

“Single men looking for love this Valentine’s Day have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to date the Observer’s ravishing reporter Inderdeep Bains,” is how the tempting offer is billed.

The Observer adds: “Readers can win the opportunity to impress Inderdeep, known affectionately in the newsroom as Inders, during a romantic dinner which will raise vital cash for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Haiti Earthquake Appeal. The lucky man will wine and dine our hack over a slap-up three course meal at a luxury hotel.”

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE NEWS BY CLICKING THE HEADLINE ABOVE OR THE LINK BELOW :

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100202/jsp/frontpage/story_12055278.jsp

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ATN broadcasts live from Canadian Sikh Temple

TORONTO, Feb. 1 /CNW/ - Asian Television Network International Limited (ATN) (TSX-SAT), Canada's largest South Asian broadcaster, is pleased to announce that it is now broadcasting live twice daily from the Sri Guru Singh Sabha temple in Mississauga, Ontario, on its two Canadian Punjabi-language television channels.

Gurbani discourses will be broadcast from one of Canada's largest Sikh temples from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time on ATN's MH1 Channel and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the ATN-Alpha ETC Punjabi Channel.

"We are honoured to be the first television broadcaster in Canada to offer daily Sikh spiritual and devotional programming live from a Canadian place of worship across Canada via cable and satellite," said Mr. Shan Chandrasekar, President and CEO of ATN. "It will complement the programming that we bring exclusively from the world renowned Bangla Sahib (Sikh Temple) in New Delhi, India."

Gurbani is the sacred literature of the Sikhs and is of great spiritual importance to the large Sikh community in Ontario and across Canada. ATN will offer the broadcasts to its viewers with deep reverence and without commercial insertions.

Daljeet Singh Sekhon, President Sri Guru Singh Sabha, noted his community was highly appreciative of ATN: "ATN has made possible for us to spread the wisdom and inspiration of Gurbani to our brothers and sisters all across the nation. We are delighted to reach Sikhs who live outside Toronto and worshippers who cannot attend the temple."

The Sikh community is the largest Indian community in Canada. Sri Guru Singh Sabha is one the oldest Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) in Canada and it holds religious discourses every day of the year. The temple attracts thousands of worshippers every week.

with thanks : source : http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2010/01/c5642.html

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mumbai marathon of victims of cerebral plazy : B S Kohli

guru fateh,these are the photographs of mumbai marathon held on 17th january, 2010 wherein about 40 spastic children who are victims of cerebral plazy were taken on wheel chair to participate in the Dream Run,
thanks with regards
bhupinder singh kohli

A blog for Delhite's : RWABhagidari.blogspot.com

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Ravidass followers declare separate religion, released separate religious granth

JALANDHAR: Taking a leaf out of Sikh religion, the followers of Bhagat Ravidass have declared 'Ravidassia', a separate religion and affirmed Guru Ravidass their sole master. They have also released a separate religious granth 'Amrit Bani Guru Ravidass' which will replace Guru Granth Sahib in all Ravidass temples.

The Ravidass followers made this announcement in Ravidass temple in Kashi in Banaras district of Uttar Pardesh which would serve as highest temporal seat for the community. The community as sought recognition of Ravidassia's a sepearate community.

The new holy granth which contains the 'Bani' of only Bhagat Ravidass (included in Guru Granmth Sahib) was released by Sant Niranjan Dass head of dera Sach Khand Ballan in Jalandhar district. The Balla dera had came to lime light when last year few Sikh miscreants attacked on Ravidass temple in Viana in Austria and dera preacher Swami Rama Nand of Balla dera was killed. The Sikhs had objected that due respect was not given to Guru Grnath Sahib in the Ravidass temple.

for the detailed news, plz click the headline above or the link below : with thanks : http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/22953/38/

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Sikh community seeks apology from Amar

LUCKNOW: The Sikh community of Lucknow has strongly condemned Samajwadi Party (SP) member Amar Singh for comparing the SP leaders with `Panj Piyare'. Under the aegis of the Lucknow Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (LGPC), a notice has also been served on Amar Singh. "We want Amar Singh to apologise in public within 24 hours of the receiving the notice or else we will lodge an FIR against him for hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community," said RS Bagga, president of LGPC.

