Sunday, January 31, 2010

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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Friday, January 29, 2010

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

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ITO - GCI
Hewlett Packard Global Soft Pvt. Ltd.,
HP Avenue 39/40,
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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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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

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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Sunday, January 24, 2010

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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Friday, January 22, 2010

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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Thursday, January 21, 2010

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


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/

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

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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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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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Monday, January 18, 2010

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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Sunday, January 17, 2010

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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Friday, January 15, 2010

George Jacob named as director of the Anandpur Sahib Sikh Museum

A Kaur

Anandpur Sahib, Punjab: A former Project Director at The Smithsonian’s prestigious National Museum of American History, George Jacob, has been named director of the Khalsa Heritage Complex in Anandpur Sahib reports the Midland Daily News. The Khalsa Heritage Complex is one of the largest museum complex in India currently in advanced stages of construction.


Smithsonian trained Jacob, an internationally sought veteran museologist, has been the founding director of two museums in his career.

The 650,000-square-foot museum and heritage center rises above a seven acre web of reflecting pools connected by a 165-meter pedestrian bridge connecting different zones of the museum galleries, library, cafe and performing arts theater, with exhibits celebrating 500 years of heritage, aspirations and living traditions of the Sikh diaspora.Phase 1 of the $224 million project opens in the fall of 2010.

with thanks : source : http://sikhsangat.org/2010/01/george-jacob-named-as-director-of-the-anandpur-sahib-sikh-museum/

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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Sikhs call for security after Melbourne temple attack

THE president of Melbourne's largest Sikh temple has requested additional night-time security from Victoria Police in the wake of an arson attack on another Sikh temple earlier this week.

The request, made to Victoria Police in a letter yesterday, asks for "increased vigilance" from local authorities around the high-profile Sikh temple in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Blackburn, which has previously been visited by the Premier and the state Opposition Leader.

The letter, written by the secretary of the Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha temple at the behest of its president, Dashran Singh, says: "As you are no doubt aware, there have been an increased number of violent incidents involving (the) Indian community in Melbourne.

"This is a matter of concern for all Australians.

"We will appreciate if you can assist by having increased vigilance in the area, especially during night-time, to build confidence amongst the community," says the letter, seen by The Australian yesterday.

Early on Wednesday a Sikh temple in Lynbrook, on Melbourne's southeastern fringe, was set on fire. Mr Singh yesterday said another Sikh temple in Cragieburn in Melbourne's north was also vandalised last week with eggs and stones.

"We take the trouble to collect money to build our buildings for worship. This is very worrying," he said.

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu, who visited the Blackburn temple, or gurdwara, before travelling to India last year, said he was "greatly concerned" about the recent attacks on Indians and their places of worship.

"In light of recent events, the police need to work very closely with the Indian community right across Victoria to make sure there is no repeat of any violence or vandalism," he said.

Temple worshipper Vikramjit Kaur, who attended the Blackburn gurdwara yesterday with her four-year-old daughter Supreet and her mother, Surinder Kaur, said "there should be more security - when you hear about these (cases of vandalism), you are worried."

Mr Singh said to date he had received "great support" from local authorities, but said he would be comforted by more security.

A spokeswoman for Victoria Police yesterday said authorities were "taking every incident very seriously."

But she said, "no matter how many police we have, we simply can't be present for every crime that takes place".

with thanks : source : http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/sikhs-call-for-security-after-melbourne-temple-attack/story-e6frg6nf-1225819478091

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Sikhs fear more attacks after Lynbrook temple blaze



CRANBOURNE’S Sikh community says it is under attack after yesterday’s deliberately lit fire in a partially-built Lynbrook temple.

Police are still investigating the blaze, which started at about 12.30am inside the Nanaksar Sikh Temple.

It is the latest in a string of incidents at the Evans Rd site during the past 12 months, including graffiti, theft, break-ins and petty vandalism.

Speaking to the Leader, Raj Singh said the community was “angry and very upset.’’

“Racist sentiment seems to be boiling over at the moment and it looks to us as if we are being targeted,” Mr Singh said.

“We’re a peace-loving people. We believe all religions are good and we all worship the same one God. We just want to be abel to live in peace.”

Mr Singh said the damage was negligible.

“It is the psychological damage that is the real concern,’’ he said.

“To think that the surrounding community is targeting us like this is extremely upsetting to us.’’

Mr Singh said the 900-strong congregation ultimately hoped to build a school and retirement village on the 13ha site, making it a self-contained community.

“We want to be a part of the Cranbourne community. This is our home now. We’ve been here since 1988,’’ he said.

Builder Paul Birch said he was disgusted and angered by the “mindless destruction.’’

“There’s just no logic to it. They are harmless people,’’ Mr Birch said.

“We will be looking into security guards or dogs to put an end to this once and for all.’’

