Pak dismisses India's concerns on Sikhs' treatment by Taliban
PTI
Islamabad, May 2, 2009
Pakistan on Saturday dismissed the unhappiness expressed by India about the Taliban imposing tax on Sikhs and demolishing their homes in the restive tribal belt, saying the issue was of "no concern" to New Delhi.
Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said Pakistan had responded to India's "verbal demarche" on the issue by making it clear that the Sikhs in this country are Pakistani citizens and are of "no concern of India." "Pakistan is fully cognisant of the issue of the Sikhs and of the welfare of all its citizens, especially the minorities," Basit told PTI.
Diplomatic sources said the issue of Sikhs being forced out of their homes in Pakistan's Aurakzai tribal agency after they failed to pay 'jiziya' or tax imposed on non-Muslims was taken up yesterday with the Foreign Office by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
It was also taken up with the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi by the External Affairs Ministry.
The Indian side was told by the Pakistanis that it "need not worry about the Sikhs" and that the move was "tantamount to interfering in Pakistan's internal affairs," the sources said.
with thanks : source : http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?issueid=&id=39964&option=com_content&task=view§ionid=4
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Please contribute News & Pics related to Sikhs from your area.
Please contribute News & Pics related to SIKHS from your area for uploading on our sikh blog www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com as well our sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com If you could add our links on your websites or could promote us in your areas, we will be thankful to you.
Best regards
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
http://www.sohnijodi.com/advsohnijodi.htm
Sikh families shifted safely to Hassan Abdal from Buner, tribal areas
Sikh families shifted safely to Hassan Abdal from Buner, tribal areas
HASSANABDAL/ISLAMABAD: Over 400 Sikhs have been shifted safely to Hassan Abdal Gurdawara following their forced eviction from Buner by Taliban and security forces operation therein while the local administration has taken stringent security measures for their safety.
They were reported to have been expelled from tribal areas for the refusal on their part to pay jizia and their houses were set ablaze. Ongoing operation against Taliban by the security forces had also caused massive shifting of the Sikhs from Buner and other tribal areas.
Property Trust Evacuee Board (PTEB) made extensive relief arrangements for the affected Sikhs. Chairman PTEB, Syed Asif Hashmi expressed solidarity with the affected Sikh families and held out assurance of full cooperation saying full protection was being provided to all the minorities in Pakistan and they were living here with full freedom.
People of Pakistan and Sikh community were tied into bonds of historical relationship which would not be allowed to grow fragile in any way, he announced. Every possible assistance would be extended to Sikh community in future like the past in the country, he assured.
with thanks : source : http://www.onlinenews.com.pk
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
HASSANABDAL/ISLAMABAD: Over 400 Sikhs have been shifted safely to Hassan Abdal Gurdawara following their forced eviction from Buner by Taliban and security forces operation therein while the local administration has taken stringent security measures for their safety.
They were reported to have been expelled from tribal areas for the refusal on their part to pay jizia and their houses were set ablaze. Ongoing operation against Taliban by the security forces had also caused massive shifting of the Sikhs from Buner and other tribal areas.
Property Trust Evacuee Board (PTEB) made extensive relief arrangements for the affected Sikhs. Chairman PTEB, Syed Asif Hashmi expressed solidarity with the affected Sikh families and held out assurance of full cooperation saying full protection was being provided to all the minorities in Pakistan and they were living here with full freedom.
People of Pakistan and Sikh community were tied into bonds of historical relationship which would not be allowed to grow fragile in any way, he announced. Every possible assistance would be extended to Sikh community in future like the past in the country, he assured.
with thanks : source : http://www.onlinenews.com.pk
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
New York Senator Addresses Thousands at Annual Sikh Day Parade and Expresses Support for "One of America's Hardest Working Communities"
New York, New York, USA: Senator Charles E. Schumer (NY) spoke before thousands of Sikhs at the 22nd Annual Sikh Day Parade in New York City this past Saturday, marking the first time a United States Senator has attended the parade. Responding to UNITED SIKHS invitation to the Parade, the Senator expressed overwhelming support for the current struggle of the Sikh community to practice the Sikh faith freely while serving in the U.S. Military and in police forces. Starting his speech with the Sikh greeting "Sat Sri Akal," Senator Schumer congratulated the Sikh community on this 310th Vaisaikhi, and commended the Sikhs for being "one of America's hardest working communities". UNITED SIKHS continues to work with Senator Schumer and other members of Congress in advocating for civil rights issues including employment discrimination, international religious freedom (Right to Turban campaign), the right to serve in armed forces, hate/bias crimes, and immigration reform.