As reported in a section of media, Amar Singh had reportedly said that he did not care about the decisions taken by SP's `Panj Piyare', while referring to SP chief Mulayam Singh, his brothers Shivpal and Ram Gopal, son Akhilesh and nephew Dharmendra. The media reports cite Amar Singh saying, "Panj piyare ab kya faisla karte hain, mai uski parwah nahi karta... jise panch piyaron ka adesh maanna hai ho jane." (I do not care about the decisions taken by the panch piyare. Those who are willing, are free to do so).

FOR DETAILED NEWS, PLEASE CLICK THE HEADLINE ABOVE OR THE LINK BELOW.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Sikh-community-seeks-apology-from-Amar/articleshow/5518708.cms

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Former Jathedar of Akal Takht excommunicated from Sikh community

In an unprecedented action the Akal Takht (highest Sikh temporal seat) here on Friday issued an edict excommunicating its former Jathedar(high priest) Professor Darshan Singh from Sikh community for uttering blasphemous remarks against the tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh at a congregation in USA last year.

This is first time probably, wherein any former head of the Akal Takht was expelled from Sikh community in the 540 year old Sikh history, said sources of Akal Takht office.

The edict was issued in the evening, following marathon meeting of Sikh clergy led by Jatehdar Akal Takht Gyani Gurbachan Singh at the secretariat of Akal Takht in the presence of Jathedar Takht Damdama Sahib Gyani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar Takht Kesgarh Sahib Gyani Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar Takht Patna Sahib Gyani Iqbal Singh and Vice Jatehdar Sachkhand Takht Hazoor Sahib Gyani Jotinder Singh.

Edict strictly advised entire Sikh community all over the world that Darshan Singh would not be entertained at anywhere in the world particularly in any Sikh shrine even he would not be accommodated at any religious place and nobody would keep any kind of relation with him.

Earlier, last year on December 5, Professor Darshan Singh was declared Tankhaiya (guilty for religious misconduct) in an edict issued from Akal Takht. But at the same time he was given opportunity to appear at Akal Takht before the Sikh clergy by January 7 and 29 this year to admit his past religious misdeed and to undergo Tankha (religious punishment) to be awarded from AKal Takht.

However, Prof Darshan Singh was given two chances in past to appear before the Sikh clergy and today it was the last chance, but he again failed to appear at Akal Takht, hence Sikh clergy in an one sided decision without hearing Darhsan Singh, passed harsh orders to expel him Singh from Sikh fold.

It may be mentioned that Darshan Singh was demanding that Sikh clergy should hear his clarification in full public view, whereas, Sikh clergy were for in camera meeting.

Professor Darshan Singh is a renowned Sikh scholar and well connected to Sikh community at various foreign countries and remained Jathedar Akal Takht during the peak days of militancy in Punjab in the year of 1986.

However, a radical Sikh organsiation Dal Khalsa spokes person Kanwarpal Singh expressing anguish over the excommunication of Prof Darshan Singh, described this development as sad and bad for the Sikh community.

jagmohanworld@gmail.com
with thanks : source : http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/22909/38/

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Can you help / assist her in any way ?

My husband Kawaljeet Singh has met with an accident in Bangalore some 5 months ago on 27th August 2009. He was just crossing the Road Who hit him we dont know how he met we dont know this is a big mystery for us I came to know about this incident when one of his collegue call me and said That Kawal has met with an accident so very next flight I fly from Delhi and now he is totally bed ridden.



His brain is seriously injured and a small part of the right brain has been removed by Apollo hospital. At present he is not responding to any thing and can open his eyes only. He is unable to move the rest of the body. He also does not react to anything and is unable to recognize the things also.