Police are urging anyone with information to call Casey CIU Det-Sen-Constable Paul Stowe on 9705 3111

with thanks : source : http://cranbourne-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/sikhs-fear-more-attacks-after-lynbrook-temple-blaze/


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Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib Ji

Gurpreet Singh Anand

Intrepid traveller, who braved the cold of the North Pole, South Pole and Mount Everest, takes us on a journey in the footsteps of the travels of the first Master, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji in Gujarat. During the course of an earlier interview, the author told us, “Life is a journey, from one path to another, from one pilgrimage to another and I am destined to do that.” Exclusive to World Sikh News, this first person account candidly brings to life, the aura and pristine glory of the place with awe and respect. Like his words, the pictures taken by the author bring forth the beauty and expanse of the place.


Some weeks back, my passion for travel took me to Gujarat. I was amazed to come across a lesser known facet of Sikh history. I saw evidence of the visit of Guru Nanak Sahib to Gujarat and also learnt that except for some scholars, Sikhs had forgotten about this place and other places visited by Guru Nanak. Better late than never. It is time to connect the dots of history and discover our rich heritage linked to our founder Guru Ji.

During his second Udasi (travels) from 1506-13 and fourth Udasi from 1519-21, Guru Nanak Sahib travelled to Mecca through the then to the Port of Basta Bandher, in the then province of Sind. Today, this place is called Lakhpat and is about 135 kilometers from the town of Bhuj on the edges of the Cori Creek on the tip of the border between India and Pakistan.



Lakhpat fort is about 20 kilometers from Korini village where there is also a big Sarovar to the memory of Guru Nanak Dev ji Sahib's visit. Lakpat was so named, it is said, as the daily income from sailings of inbound and outbound ships to shore exceeded one lakh cories (the then local currency). Today the Sindhu River no longer flows on its banks as it was diverted during the great earthquake of Bhuj in 1819 to the west to an area what is now in Pakistan's Sind province. Even today in the soil you can find millions of shells from the dried bed of the Sindhu River.

It will come as a surprise to Sikhs, that the Gurdawara was restored to its present immaculate state by the strenuous efforts of United Nations volunteer programme during a seven month period between February and September 2003.

Since 1947, the Lakhpat Fort is housing the lat outpost of the Border Security Force and is hope to some 400-500 people within its walls and several Temples and Sufi Darghas. It also has Gurdawara Pehili Padshai "Lakhpat Gurdawara". There is Hatkeshwar Temple that houses fossilized shells, The Gosh Mohmmad Kuba, Darghah of Syed Pir Shah and Nanai Mai Darghah –all stand witness to the glorious past.

Legend has it that the place visited by Guru Nanak was the house of a Brahman and is located within the fort of Lakhpat. According to the local people, that house was converted into a Gurdwara some two hundred years ago and vast tracts of land were bestowed on the Gurdwara for upkeep, maintenance and regular expenses of the shrine.



The Gurdwara complex comprises of a main building that has a courtyard and a separate structure which is a two storied gateway on the western side with massive wooden doors. The internal and external walls have paintings in line patterned with floral motifs of the period -ships, flowers, royal personage, etc. The walls have graffiti by religious travellers in old Gurmukhi script. Constructed in limestone, the Gurdwara has on its walls statues of elephants, flowers, Chabutras and statues in human and animal form embedded to its walls. The verandah has exquisitely carved wooden columns. The whole arena has a touch of the old and a beautiful nostalgic charm to it.

The walls have graffiti by religious travellers in old Gurmukhi script. Constructed in limestone, the Gurdwara has on its walls statues of elephants, flowers, Chabutras and statues in human and animal form embedded to its walls. The verandah has exquisitely carved wooden columns. The whole arena has a touch of the old and a beautiful nostalgic charm to it.

The main room has relics associated with Guru Nanak Sahib, which relics, it is said, were bestowed by Guru Sahib to the Brahmin in whose house Guru Sahib stayed. These include Charan paduka -khdawans or wooden footwear and a Palki of the great Guru, both of which are housed in asealed glass enclosure, where there is Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib. As much as I know, these are perhaps the holiest relics of Guru Nanak Sahib on Indian soil. In the adjacent room within a wooden and glass panel are kept old handwritten Gurmukhi religious books and old religious scriptures



It will come as a surprise to Sikhs, that the Gurdawara was restored to its present immaculate state by the strenuous efforts of United Nations volunteer programme for a seven month period between February and September 2003. Thanks to their efforts, the assistance of the local community and the Sikh Sangat from Gandhidham, the Gurdwara has the unique distinction of being awarded the Asia Pacific Heritage Conservation award for the year 2004 by UNESCO. Carried out under the aegis of CRCI (Cultural Resources Conservation Initiative), it was a major conservation project.

Conferring the award UNESCO stated "the restoration of this Sikh house of worship demonstrates a sophisticated holistic understanding of both the technical and social aspects of conservation; careful attention to detail and sensitive repair work have ensured the retention of the building's historic character. The emphasis on involving and empowering the community ensures the long term survival of the historic building and its associated cultural traditions.” From what I learnt, more than $ 43,000 grant was made by UNESCO to bring restore the holy place to its pristine glory, with conservation architects and masons brought in from Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to assist in restoration work .