UNITED SIKHS is delighted that Senator Schumer congratulated the Sikh community for their commitment to the American dream while preserving the Sikh religious identity. Commenting on Senator Schumer's attendance, Jaspreet Singh, Staff Attorney for UNITED SIKHS stated, "We appreciate the Senator's outreach to the Sikh community and his recognition of the Sikh community as a contributing part of America. The Senator's support on Sikh civil rights issues is invaluable in our struggle for equality and justice."
Tehal Singh, President of the Sikh Cultural Society of New York, stated, "Senator Schumer is one of the most progressive representatives in the country, and we are thankful of his support for the Sikh community."
Commenting on the Sikh Day Parade, Dr. Ranjit Singh, General Secretary of Sikh Youth of America stated, "The whole Parade had a Khalsa fervor; it was the first time a US Senator attended the Parade, and we are very pleased that Senator Schumer expressed support for Sikhs in armed services."
Himmat Singh, President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Sahib, commented, "on a day where thousands of Sikhs came to celebrate Vaisakhi and the Sikh religious identity, it was pleasure to see Senator Schumer speak so highly of the Sikh community and our identity."
Again, UNITED SIKHS would to like to remind the Sikh Community that it is through overcoming our differences and working together that we will be able to overcome challenges to religious identity and our honorable way of life as prescribed by Guru Sahib.
We thank all organizations participating in the Sikh Day Parade, where Sikhs gather to celebrate the Sikh holiday, Vaisakhi. We also would like to thank dedicated UNITED SIKHS volunteers Jaswinder Singh, Joga Singh, and Rajbir Kaur for setting up an informational booth and distributing materials about our projects, and asking community members to report their problems.
UNITED SIKHS dedication to grassroots and global justice has been powered by volunteers, supporters, and the Sikh community, who are reaching out, speaking up, and standing in solidarity wherever there is a need. We humbly request you to volunteer time or donate funds to help UNITED SIKHS continue its work in disaster relief, empowerment, and international civil and human rights advocacy. You can make a tax deductible donation by visiting: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/donate/.
You may read a previous press release on UNITED SIKHS' advocacy efforts at: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-13-04-2009-00.htm.
Issued By:
Amneet Singh
Advocacy, Media and Operations Coordinator
UNITED SIKHS
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
UNITED SIKHS is delighted that Senator Schumer congratulated the Sikh community for their commitment to the American dream while preserving the Sikh religious identity. Commenting on Senator Schumer's attendance, Jaspreet Singh, Staff Attorney for UNITED SIKHS stated, "We appreciate the Senator's outreach to the Sikh community and his recognition of the Sikh community as a contributing part of America. The Senator's support on Sikh civil rights issues is invaluable in our struggle for equality and justice."
Tehal Singh, President of the Sikh Cultural Society of New York, stated, "Senator Schumer is one of the most progressive representatives in the country, and we are thankful of his support for the Sikh community."
Commenting on the Sikh Day Parade, Dr. Ranjit Singh, General Secretary of Sikh Youth of America stated, "The whole Parade had a Khalsa fervor; it was the first time a US Senator attended the Parade, and we are very pleased that Senator Schumer expressed support for Sikhs in armed services."
Himmat Singh, President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Sahib, commented, "on a day where thousands of Sikhs came to celebrate Vaisakhi and the Sikh religious identity, it was pleasure to see Senator Schumer speak so highly of the Sikh community and our identity."
Again, UNITED SIKHS would to like to remind the Sikh Community that it is through overcoming our differences and working together that we will be able to overcome challenges to religious identity and our honorable way of life as prescribed by Guru Sahib.
We thank all organizations participating in the Sikh Day Parade, where Sikhs gather to celebrate the Sikh holiday, Vaisakhi. We also would like to thank dedicated UNITED SIKHS volunteers Jaswinder Singh, Joga Singh, and Rajbir Kaur for setting up an informational booth and distributing materials about our projects, and asking community members to report their problems.