We also had a very bad experience with Apollo hospital. He was put on liquid diet and in ICU for a long time by Apollo. This has exhausted all the medical benefits Kawaljeet was eligible for from his Employer (HP). We have moved Kawal to a private nursing home in Banerghatta at present, where he has shown very little sign of improvement.



In the private nursing home he has open eyes and started to react occasionally, through his eyes, in a short period of time. According to doctors in Private nursing home, Kawal might be bed ridden for a long time or through out his life. Only when his brain responds and gives order to his body he might recover. It is not possible for them to comment on the duration of his recovery. They are also unsure about the parts of the brain which has been removed will make him work again or not.


The only earning member of the family is me his wife the same company HP has given me a job but I have to take care of Kawaljeet's medical expense in addition to the regular household expenses. I need money to take care of Kawal, and the family. I am going through a very bad phase in life and needs support.

I Papinder Kaur Kawal's wife personally request you to help me by contributing whatever amount you can. You can directly deposit the money to Citi Bank Suvidha Account A/c No. 5030421819. Account Holder Name: Papinder Kaur Or ING VYSYA BANK A/c No. 592010204774 Account Holder Name: Papinder Kaur

The help and contribution made by you is highly appreciated.Feel free to contact me at 919632977544 for any queries or by mail to papinderkjs@gmail.com

Thanks & Regards

Papinder
ITO - GCI
Hewlett Packard Global Soft Pvt. Ltd.,
HP Avenue 39/40,
Electronics City , Hosur Road
Bangalore - 560100
papinderkjs@gmail.com

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You can verify the facts from your own sources or from the Doctor mentioned in the medical report.

Thanks

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Sikh clergy to decide action against former jathedar today

The Sikh clergy will hold a meeting on Friday to decide action against former Akal Takht jathedar Prof Darshan Singh Ragi. Ragi had been earlier declared ‘Tankhayia” (guilty of religious misconduct) for making controversial remarks against Guru Gobind Singh.

Ragi has already been given two chances to explain his stand, but he was adamant to appear before the Akal Takht and not the clergy. The jathedars of the other Sikh Takhts, meanwhile, are divided over the issue.

With thanks to the source : Plz click headline above or the link below to read the complete news : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Sikh-clergy-to-decide-action-against-former-jathedar-today/572734

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Notices to CBI, Delhi government to expedite 1984 riot cases

The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Delhi government for the appointment of special public prosecutors to expedite the 1984 anti Sikh riot cases pending before the trial courts.

A division bench of Chief Justice A.P. Shah and Justice Rajiv Sahai asked the CBI and the state government to respond by Feb 3.

With thanks : Source : For detailed news, please check the link below OR click the headline above : http://sify.com/news/Notices-to-CBI-Delhi-government-to-expedite-1984-riot-cases-news-National-kb1p4cbfbbc.html

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Al Qaeda planning to dress up suicide bombers as Sikhs

Al Qaeda is planning to dress up suicide bombers as Sikhs and security chiefs fear that Muslim extremists may hide the explosives inside Sikh headgear. Al-Qaida is plotting to dress like Sikhs to exploit religious sensitivities about removing traditional clothing.

A security source said: “Dressing as a Sikh may give would-be suicide bombers the edge in getting past checkpoints. Security agents on the ground have been warned to be vigilant. Thorough body pat-downs are now regular practice, but the head area may be open to exploitation.”

With thanks : source : For detailed news plz check the link below or click the headline above :
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Al-Qaeda-planning-to-dress-up-suicide-bombers-as-Sikhs/572043

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Nagar keertan on Parkash utsav of Guru Gobind Singh ji

Nagar keertan on Parkash Utsav of Guru Gobind Singh ji, by Dashmesh Naujwan Sabha & Sd. Tarjeet Singh Nagi, Member Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee.

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Two Sikh men kidnapped and killed

Harjinder Singh Sandhu and Purneet Singh Chhina, both Sikhs were kidnapped, beaten and, their bodies dumped in the back of a car.