Those desiring to feel the ambience of the visit of Guru Nanak Sahib can visit the can visit the Gurdwara Sahib, to which a Yatri Niwas, Langar Hall, Diwan Hall, modern amenities are being added.

The care taker of the Gurdwara Sahib who is overseeing the work is S. Lakha Singh from Baruch and the Granthi Sahib Bhai Sukhchain Singh can be contacted at 9909606367 for arrangements to travel and stay.

Gurpreet Singh Anand lives in Delhi. He may be contacted at pilgrim_gsa@yahoo.co.in

with thanks : source : WSN

Melbourne Sikh temple arson 'an attack on religion'


AN elder at a Melbourne Sikh temple suspected to have been torched by arsonists has described the early-morning vandalism as an "attack on religion", placing further strain on diplomatic relations already damaged by a spate of serious assaults on Indian students.

The partially built Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar temple in Melbourne's outer southeastern suburbs, home to a congregation of Sikhs, many of whom come from the Punjab in northern India, is believed to have been set on fire with the use of molotov cocktails early yesterday.

Distraught temple elder Satnam Singh said the wilful destruction of a "God house" was an attack on Indians.

Detective Senior Constable Paul Stow, in charge of the investigation, said the fire was being treated as suspicious, but detectives were yet to establish whether race or religion had motivated the arsonists.

"At this stage there is nothing to suggest it is (race-related) other than the fact that it happened to a temple," Detective Constable Stow told The Australian yesterday.

The Sikh temple, known as a gurdwara, is in the middle of a large empty paddock in front of a sprawling housing estate at Lynbrook, on Melbourne's suburban fringe. The fire could put further pressure on bilateral relations between India and Australia, which have come under renewed strain since the stabbing of a 21-year-old Punjab-born accounting graduate, Nitin Garg, in a park in Melbourne's west earlier this month.

Among the members of the Indian community who visited the temple yesterday to survey the damage was the consul-general of India in Melbourne, Anil Kumar Gupta, who walked around the site taking notes and talking with elders. One worshipper, who asked not to be named, said he was informed by police that three molotov cocktails and a jerry can containing petrol were found inside the temple. Constable Stow confirmed that "a number of items were located to suggest accelerant was used".

Despite initial police reports indicating that a group of teens had lit "a couple of small fires" in piles of rubbish in the temple, Constable Stow said police believed the arson to be a "deliberately lit fire" rather than a bonfire that had burned out of control.

A police spokeswoman last night said investigators were keeping an open mind about the investigation.

"We can't discount anything," she said.

Victorian police have been criticised and caricatured in India for being too quick to rule out racism as a motive for attacks on Indian students.

Walking through the blackened interior yesterday, Mr Singh said the fire was "very, very personal".

"This is an attack on religion, this is very bad," he said. "This should not have been done, this is a God house, everybody who comes here prays to God."

When asked whether he believed the attack to be race-related, Mr Singh said: "Yes, attack on Indians."

The deputy high commissioner of India, V.K. Sharma, yesterday said: "We have no comment to make."

It is believed two people were seen leaving the temple near midnight.



with thanks : source : http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/melbourne-sikh-temple-arson-an-attack-on-religion/story-e6frg6nf-1225819009767

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UNITED SIKHS Congratulates Our Former Legal Director on His New Position at the United States Department of Justice


New York, NY: Harpreet Singh, Esq., former Legal Director of UNITED SIKHS recently joined the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service as the Regional Director of Region III. The Staff and Volunteers at UNITED SIKHS wish him all the best in his new position where he will work to prevent and reduce community conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, and national origin.

Harpreet Singh joined UNITED SIKHS as Legal Director in 2003 and has been an invaluable member of the legal team in a majority of the advocacy endeavors undertaken by the organization. One of his most important cases at UNITED SIKHS consisted of winning a groundbreaking kirpan (a religious sword worn as one of five articles of faith) case in 2005 in Detroit, where a Sikh student was arrested for wearing a 10-inch kirpan. The judge in that case ruled that the kirpan should not be considered a knife or a weapon, and the ruling has been used by many advocates to defend the right to wear the kirpan. He also worked on many other important cases, such as the recent US Airways settlement with the Sikh religious musicians, and a variety of profiling, hate crime, and employment discrimination cases.

As part of UNITED SIKHS’ legal team, Harpreet Singh consistently provided his expertise and service to the Sikh community not only in United States, but also in landmark Sikh civil rights cases around the world, including the UNITED SIKHS Right to Turban campaign in France, students’ right to turban in Belgium, and advocating for humanitarian aid and rights of Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan.

In addition to his legal role, Harpreet represented the Sikh community’s interest in pending legislative matters in Congress and partnered with various coalitions of civil rights organizations to influence legislation. His advocacy duties included representation of the Sikh community’s concerns regarding employment discrimination, hate and bias crimes, school bullying, racial and religious profiling and immigration reform during meetings with White House officials, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the State Department.