UNITED SIKHS dedication to grassroots and global justice has been powered by volunteers, supporters, and the Sikh community, who are reaching out, speaking up, and standing in solidarity wherever there is a need. We humbly request you to volunteer time or donate funds to help UNITED SIKHS continue its work in disaster relief, empowerment, and international civil and human rights advocacy. You can make a tax deductible donation by visiting: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/donate/.
You may read a previous press release on UNITED SIKHS' advocacy efforts at: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-13-04-2009-00.htm.
Issued By:
Amneet Singh
Advocacy, Media and Operations Coordinator
UNITED SIKHS
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
Aasra the Punjabi magazine from Kent, USA
AASRA - a Punjabi magazine is being Published by Sd. Sarb Singh ji from Kent USA. He can be contacted through his website www.sikhism.com. Aasra Magazine is the first nationwide American Sikh magazine distributed free in print and on the Web, and available by subscription as well. Public education through a strong Sikh media can overcome much bigotry and intolerance. It is for this purpose of connecting Sikh and non-Sikh communities that editions of Aasra Magazine have been published every two months since January, 2006.The magazine covers the celebrations of Sikhs in USA as well many other religious topics. The Editor can be contacted at :"Aasra Magazine" <aasra@q.com>
Best regards
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
Best regards
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
The World's First Sikh Supermodel?
The difference a year makes. One year ago, Hoboken-area Sikh entrepreneur Hansdip Bindra made the news as a victim of a bias crime when a fellow bar-goer demanded he remove his turban, and, when he wouldn't, knocked it off for him. Fast forward one year and another Sikh entrepreneur-turned-media darling, Sonny Caberwal, is being hailed for his ability to flaunt yellow, pink and green turbans with panache in campaigns for Kenneth Cole and GQ.
News outlets such as the UK Telegraph are anointing him as "the world's only Sikh professional model." Is he?
I doubt it. The Sikh community is a strong (and apparently fashionable) one, and Sikh models abound within the community if you know where to look.
But if you don't, or prefer not to see them, such as the people behind major fashion runways who specialize in one-color-fits-all fashion shows, then Sonny Caberwal (now signed to modeling agency BOSS) can seem like a wonder.
Let's hope he's not a one-hit wonder.
with thanks : source : http://www.hyphenmagazine.com/blog/2009/04/did-gq-unveil-the-worlds-first.html
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
Taliban action against Sikhs not surprising: US
Taliban action against Sikhs not surprising: US
Washington, May 1 (PTI) Terming the Taliban as "ruthless killers," the US today said the action initiated by them against the minority Sikh community in Pakistan's tribal region was not surprising provides all the more reason to rid the region of extremists.
"I've heard reports about that. It doesn't surprise me. I mean, these are ruthless killers, the Taliban," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters at his daily press briefing when asked about Taliban's demand for "Jizya" from Sikhs in Pakistan's tribal regions forcing them to leave their homes.
"They (the Taliban) will do anything they can to upset Pakistan's and Afghanistan's fragile democracies," he said.
Taking note of the reports, New Delhi today summoned a diplomat of Pakistan High Commission to register its concern over the development.
"As I said, I've heard these reports. They're not surprising. This is why it's important that we, the international community, cooperate in trying to rid this region of these extremists. And the sooner we can accomplish that mission, the better," Wood told reporters. PTI
with thanks : source : http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/444513B2635A3F8F652575A90063182F?OpenDocument
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
Washington, May 1 (PTI) Terming the Taliban as "ruthless killers," the US today said the action initiated by them against the minority Sikh community in Pakistan's tribal region was not surprising provides all the more reason to rid the region of extremists.
"I've heard reports about that. It doesn't surprise me. I mean, these are ruthless killers, the Taliban," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters at his daily press briefing when asked about Taliban's demand for "Jizya" from Sikhs in Pakistan's tribal regions forcing them to leave their homes.
"They (the Taliban) will do anything they can to upset Pakistan's and Afghanistan's fragile democracies," he said.
Taking note of the reports, New Delhi today summoned a diplomat of Pakistan High Commission to register its concern over the development.
"As I said, I've heard these reports. They're not surprising. This is why it's important that we, the international community, cooperate in trying to rid this region of these extremists. And the sooner we can accomplish that mission, the better," Wood told reporters. PTI
with thanks : source : http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/444513B2635A3F8F652575A90063182F?OpenDocument
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
Gursikh boys & girls for marriage
Its really difficult now a days to locate a Gursikh boy or girl for marriage. We understand the problems being faced by sikhs overseas. But the fact is that even in India, sikhs are facing the similar problems.