Harjinder Singh Sandhu, 28, lived in Brampton, he had a reputation liked to durgs and 26-year-old Puneet Singh Chhina was of Nepean, Ont,

Sandhu was facing drug-related charges in Windsor at the time of his death.

for detailed news, please click the link below.

with thanks : source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=8618

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Body of missing Sikh Union man found

A body found floating in the Bay has been identified as missing motorist Jagmeet Singh Sidhu, 25, of Union City.
Sidhu was last heard from sometime after 1 a.m. Dec. 19 when he made a cell phone call to a friend saying his car was breaking down on the San Mateo Bridge, said Sidhu's brother, Jasmeet Sidhu.

On Saturday, fishermen reported seeing a body in the water in the San Leandro Channel. A Coast Guard utility boat then recovered the badly decomposed corpse and took it to the San Leandro Marina where it was turned over to the Alameda County Coroner's Office.The cause of death has not been determined, coroner's office supervisor Dan Apperson said.

for detailed news please click the link below.

with thanks : source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=8588

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Cambridge keen on tie-up with World Sikh University

A high-level delegation from the University of Cambridge, comprising Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dame Sandra Dawson and Michael O’Sullivan of Cambridge Overseas Trust, has shown interest in joining hands with Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University (SGGSWU) coming up in Fatehgarh Sahib near here.
The delegation, presently visiting Punjab on the invitation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), showed interest during an interaction with SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar on Thursday.

For detailed news, plz click the headline above.

with thanks : source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Cambridge-keen-on-tie-up-with-World-Sikh-University/570326

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Oxford egg death widow's £415,000 damages award upheld

By George Gaynor »

A CATERER who supplied a dessert containing eggs at a Sikh wedding was today ordered to pay £415,000 damages to the Oxford widow of a man who died after eating it.

Kuldip Singh Bhamra, 49, was allergic to eggs but believed he was safe, because the wedding banquet was held at the Ramgarhia Sikh Temple in Forest Gate, London, in 2003, and followers of the religion do not eat eggs.

The caterer, Prem Dubb, himself a Sikh, appealed against a decision at Oxford County Court in November 2008, when the damages were awarded after a finding of negligence.

But judges at the Appeal Court in London upheld the ruling today and ordered the damages to be paid, plus £36,000 interest.

Lawyers for Mr Bhamra’s widow, Amarjit, of Elms Drive, Marston, said the company, Lucky Caterers, was negligent for supplying a dish called ras malai, which allegedly contained the egg.

Lord Justice Moore-Bick said Mr Bhamra would not have expected there to be any egg in ras malai served at a Sikh wedding and would therefore have felt quite safe in eating it.

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/4862553.Oxford_egg_death_widow_s___415_000_damages_award_upheld/

Sikhs drinking themselves to an early grave

A special event has been organised as concerns over the amount of alcohol consumed by the Sikh community continues to grow.

The problem of unsupervised drinking especially at Sikh weddings is an increasing anxiety.

Parminder Kaur Dhillion Chief Executive of Drug and Alcohol Action, will be leading an event where there will be opportunity to discuss the growing apprehension over the consumption of alcohol by the Sikh community.

An action day is planned for January 30, in Southall, this event is supported by the Gurdwaras in Southall.

With thanks Source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=8542

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SIKH AID Team in Haiti UNITED SIKHS Seeks Support to help Haiti quake survivors

Port-au-Prince, Haiti - UNITED SIKHS' volunteers arrived Port-au-Prince Saturday for beginning major humanitarian relief work in capital city of Haiti. Retired Lt. Col. Gurbachan Singh, along with other volunteers, reached Santo Domingo airport and drove into Haiti, crossing Jamini border.

The Sikh Aid team's first hand assessment of the situation shows an urgent need for Medical supplies, food, water, and shelter for the survivors. The Sikh Aid team is working to overcome serious obstacles due to lack of infrastructure and logistic challenges.

Countless survivors with serious injuries, crushed limbs, broken legs need immediate medical treatment. More doctors are joining Sikh Aid team this week to further aid in the humanitarian relief.