Additionally, he played a pivotal role in building a strong relationship with the United States Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC), and has spearheaded several collaborative projects with them, which have increased the reporting of the Sikh community of incidents of religious discrimination in the workplace.

Harpreet Singh, Former Legal Director, UNITED SIKHS, congratulating the community on Guru Nanak Sahib Ji's Gurpurab, and reminding them of their duty to advocate for justice at a 2009 celebration organized by The White House Office of Public Engagement.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service (CRS) is a federal agency responsible for working with governments, public/private organizations and community groups to resolve and prevent conflict situations stemming from differences in ethnic origin, race, and color. CRS mediators are often called upon to diffuse situations which may otherwise end up in violence and racial tensions.

“While we are sad to see Harpreet leave, we are thrilled at the opportunities that await him in this new position,” says Kuldip Singh, Director, UNITED SIKHS. He adds, “We wish him all the best for a bright career, and look forward to working with him in the future on relevant issues concerning civil rights and community relations.”

To send Harpreet Singh a congratulatory message, please email law-usa@unitedsikhs.org with a subject line: Congratulations Harpreet Singh, Esq, and the message will be passed on. All duties that were previously handled by Harpreet Singh will be looked over by Jaspreet Singh, UNITED SIKHS Staff Attorney.

For a previous press release on policy level representation of Sikh civil and human rights, visit: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-10-11-2009-00.html

Issued by:
Jaspreet Singh
Staff Attorney
UNITED SIKHS
646-315-3909
Email: law-usa@unitedsikhs.org

Sikhs target of 'Allah' attack

Vandals threw stones at a Sikh temple, adding to religious tensions over a string of attacks on churches in Muslim-dominated Malaysia.

The church attacks - since Friday eight have been hit with firebombs and one with paint - came after a court overturned a Government ban and allowed a Catholic newspaper to use the word "Allah" to refer to God. Some of the Sikh scriptures also use "Allah".

Twenty small stones were thrown into the compound of a gurdwara in Kuala Lumpur's Sentul neighbourhood, district police chief Zakaria Pagan said.

Only a 100-year-old mirror was damaged and no one was hurt.

Stones were also thrown at a telecom building next door. A temple volunteer and office building security guard heard the attack, but did not see any suspects. Pagan said police believed the incident was "mischief", and unrelated to attacks on the churches.

Temple chief Gurdial Singh said he was surprised by the attack but not concerned. He said it was an isolated incident by "someone taking advantage of the situation".

"We have already done our prayers. To us, it's a small issue."

However, the 120,000 Sikhs in Malaysia were not going to stop using "Allah", he said.

"We cannot change our scriptures ... I think the Government has not handled it properly. We need dialogue ... As far as we are concerned we are doing our prayers [using Allah].

There is no way any law is stopping us."

The Muslim-dominated Government argues "Allah" is exclusive to Islam and forbids non-Muslims from using it. The Arabic word, which predates Islam, is routinely used by Christians in other Muslim countries.

The Malaysian Government has banned "Allah" in published material and not in everyday speech.

With thanks : source : http://www.nzherald.co.nz/religion-and-beliefs/news/article.cfm?c_id=301&objectid=10620032

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Now a Sikh temple targeted by arsonist in Melbourne

Sikh temple targeted by arsonist
ANDRA JACKSON
January 14, 2010 - 1:42PM

Police are investigating an overnight fire that damaged a partially constructed Sikh temple in Melbourne's south-east.

Firefighters were called to the temple on Evans Road in Lynbrook early yesterday morning by a neighbour who noticed an intruder inside the building.

Firefighters arrived at about 12.30am to find three bonfires had been lit. They were extinguished in a short time, a CFA spokeswoman said.

A fireman said that three seats had been set alight and some damage had been caused but it would have been far worse had the building been completed

A police spokeswoman said investigators believed a teenager seen in the area might be responsible.

"They said it does not appear to be of a racial nature," the spokeswoman said.

Master Darshan Singh, the president of the Sri Guru Nanak Satsang temple in Blackburn, said it was the second incident at a Sikh temple in recent weeks and the community was "very concerned and very worried. The situation is not improving."

"These are race related. I do not believe the recent murders are. That can happened to anyone but this was definitely an effort that is race related," he said.

Mr Singh said that following yesterday's fire he had contacted Nunawading police and requested security measures to protect the Blackburn temple.

With thanks : Source : http://www.theage.com.au/national/sikh-temple-targeted-by-arsonist-20100114-m8rf.html

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CBI files closure report in Mangolpuri anti-Sikh riots case

PTI

New Delhi: After filing charge sheets in two cases of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, CBI today submitted a closure report in a case pertaining to the death of a medical practitioner here during the 25-year-old incident.

The report was filed in the court of CMM, Tis Hazari Court, in the case pertaining to the death of Iqbal Singh Chadda, a medical practitioner in Mangolpuri area here, during riots following assassination of Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India, a CBI spokesperson said.

