Hate Finds Another Victim in New Jersey

SALDEF concerned about potential backlash in the coming weeks after historic Presidential election Washington, DC – October 29, 2008: On Monday, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, documented a violent hate crime against a Sikh American man in Carteret, New Jersey.Before dawn on Monday morning, Mr. Ajit Singh Chima walked out of his home in Carteret for his daily exercise.

As he walked around his neighborhood, Mr. Chima was violently struck in the head by a Hispanic male who appeared to be in his twenties. As Mr. Chima fell to the ground, the assailant continued to violently punch and kick Mr. Chima in the head, neck and face before casually walking away from the scene. Nothing was stolen from Mr. Chima’s person.Mr. Chima suffered four broken bones around his jaw and eyes. Other medical tests are ongoing to diagnose any possible effects on his vision or greater head injuries.

As of today, no arrests have been made. Upon learning of the incident, SALDEF alerted local police, the Mayor of Carteret, the FBI and other Justice Department officials and urged them to investigate the attack as a possible hate crime.

Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman acknowledged SALDEF’s concerns about post-9/11 hate crimes against Sikhs and reassured SALDEF that the attack would be properly investigated.“In light of previous hate attacks against the Sikh American community, if theft isn’t an issue, and if the assailant isn’t known to the victim, we are left with a presumption that bias was a motive,” said Rajdeep Singh Jolly, Legal Director of SALDEF. “We want law enforcement officials to investigate this attack as a possible hate crime.”T

he Potential for MoreOver the past year, SALDEF and many other organizations have expressed concern about the use of ethnic and religious slurs in the context of the presidential campaign ad the perceived acceptance from both campaigns that to be or perceived to be Muslim or Arab is negative. SALDEF has also documented an increase in verbal assaults directed toward Sikhs in the past 30 days. For example, last month, a community member came to SALDEF regarding an incident that occurred in Providence, RI which could have resulted in violence. While waiting on the sidewalk for a companion to park their car, a Sikh American man was approached by a white male who got out of his vehicle and accosted him. The white male approached the turbaned Sikh male and allegedly stated, " I have a gun in my car and since you are a hajii no one will care if I kill you. You know why the police won't do anything? Because I got blond hair and blue eyes." As the assailant left, he screamed, "F*** Arabs and F*** Obama."

“The bias-filled rhetoric has reached a new high this campaign season and our community must be prepared for any potential increase in hate and bias crimes,” said SALDEF National Director Rajbir Singh Datta. “Individuals who feel no shame about verbally assaulting members of the Sikh American community usually just need a spark to turn violent. We fear the spark may be the outcome of the presidential campaign, regardless of who wins.”T

This should not prevent Sikh Americans from voting on November 4, 2008. SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot for the candidate of their choice this election year. As always, however, Sikh Americans should be aware of their surroundings; stay in contact with friends and family; and immediately report any incidents of harassment or violence to the police and to SALDEF at legal@saldef.org or via phone at (202) 393-2700.Source: Rajbir Singh Datta, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund

United Sikhs Serves Hot Meals to Hurricane Ike Evacuees

Houston, Texas, USA – United Sikhs’ Humanitarian Aid team served over 900 hot meals to evacuees of Hurricane Ike in Houston, Texas over a period of five days from Oct 1st. FEMA and partner agencies contacted United Sikhs requesting that we serve hot meals and distribute emergency supplies to evacuees in Houston. The Sikh Center of the Gulf Coast in Houston, a gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), provided the kitchen facilities to cook hot meals for evacuees.

United Sikhs’ volunteers from Austin, Dallas, and Houston prepared meals which were then transported and served at local shelters. The hot meals were well received by the evacuees and relief partner agencies. Reginald Williams, a District Coordinator of State Representative Sylvester Turner, met the volunteers at the site and offered his sincere thanks to United Sikhs for providing food to evacuees.“We cooked rice, lentils, chick peas, kidney beans and prepared yogurt and salad at the Sikh Center of the Gulf Coast.

It was a great feeling to help others” said Rajwant Kaur, a volunteer from Houston.“Mary Bennet, a single mom, who had a tree in her driveway due to the hurricane which damaged the property and disrupted the power, gave a warm hug to volunteers across the serving table with tears in her eyes. Many more evacuees personally thanked volunteers for the meals, and it was great for local Sikh volunteers to give to other Texans.” said Gurjeet Kaur, United Sikhs relief coordinator.Lisa Cummins, the Florida Volunteer Coordinator for the Churches of Scientology Disaster Response, who supported the United Sikhs hot meals service, said, "It was such an honor for our team of Volunteer Ministers who were providing emotional and spiritual Assists, to work alongside your team of volunteers who graciously provided warm meals to those affected by Hurricane Ike. I know the people we served were very appreciative of this care. We look forward to working with your organization in the future." Harcharan Singh, Tarlok Singh and Gurjeet Kaur serving food Gurvinder Singh, Kawaljeet Kaur and Izhaarbir Singh serving food “We are working with agencies in the Galveston area to provide medical assistance to those evacuees who need essential medical treatment.