" Every building on the road side that we are driving by is severely damaged. Concrete roofs are fallen, crushing people, household goods, and vehicles. There are dead bodies lying on the ground," said Retd. Lt Col Gurbachan Singh, UNITED SIKHS Humanitarian Director.
Gurbachansingh2.jpg CampHaiti.jpg

A UNITED SIKHS shipment carrying imperishable food, water, cloths and medicines will be arriving to Haiti next week by sea from Miami. UNITED SIKHS is requesting donors to contact us for more details about shipping food, water and supplies.

We urgently need doctors who can afford time and travel to volunteer for the relief effort.

At the United Nations Disaster Assessment & Coordination (UNDAC) Emergency Response Team briefing today, it was said that the places that have been badly affected are Carrafour, Gressier, Leogane, Jazmel and Petit Grove where 60 to 90 percent of homes have been destroyed. These places have mass burials and in some parts the search and the rescue operations are still in progress.

Your donation of any amount could help save lives by providing food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support to people in need.

Issued by:
Kuldip Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
email: sikhaid@unitedsikhs.org
Ph: 1-888-243-1690 or
1-646-688-3525

Mistaken Identity - A 9/11 story

SC rejects plea for separate religious identity for Sikhs

New Delhi, India: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition requesting a separate religious identity for Sikhs. The petition filed by J S Sethi said the community which is issued birth certificates under the Hindu law faces an uphill task to explain to the immigration authorities across the globe that the community is different from the Hindus.

“It is very difficult to convince the people abroad, especially the immigration authorities, that though they are given birth certificate under the Hindu Marriage Act, they are Sikh by religion,” senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, counsel for the petitioner, told a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan.

He was appearing for Sethi, a Sikh, who filed the PIL seeking suitable amendment in the Constitution to declare the community out of the purview of the Act.

The plea sought directions for amendment to Article 25 of the Constitution for implementing the recommendation of a commission headed by Justice M N Venkatachaliah to delink Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism from the Hindu Marriage Act.

The Bench, also comprising Justices R V Raveendran and Deepak Verma, said though it was in agreement with the issues raised in the petition, it could not entertain the subject as it had to be looked into by an appropriate authority in the government.

with thanks source : sikhsangat.org

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Canadian Sikhs donate $100,000 in first day of appeals for Haiti victims

A Surrey Sikh Gurdwara raised $100,000 for relief efforts in Haiti on the first day of donations.

Even before the launch of the fund raising campaign, phone calls, emails and text messages overwhelmed volunteers at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on Scott Road, near 70 Avenue.

All day long a steady flow of Sikhs from all walks of life and all ages, flowed through the Scot Road Gurdwara, donating to this cause. A planned Radio-thon on local South Asian Radio Stations, Red FM and Shere Punjab was started a day earlier and put in half a day of on the air collections.

The end result of the first day of effort, was approximately $100,000 in donations being pledged. As the community gears up for day two of the fundraising event, many volunteers have taken vacation time off work, to come volunteer at the Gurdwara Sahib and the local Radio stations, collecting donations.

"The local Sikh community has always shown its support for humanitarian relief efforts, in any part of the world," according to Gurdwara president Bikramjit Singh Sandhar. "No matter what our background, where we live, we're all equal and each and every one of us should do their utmost to help a fellow human being."

With thanks Source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=8518

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Complainant in 1984 riots asked if she wants to pursue case

A city court Monday asked a complainant in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case if she still wants to pursue the matter in which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a closure report.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Lokesh Kumar issued notice to Harbinder Kaur, who lost her doctor-husband Iqbal Singh Chadda in the riots sparked by the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi, to appear before the court Feb 23.

The court asked Kaur if she still wants to pursue the case. According to court procedures, the complainant is asked this question before a case is closed.