During the investigation conducted by CBI, the complainant could not give any information as to where, when and who killed her husband Dr Chadda and burnt his body.

"Moreover, witnesses earlier examined by the local police were also questioned but they could not provide any information relating to the killing of Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda," the official said.

During the extensive field investigation conducted at Mangolpuri, it was found that several persons or witnesses residing there in 1984 have since expired.

"Several others have shifted their residence and are not traceable
in spite of best efforts. During the process, two relevant witnesses were traced. In their examination, they stated that Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda had taken shelter in their home in the intervening night of November one and two, 1984.

"In the wee hours of November two, 1984, a mob entered their house, dragged out Dr Chadda and killed him near their house. They stated that they could not identify any of the assailants. Later on, they came to know that Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda was killed in the street near their house by a mob and his dead body was burnt by putting a 'khokha' on it," the official said.

An FIR was registered at Police Station Mangolpuri in connection with the riots that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India.

Further, the government had appointed the Nanavati Commission in May 2000 for enquiring into the 1984 anti Sikh riots incidents. The Nanavati Commission submitted its report to the government on February 9, 2005.

After considering the findings of the Nanavati Commission, the ministry of home affairs, directed CBI on October 24, 2005 to investigate or re-investigate the cases including this case.

Accordingly, this case was re-registered in CBI.During investigation, various affidavits, filed before different commissions and considered by the Nanavati Commission, were obtained from the ministry of home affairs, segregated police station wise and the relevant affidavits relating to police station Mangolpuri were scrutinised.

"The scrutiny of the affidavits revealed that the affidavits filed by only one affiant pertains to the death of Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda. The said affiant had expired on June three, 2005, therefore could not be examined," he said.

Furthermore, the contents of the affidavits could not be corroborated or substantiated during the investigation.

During investigation, a list of 10 affiants, all residents of Mangolpuri during 1984, who had filed affidavits before Nanavati commission, was collected with the help of the November 1984 Carnage Justice Committee.

Examination of available witnesses could not yield any relevant information pertaining to this incident, the official said.

Later, a person, who had surfaced in media as a witness to Anti Sikh Riot incidents, was also examined. But he expressed his ignorance about the killing of Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda.

Polygraph test of some suspects or accused persons were also conducted but no deception was reported. Therefore, despite hardest and sincere efforts put in during the investigation by CBI, no evidence could be gathered against the suspects or accused persons involved in the murder of Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda, the official added.

With thanks : source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_cbi-files-closure-report-in-mangolpuri-anti-sikh-riots-case_1334456

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Suit against new Nanakshahi calendar

CHANDIGARH: A civil suit seeking restraint on the implementation of new Nanakshahi calendar was filed in city’s district court by Harmohinder singh Punjab unit, Shiromani Akali Dal, Delhi, on Tuesday here.

The suit was filed seeking permanent injunction restraining Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and its members from implementing new Nanakshahi calendar as decided in January 3 meeting, until a calendar is decided by the Sikh community. The suit added that directions be issued to the SGPC and its members to prevent it from interfering in decisions of religious interpretations, practices and assuming the role of religious authority in contravention of the constitution.

According to suit, Pal Singh Purewal, a Canadian and renowned Sikh scholar, drafted calendar after consulting various scholars, jurists and members of various Sikh bodies. This calendar was accepted by Sikh community worldwide and was implemented in year 2003. However, recently SGPC constituted a body to determine calendar for Sikh religious holy days with a direction for all Sikhs to observe these and celebrate or commemorate them.

The committee set up by SGPC lacks competence in field of both calendars and religious dates. It lacks legal authority to deliberate on such matters, the plaint claimed.

PLEASE CLICK HEAD LINE ABOVE TO READ THE NEWS ON TIMES OF INDIA.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Suit-against-new-Nanakshahi-calendar/articleshow/5438882.cms

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Sikhs Face Increased Harassment at Borders Amidst New Screening Rules at Airports

Washington DC, USA: Sikhs are facing unwarranted attention at airports while traveling, with an increase of reports of harassment at border entry points and during airport screening. According to new screening procedures announced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards, all passengers traveling to the United States originating or passing through fourteen countries, including Pakistan, will be subject to heightened security screening, including full-body pat-downs and luggage searches. Additionally, UNITED SIKHS has received more reports of Sikhs, American citizens, who have been subjected to detainment and questioning, when traveling domestically or entering from Canada and European countries. We are filing complaints on behalf of these individuals with government agencies as they occur; please submit your complaint by clicking here.

While many Sikh travelers already face “discretionary” screening of their turbans, as “bulky clothing,” 100% of the time at certain airports, the new screening standards inclusion of Pakistan as a country that mandates additional screening puts all Sikhs who have visited Pakistan under special scrutiny. Certain Sikhs have complained of being unlawfully placed on watchlists, for no apparent reason, and also have complained that they are detained on multiple occasions for two to four hours upon entry into the USA, despite being American Citizens, and being cleared for entry every time. The new screening standards create an entirely new problem of profiling on the basis of country of origin, instead of using behavior or better intelligence sharing as a method to promote security, to the benefit of all Americans, such as those suggested here.