Therefore, we have decided that now onwards we will allow the Gursikh boys & girls to add the matrimonial profile on our sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com absolutely free. Its a fast upcoming sikh web portal with a rising percentage of hits from all over the world. It can be the best source to be used for locating the life partners and that too absolutely free.
Please log on to the sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com and mail the matrimonial profiles with or without pics for uploading. In the service of our sikh community.
Best Regards
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
Chat on yahoo ID : sohnijodi
Therefore, we have decided that now onwards we will allow the Gursikh boys & girls to add the matrimonial profile on our sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com absolutely free. Its a fast upcoming sikh web portal with a rising percentage of hits from all over the world. It can be the best source to be used for locating the life partners and that too absolutely free.
Please log on to the sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com and mail the matrimonial profiles with or without pics for uploading. In the service of our sikh community.
Best Regards
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
Chat on yahoo ID : sohnijodi
India conveys concern to Pak over harassment of Sikhs
India conveys concern to Pak over harassment of Sikhs
New Delhi, May 1 (PTI) Taking serious note of Sikhs being driven away from their homes by Taliban in Pakistan's northwest region, India today conveyed its concerns to Islamabad over the treatment meted out to the minorities in that country.
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a diplomat of Pakistan High Commission here to register its unhappiness over the development. Indian High Commission in Islamabad also conveyed similar views to Pakistan Foreign Office there.
"On seeing reports about Sikh families in Pakistan being driven out of their homes and being subjected to 'Jaziya' (taxes) and other such impositions, the government of India has taken up with Pakistan the question of treatment of minorities with the government of Pakistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said here.
Reports from Aurakzai said Taliban had imposed 'Jaziya' (protection tax imposed on non-Muslims under Shariah law) and destroyed houses of 11 Sikh families who failed to pay the huge tax of Rs 50 million each till April 29 when the deadline expired.
Sources said India conveyed its concerns over the treatment meted out to Sikhs by Taliban in Pakistan's troubled Aurakzai tribal region saying it was a "serious matter".
Pakistan government has the responsibility of ensuring safety and security of Sikhs who are a minority community in that country, they said. PTI
with thanks : source : PTI
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
New Delhi, May 1 (PTI) Taking serious note of Sikhs being driven away from their homes by Taliban in Pakistan's northwest region, India today conveyed its concerns to Islamabad over the treatment meted out to the minorities in that country.
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a diplomat of Pakistan High Commission here to register its unhappiness over the development. Indian High Commission in Islamabad also conveyed similar views to Pakistan Foreign Office there.
"On seeing reports about Sikh families in Pakistan being driven out of their homes and being subjected to 'Jaziya' (taxes) and other such impositions, the government of India has taken up with Pakistan the question of treatment of minorities with the government of Pakistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said here.
Reports from Aurakzai said Taliban had imposed 'Jaziya' (protection tax imposed on non-Muslims under Shariah law) and destroyed houses of 11 Sikh families who failed to pay the huge tax of Rs 50 million each till April 29 when the deadline expired.
Sources said India conveyed its concerns over the treatment meted out to Sikhs by Taliban in Pakistan's troubled Aurakzai tribal region saying it was a "serious matter".
Pakistan government has the responsibility of ensuring safety and security of Sikhs who are a minority community in that country, they said. PTI
with thanks : source : PTI
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
Gurbani anywhere
What is Gurbani Anywhere?
GA is a free to use Gurbani application, which has been designed using modern programming techniques to enable fast and efficient methods to search & display Gurbani, on a truly mobile platform.
The Present & future?
Initially we decided to launch GA on Windows Mobile as our target platform, and have now successfully released Version 2.0, which should hopefully keep all you Windows Mobile users happy for a while, especially as it now includes Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaaran.
As we all know the variety of platforms vary from device to device, and not everyone will own a Windows Mobile device, we are now allocating more time and effort on developing versions for the following platforms:
Google Android
Symbian - This will support the majority of Nokia devices
Apple iphone & itouch
GA Windows Mobile Edition - Version 2.0 Release
Features:
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji
Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaaran
Baba Nand Lal Ji Kabits - Coming Soon!
Guru Granth Sahib Ji Word Dictionary & Meanings - Coming Soon!