As the proceedings were on in the Karkardooma court, around 250 Sikhs staged a protest outside, torching an effigy of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who is accused of taking part in the 1984 riots that left thousands dead. The police used water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Last week, the CBI filed two chargesheets in two riot cases of Delhi Cantonment and Sultanpuri areas against Sajjan Kumar and others. They were charged with murder, riot, destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy.

The CBI also filed a closure report pertaining to the death of Chadda in the riots in Mangolpuri area.

In its closure report, the CBI said the complainant could not give any information as to where, when and who killed her husband Chadda and burnt his body.

The CBI said that several witnesses of the killing had expired. Several others had shifted residence and were not traceable.

Meanwhile, the court has put the other two chargesheets - filed in Sultanpuri and Delhi Cantonment cases - for further consideration Feb 1.

With thanks source : http://sify.com/news/Complainant-in-1984-riots-asked-if-she-wants-to-pursue-case-news-kbsqEchdgeh.html

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BBC documentary provokes furious response from Sikhs

London: A controversial BBC film about the Indian Army storming Golden Temple in 1984, which depicts late Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale "in a similar way to Osama Bin Laden", has provoked a furious response from many members of the community in Britain, a media report said.

A number of Sikhs have condemned the documentary, 1984: A Sikh Story, which they see as nothing but a slur on Bhindranwale, who was killed during the 'Operation Blue Star' ordered by the then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi, the Daily Mail reported.

Please click the headline above to read complete news.

with thanks : source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_bbc-documentary-provokes-furious-response-from-sikhs_1335824

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Sikhs donate cash for tsunami victims

The merciless tsunami that devastated the people of Samoa four months ago has had its emotional and empathic impact among many in this country, prompting them to mobilise material and financial resources to support relief work and rehabilitate the victims.

The New Zealand Sikh Society of Auckland, led by Ranvir Singh Lali, Daljit Singh, Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh and others, raised $5000 for poor people in the affected areas.

They presented a cheque for the amount to Samoan High Commissioner Asi Tuiataga James Faafili Blakelock in the presence of Opposition and Labour Party Leader Phil Goff at the office of Labour MP Ross Robertson in Otara, Auckland recently.

with thanks : source : http://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/index.php/communitylink/3972.html

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Deportation of family enrages Sikh leader

Venkat Raman

A prominent member of the Sikh community in Auckland is enraged over the harassment and “nasty” treatment meted out to his wife and toddler son by Immigration officials at the New Delhi airport. At press time, Ranvir Lali Singh, Secretary of the New Zealand Sikh Society Auckland and a builder, was considering lodging a serious protest after his homemaker wife Shubhneet Kaur and their two-year-old son Bachint Vir Singh returned to New Zealand spending three agonising days travelling between New Zealand and India and barred from entering their home country.

Mr Singh said that his wife and son had travelled to India on a valid visitor permit stamped on their New Zealand passports by the Wellington based Indian High Commission recently.

They were to spend a month in their home country, meeting family and friends.

Shubhneet Kaur has been a resident of New Zealand since 1997 and has since become a citizen of this country. Bachint was born in Auckland in August 2007.

Mr Singh said that the much-anticipated holiday was destroyed and his wife subject to insult and ill-treatment, because of the intransigent officials in India.

“I was shocked to learn that Shubhneet and Bachint were stopped by Immigration at the New Delhi International Airport upon their arrival on January 12. They were supposedly on the ‘Government of India Black List,’ about which we did not know. The officials harassed them and showed no sympathy. Only terrorists and criminals are placed on Black Lists. I cannot understand how a humble housewife and a two-year-old child could be on such a barred list,” he told Indian Newslink, while waiting for their arrival at the Auckland International Airport on January 14.

An Indian High Commission official told this newspaper that the Mission was not aware of the incident and that “there was no record of the two New Zealanders on the Mission’s Black List.

“We need to find out from New Delhi,” the official said.

The ordeal of the two harassed passengers did not end with their deportation from India. They were subject to “unnecessary bag search and interrogation” for more than four hours at the Auckland International Airport.