Pakistan was the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. With half of Sikh historical Gurdwaras (places of worship) located in Pakistan, many American Sikhs and Sikhs from throughout the world travel to Pakistan for religious purposes. Additionally, due to the current humanitarian crisis in Pakistan, many organizations are working in the South Asian country to provide humanitarian relief to the civilian families suffering due to the ongoing war on terrorism. The current practices of the Border Security and TSA officials have shown that Sikhs who have visited Pakistan are now being subjected to additional scrutiny. This creates a problem for Sikhs who want to visit Pakistan for religious reasons, and also discourages volunteers, Sikh and non-Sikh, from lending a helping hand to civilians in Pakistan who have lost their homes and means of livelihood due to the war.


Commenting on the situation, Jaspreet Singh , UNITED SIKHS Staff Attorney stated, “UNITED SIKHS is highly concerned about the safety of fellow Americans and supports the Government's efforts to make this country and the world a peaceful place to live. However, people are continuously singled out based on country of origin, race, and religion, rather than behavior or better intelligence sharing. Furthermore, we've seen little ability to effectively redress civil rights complaints resulting from these ineffective policies.”

UNITED SIKHS has joined hands with other South Asian and Sikh organizations to to prevent profiling of any sort during screening measures. To read a copy of the letter, please click here.

To read a previous press release from UNITED SIKHS on this issue, please visit: http://unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-27-12-2009-00.html

Issued By:
Amardeep Singh
Legal Coordinator
law-usa@unitedsikhs.org
amardeep.singh@unitedsikhs.org
Phone: 888-243-1690

Sikhs begin karsewa to construct gurudwara

BAHRAICH: The Sikh devotees from all over the country reached Dadahi village here. Led by Damdami Taksal Akhara in Punjab, they began the 'Karsewa'(construction) of new building of Nanaksahi Gurdwara on Monday.

It may be recalled that some mischievous elements had desecrated the Guru Granth Saheb in the village recently. The devotees began the `karseva' by demolishing the old building. `Akhand Paath' and `Sabad Kirtan' was held. Some devotees then left for Uttarakhand with the ashes of the holy scripture for immersing it into the pious waters of Nanakmata.

Some anti-social elements burnt the holy scripture kept in the Gurudwara on December 19 last year. The Sikhs became angry and held demonstrations. The community then decided to reconstruct the building afresh after demolishing the old one. Sikhs from all corner of the country reached Dadahi village on Sunday.

Disciples of Dera Nanak Saheb led by Sant Baba Sulakhan Singh carried out `karseva' and demolished the old structure for the constructed of new building of Gurdwara. Parikarma marg will be constructed around the building to avoid inconvenience to the devotees.

A procession was also taken out. The paath of Guru Granth Saheb paath is being held for the last three days in which a group of 10 devotees of Ajmata Damdami Taksal of Punjab are participating. Addressing the devotees, Lakhwinder Singh of Damdama Akhara said that the honour of the Sikh community should be protected at all cost.

Those who stole and burnt the holy book should be severely dealt with. Gyani Jarnail Singh of Roop Huzoori Ragi Jatha led a kirtan. President, Bahraich Gurdwara Management Committee Sardar Bhupendra Singh also addressed the gathering.

Source : with thanks : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Sikhs-begin-karsewa-to-construct-gurudwara/articleshow/5434425.cms

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Monday, January 11, 2010

Indian set on fire in Melbourne

WATCH THE VIDEO timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videoshow/5426718.cms

MELBOURNE: In yet another attack targeting Indians in Australia, a 29-year-old man from the country was set on fire by a group of four here, drawing strong condemnation from a student body which called such assaults unacceptable and asked authorities not to "dodge" the issue.

Jaspreet Singh was attacked in Essendon area of northwest Melbourne shortly before 2.00 am local time (0730 HRS IST), a week after an Indian student was stabbed to death amid a slew of assaults on the community in Australia.

Singh, who suffered 20 per cent burns including on his arms, chest and face, was admitted to 'The Alfred' hospital.

Singh and his wife left a dinner party in Essendon, in the city's northwest, between 1.30 am and 2 am and drove to their nearby home in Grice Crescent. He dropped his wife at home and had gone to park his car when he was attacked, local media reported.

Police said that as he was getting out of the car, four men attacked him, pushing him back against the vehicle and pouring an unknown fluid on him. One of the men then ignited the fluid with a lighter before all the attackers fled.

The victim, who is now in a stable condition in the hospital, ran from the car while peeling off his clothes.

Denying any racial angle to the attack, detective acting senior sergeant Neil Smyth said it is not yet known who the four men could be or their relationship to the victim. He said investigations indicate the attack was random.

"It's unlikely to be a racially motivated incident as due to the timing and the nature, it's highly unlikely anyone could have targeted the victim in the circumstances," Smyth said.

The incident is being investigated by the arson and explosives squad of police.