Mahan Kosh - Coming Soon!
Search:
Auto search - automatically searches as you type
Manual search option - for less powerful devices
Multiple search methods
Random shabad option - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji only
Open Ang - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji only
Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji Quicklist - index of paaths
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Quicklist - index of a few paaths
Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaaran Quicklist - index of vaars
User Interface:
Multiple tabbed view - able to view multiple shabad and ang.
Gurmukhi keyboard
Special functions:
Auto scroll - set auto scroll speed to scrolldown shabad.
Favorites - save your favorite shabads
Customize options
Search settings
Personalize text font, colour and size
Fixes: Keyboard display on devices with higher resolutions such as HTC Touch Pro fixed.
Thanks!
Notice: We are only human, so please forgive any mistakes, bugs or issues. We would greatfully appreciate all feedback to help improve mistakes and software bugs. Thank you!
with thanks : source : gurbanianywhere.com
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
GA is a free to use Gurbani application, which has been designed using modern programming techniques to enable fast and efficient methods to search & display Gurbani, on a truly mobile platform.
The Present & future?
Initially we decided to launch GA on Windows Mobile as our target platform, and have now successfully released Version 2.0, which should hopefully keep all you Windows Mobile users happy for a while, especially as it now includes Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaaran.
As we all know the variety of platforms vary from device to device, and not everyone will own a Windows Mobile device, we are now allocating more time and effort on developing versions for the following platforms:
Google Android
Symbian - This will support the majority of Nokia devices
Apple iphone & itouch
GA Windows Mobile Edition - Version 2.0 Release
Features:
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji
Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaaran
Baba Nand Lal Ji Kabits - Coming Soon!
Guru Granth Sahib Ji Word Dictionary & Meanings - Coming Soon!
Mahan Kosh - Coming Soon!
Search:
Auto search - automatically searches as you type
Manual search option - for less powerful devices
Multiple search methods
Random shabad option - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji only
Open Ang - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji only
Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji Quicklist - index of paaths
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Quicklist - index of a few paaths
Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaaran Quicklist - index of vaars
User Interface:
Multiple tabbed view - able to view multiple shabad and ang.
Gurmukhi keyboard
Special functions:
Auto scroll - set auto scroll speed to scrolldown shabad.
Favorites - save your favorite shabads
Customize options
Search settings
Personalize text font, colour and size
Fixes: Keyboard display on devices with higher resolutions such as HTC Touch Pro fixed.
Thanks!
Notice: We are only human, so please forgive any mistakes, bugs or issues. We would greatfully appreciate all feedback to help improve mistakes and software bugs. Thank you!
with thanks : source : gurbanianywhere.com
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Taliban seize houses, shops of Sikhs in Orakzai
Taliban seize houses, shops of Sikhs in Orakzai
HANGU: Taliban on Wednesday forcibly occupied three houses and 10 trade centres belonging to Sikhs in Orakzai Agency for not paying jizia, a tax levied on non-Muslims living under Islamic law. A few days ago, the local Taliban had asked Sikh families living in the agency to pay jizia amounting to Rs 50 million, which was later reduced to Rs 15 million after negotiations. They had set a deadline to pay the amount. Taliban occupied Sikhs houses and business centres in Samma Feroz Khel, Qasim Khel and Chirat areas after the deadline expired. Sources said the Taliban also burnt three trade centres belonging to the Sikh community. Around 15 Sikh families have left their ancestral villages and have taken refuge in Minni Khel area of the agency. staff report.
with thanks : source : http://www.dailytimes.com.pk
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
HANGU: Taliban on Wednesday forcibly occupied three houses and 10 trade centres belonging to Sikhs in Orakzai Agency for not paying jizia, a tax levied on non-Muslims living under Islamic law. A few days ago, the local Taliban had asked Sikh families living in the agency to pay jizia amounting to Rs 50 million, which was later reduced to Rs 15 million after negotiations. They had set a deadline to pay the amount. Taliban occupied Sikhs houses and business centres in Samma Feroz Khel, Qasim Khel and Chirat areas after the deadline expired. Sources said the Taliban also burnt three trade centres belonging to the Sikh community. Around 15 Sikh families have left their ancestral villages and have taken refuge in Minni Khel area of the agency. staff report.
with thanks : source : http://www.dailytimes.com.pk
sikhsindia
www.sohnijodi.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