Immigration and Customs officials wanted to know from Shubhneet Kaur why she was held up at the New Delhi International Airport and why she and her son were deported, the answers to which the harassed woman could not obviously provide.

Mr Singh now wants answers to a number of his own questions.

“How do a housewife and toddler get on to a Black List?”

“If they were in the Black List, how did the High Commission issue a Visitor Visa to both of them? Does not the Indian Government convey the names of those in the Black List to diplomatic missions? If this is so, why were we not informed?”

“What is the basis on which people are Black Listed?”

While Mr Singh awaits answers to these questions, Indian Newslink understands that similarity of names often confuse Immigration officials in India.

But one observer said, “Surely, a mother travelling with a toddler cannot be branded a terrorist! The officials at the New Delhi International Airport should have checked properly and allowed the young woman and her son to enter the country.

“It is equally unbecoming of the officials at the Auckland International Airport to further harass the depressed woman. After all, she is a New Zealand citizen. There should be a proper inquiry into this incident,” he said.

Labour MP and the Party’s Foreign Affairs spokesman Chris Carter said he would take up the matter with the Indian High Commissioner and New Zealand Immigration and Customs.

with thanks : source : http://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/index.php/frontpage/4014.html

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Indian envoy's bid to appease Sikhs

THE Indian high commissioner has urged Melbourne's Sikh community to let the law take its course in response to the burning of a temple.

Sujatha Singh warned against allowing "a few bad elements" to spoil the warm relationship between the two nations.

In her first public address since the murder of 21-year-old accounting graduate Nitin Garg and last week's arson attack on the temple, Ms Singh assured a Melbourne congregation that the Indian government was "very closely monitoring" the wellbeing of Indians in Australia.

Ms Singh said she had been in daily -- "even sometimes hourly" -- contact with the relevant Australian authorities to address community safety concerns.

Speaking to hundreds of worshippers at Blackburn's gurdwara, or Sikh temple, the largest of its kind in Victoria, Ms Singh said: "The incidents that have taken place in recent times have troubled us all, Indians and Australians alike.

"They have been condemned in the strongest possible terms by all right-thinking people."

Ms Singh drew particular attention to the arson attack at the gurdwara in Lynbrook, on Melbourne's southeastern fringe, late last week.

The partially constructed Sikh temple is suspected to have been torched with Molotov cocktails in the early hours of Thursday.

The high commissioner visited the burnt-out Lynbrook temple yesterday morning.

"The incident of arson is receiving the full attention of the concerned authorities," she told the Blackburn worshippers.

"I would like to assure you that both governments are united in their desire to see progress in bringing the perpetrators of these incidents to justice, and in bringing these incidents to a complete stop, ensuring that they do not happen again."

Ms Singh spoke of a tradition of strong ties between India and Australia, and implored the Indian community not to allow "a few bad elements" to spoil "the warmth and good feeling" which continued to exist between the two nations.

After giving her warmly received address, Ms Singh met privately with the president of the Blackburn temple, Dashran Singh, and the vice-president of the Victorian Sikh Association, Jag Bal.

Mr Singh said yesterday's visit marked the first time a high commissioner had attended a service at the Blackburn gurdwara. "Some of the unfortunate incidents of recent months affecting the Indian community are of great concern to all of us," he said.

Mr Bal said he hoped that the high commissioner would be able to give him a firm indication of what assurances the Australian government had given her during their lengthy discussions over the past fortnight. "I want to discuss what support or counselling is being given to the victims of race crimes in Melbourne," Mr Bal said.

Detective Sergeant Gary Kear said that contrary to initial police reports, detectives did not believe the Lynbrook arsonists were young kids mucking about.

"Witnesses have told us that voices that were heard inside the temple were more mature," Sergeant Kear said.

Last week the Blackburn temple wrote to Victoria Police requesting additional security, particularly at night. Two uniformed police officers were present at yesterday's service.

with thanks : source : http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/indian-envoys-bid-to-appease-sikhs/story-e6frg6nf-1225820598424

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