Police appealed for public assistance to locate the victim's clothes, which he shed as he fled the scene.

Singh's friends said he has been living in the city on a spouse visa.

Meanwhile, Gautam Gupta, President of Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA), said such attacks are unacceptable and the federal Government must act against them.

"We are extremely disturbed, we have contacted the Prime Minister's office and have suggested that they intervene, it's high time they intervene," he said. "How many times are they going to just dodge this issue."

Australian Deputy Premier Julia Gillard condemned the attack on Singh, saying the "matter remains under investigation by Victorian police and government would not comment further until police provide more information".

"Government condemns such acts of violence in the strongest way," she said.

The attack comes a week after the stabbing death of 21-year-old Indian graduate Nitin Garg in a Yarraville park while he was on his way to his part-time job in a restaurant.

The body of another Indian youth, 25-year-old Ranjodh Singh, was found beside Wilga Road in Willbriggie in the neighbouring state of New South Wales on December 29.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/indians-abroad/Indian-set-on-fire-in-Melbourne/articleshow/5426643.cms

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Oz: Burnt body confirmed to be that of Indian

Wednesday, January 6, 2010,11:56 [IST]

Melbourne, Jan 6: Australian police has reportedly confirmed that the partially burnt body found last week is that of an Indian national, identified as Ranjodh Singh.

25-year-old Singh was living at Wagga and was visiting Griffith at the time of his death, say media reports.

The body was found on Tuesday, Dec 29, beside Wilga Road in southern New South Wales.

Griffith police Inspector Paul Smith, who announced the confirmation of the victim's identity on Wednesday, Jan 6, described Singh's death as 'horrific'.

Repeating an appeal for public information, the inspector said, "We are reaching out to all members of the Griffith community to come forward, including members of the local Indian community who might hold crucial information that could be the key to solving Mr Singh's death."

Reports that the burnt body found last week was suspected to be that of an Indian hit the media on Tuesday, Jan 5.

This came just two days after the murder of 21-year-old Nitin Garg surfaced.

In the wake of these fatal attacks, Indian government issued a travel advisory to its students urging them to practice additional security precautions.

With thanks : source : http://news.oneindia.in/2010/01/06/australia-burnt-body-found-confirmed-indian-singh.html

SikhsIndia
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In Kabul, stranded Indians take refuge in a gurdwara

KABUL: Dozens of Indian labourers have been forced to take refuge in Kabul’s Sikh temple after job agents who promised lucrative jobs in the unstable capital disappeared, leaving the men penniless and without passports.

Billions of dollars in Western military contracts have turned Afghanistan — long a source of refugees fleeing chronic conflict — into an unlikely magnet for migrant workers willing to risk their lives for a more lucrative pay packet.

Around 200 stranded men were crowded into the Karte Parwan Gurdwara, the centre of Afghanistan’s small Sikh community, last month. Many flew home after their families scraped together funds for flights and travel documents, but over 30 are still stuck. Mumbai-native Subhedar Khandu is one of them. He said he paid Rs 1,50,000 ($3,300) to an agent who promised he would earn $800 a month doing construction in Afghanistan.

“I took out a loan to pay the agent, who I met in Mumbai. I thought I would get a one-year contact,” Khandu said. Instead, when he arrived in November, he was locked up in a house with other labourers, given only one meal per day and no work or salary. When his visa expired a month later, the agent vanished and the men turned to their embassy in desperation.

“We were locked in a kind of camp for one month. This is much better but we have nothing to do still, we just sleep a lot.” Contractors supplying foreign troops, who have been fighting in Afghanistan for over eight years, often rely on foreign migrant workers for menial but comparatively well-paid jobs in construction, food preparation and other fields.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-Kabul-stranded-Indians-take-refuge-in-a-gurdwara/articleshow/5431730.cms

SikhsIndia
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Sikh who died fighting muggers is UK's hero

LONDON: A Sikh man of Indian origin who was killed while confronting two muggers who were running away after snatching a woman’s handbag has been described as a hero by the British police.

Sukhwinder Singh, a builder and father of one, was attacked while pursuing the two muggers who had robbed a 28-year-old woman near Barking station. After chasing the two men along several streets, Singh caught up with them and a fight broke out, during which he was stabbed around 7pm on Friday, according to the Metropolitan Police. Singh, 31, was immediately taken to Royal London Hospital where he died of his injuries.

Describing Singh’s actions as ‘‘very brave’’, detective inspector of Metropolitan Police John Sandlin said, ‘‘This is a tragic death of a man who was killed for attempting to stop others committing crime. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Sukhwinder had been living in London for 10 years and was reportedly staying with his cousins in Barking.

The Metropolitan Police has issued descriptions of two suspects who were described as black, aged in their 20s to 30s, and of average height.

Local politician Nirmal Singh Gill said, ‘‘We are all very shocked. He didn’t deserve this — nobody deserves it — but he was a special young man.’’

With thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Sikh-who-died-fighting-muggers-is-UKs-hero/articleshow/5431810.cms

SikhsIndia
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Sunday, January 10, 2010

GURUDWARA PRABANDHAK COMMITTEE of KGP GURUDWARA

I, Kulvinder Singh Dhami,on behalf of the Sikh Communityof Kharagpur(KGP) & being a member of the GURUDWARA PRABANDHAK COMMITTEE of KGP GURUDWARA, would like to bring to your kind notice that we are in the process to construct a school(GURU TEG BAHADUR KHALSA PUBLIC SCHOOL) for the benefit of the community residing here & for other pepole also. So through all your sites, we would like to request to all the sikhs residing in this world for contributions & donations to help us for this noble cause. So, i would request you to give us your valued suggestions on how to proceed further on this matter.
My E Mail ID is : ksd.mint_o@yahoo.co.in

CBI finalises chargesheet against Sajjan Kumar

New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) CBI has finalised its chargesheet against senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and is likely to submit it to the designated court here "soon".

Sources in the agency said the chargesheet was finalised after receiving a nod from Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna recently to prosecute the Congress leader, an accused in the riots that shook the country 25 years ago after the assasination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards.

"We have finalised the chargesheet and it will be filed soon," a senior CBI official said requesting anonymity.

The sanction was required in the case of Sajjan Kumar as he was also charged with section 153-A of IPC (spreading enmity between two communities).

Sources said the sanction was given by Khanna to allow the CBI to launch court proceedings against the Congress leader.

with thanks : source : http://www.ptinews.com/news/461740_CBI-finalises-chargesheet-against-Sajjan-Kumar

sikhsindia
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Freedom fighters at the mercy of God

S Rattan Singh s/o S Harnam Singh of bhogpur dist jallandhar participated in Quit India movement and was prisoned at lahore central jail.He is 85 years old and is a victom of RED TAPISM.Inspite of having proofs and documents that prooves that he was a freedomfighter he is denied his dues of Swatantarta Samman Pension. He is being harrased for the last 13 years by the officers of punjab and central govt.

And another case is of S Basant Singh s/o S Kishan Singh of Fatehgarh Korotana dist Moga. He was a companion of Neta Ji Subhash Chander Bose and acompanied him in all the activities and was captured by British Militry in Ipoh and was made Prisoner Of War. He was released after 8 months and wasnot taken back in Naval Base Police Singapore because of his participation in the activities of I.N.A.He was not issued any service certificate as he has joined I.N.A.He has joined I.N.A.from civil from singapore and donated all fo his earnings to I.N.A.fund and became a full time warior. and now at the age of 90 years he is penniless and is waiting endlessly for death as only death can bring end to his miseries. He was facilitated with many honors as Tamar Patra BY INDIRA GANDHI IN 1972 and with many medals which he had sold to meet his medical expenses. He is waiting for his pension so that he can live comfortably in the last days of his life.

If any body can help these soldiers....?
Satwinder Kaur united sikhs Delhi
satwinder_1961@yahoo.com

RWA - a new blog

If you are from Delhi, please log on to RWABhagidari blog www.RWABhagidari.blogspot.com and add about any civic problems being faced by you, with pics & vids. You can add any ideas, suggestions as well comments on various issues raised in the blog.

The blog is very well covered by print media which includes Hindustan times, Jagran City plus, Amar Ujala, Rashtriy sahara as well Delhi Aajtak TV Channel etc. in the last few days.

Looking forward to meet Delhites on the new blog launched by our CEO Mr. B S Vohra, who is already having a Sikh blog www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com as well a Sikh portal www.sohnijodi.com.

Best regards

SikhsIndia

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Manmohan Impressed By Malaysian Sikhs Success, Says Darshan

NEW DELHI, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was impressed with the Malaysian Sikh community's social and economic success, said Malaysia National Sikhs Movement president Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill.

He said the premier was happy over the contribution of Sikhs towards the development of Malaysia.

Earlier, Darshan presented a coffee-table book which he had authored, and titled 'Sikh Community in Malaysia', to Manmohan at his residence in Delhi where the former attended the eighth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conclave.

-- BERNAMA

with thanks : source : http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=467228

SikhsIndia
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Sikh museum opens in Balongi

“A Comprehensive policy has been chalked out to promote tourism in the state and all-out efforts are being made in earnest to implement the scheme,” said Punjab Tourism Minister Hira Singh Gabria, while inaugurating a Sikh heritage museum at Balongi village on Thursday evening.

Parvinder Singh, president of the Sikh Heritage Cultural Society, who has sculpted the statues of various Sikh warriors took the minister around the museum.

Gabria announced a grant of Rs 1 lakh from his discretionary quota for the development of the museum. Gabria, who also holds the portfolio of Jails Ministry, said Rs 82 crore was being spent to renovate existing jails and construct new barracks in jails across the state and the work would be completed by March 31.

He said blocks of 48 houses each would come up at Faridkot and Kapurthala jails till August 15 for housing the family of jail inmates.

With thanks : source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Sikh-museum-opens-in-Balongi/565232

SikhsIndia
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