We plan to send a disaster medical assistance team of physicians, nurses and practitioners, and we request additional medical professionals to volunteer with us. Our experienced medical team has responded to some of the worst natural disasters including the Asian Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina” said United Sikhs Director Kuldip Singh.Suource: Gurvinder Singh, Director Sikh Aid United Sikhs

BLOOD AND HONOUR GANG STATEMENT!

I had an email by some next Sikh gang, they told me to promote their blog. i was skeptical at first, but when i had a read i found it intresting.

www.bloodandhonourgang.blogspot.com

Sikh attacked by so called sikhs for speaking truth!

An American Sikh had a miraculous escape when he was attacked by followers of a Sikh sect, for raising objection over the slaughtering of a goat and then applying ‘tilak’ of its blood on weapons. The American Sikh was dragged by them into the Takht building. However, he was saved on the intervention of some saner elements with the help of the Maharashtra police.

Blast at Gurdwara Tegh Bahadar Sahib in Nottingham

Nottingham, UK (KP) – An investigation is being carried out by the Police in relation to a blast that took place at Gurdwara Tegh Bahadar Sahib in Lenton. The blast took place around 5:20 PM and no injuries were reported by the police.

According to details that have been publicized after the event, the blast took place in a room next to the Gurdwara Sahib kitchen. According to police reports, the blast does not seem to have been planned. Further investigations will take place tomorrow and appropriate actions will be taken to ensure safety of the Gurdwara Sahib.

Following the blast Gurdwara Sahib premises have remained inaccessible for the Sangat. Local streets – Lenton Boulevard and Gregory Street have also been put under surveillance as a safety measure. Local residents had to be evacuated but later allowed to return after two hours.

Black day for the Sikhs of Belgium

English translation of French article by Ricardo Gutierre (Le Soir)

Justice / No arrest made at the end of the Vilvorde raid

The police raid at Vilvorde’s Sikh temple has bruised the community. Which demands an apology.

Resham Singh is wounded. But the sparkle in his hazel eyes doesn’t represent well the rancour that torments him. On Saturday, the Police beseiged the Sikh temple that he presides at Vilvorde, as part of the drive to break-up an Indian network of trafficking of human beings (Monday evening). An operation without consideration for the special ceremony that was being held there. “Black day”, says Resham Singh, “that we will commemorate every year.”

The Gurdwara Sahib is one of the four Sikh temples of the country. It has up to 900 devotees. A vast hangar at the heart of Vilvorde transformed into an Australian hype restaurant before being reconverted into a religious place. The entry gate, flanked by big wooden cases where the followers deposit their shoes evokes that of a mosque. The room has two levels, covered with Persian carpets… The space is traced with multicoloured paper garlands, plastic flags. Rainbow coloured balls dangle on ropes tied from one wall to another.

At the far end of the room, two enormous stuffed tigers – like those that can be won in lotteries in the fairs in the Midi – stand guard at the foot of the “palki”, the altar of the temple, where two huge sports trophies are enthroned… “Gifts”, Resham Singh seems to be excusing himself.

Nobody finds the apparent kitsch funny…. “Devotees have been reduced to tears here when we recounted yesterday’s police raid… Do you realise”, says Resham Singh, “Our temple is the only one in the world to have been subjected to this outrage… The only Gurdwara where the 48 hours of uninterrupted reading which was supposed to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the sacred texts of Sikhism have been savagely interrupted.”

The facts tumble in the nervous remarks by Resham, his ally Malook, Amrik, the converted Sikh, and “Sunny”, the Muslim friend, the only member of the group without the turban, the pepper and salt beard (never cut, like the hair) and the kirpan, the symbolic dagger with shoulder strap.

"The police block the exits from 4.30 am. The doors were broken down at 5 am. The charge : Devotees, traditional singers and the “granthi”, the prior of the temple taken in for questioning. The cupboard was broken, from where the account books were taken away. The inner ransacking of the place, from the roof to the cellar. The heavy noise of shoes, especially on the worn-out carpet. And the heads uncovered. As though out of provocation."

“A humiliation”, resumes the old Malook. The ways that remind one of that fateful day when Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India at the time, ordered the siege of the Golden Temple of Amritsar”, the central place of the Sikh monotheism.

In less than 24 hours, the devotees taken in for questioning, numbering about 40, were freed. Sunday evening, the foreign office renounced the application of the only three orders issued to leave the country… The concerned persons (the singers having come from India to celebrate the “akhand path”) had valid passports and visas. “Everything happened as though the Public Prosecutor’s office, that did not arrest any of the alleged leaders of the network, felt obliged to justify the scale of the raid”, comments advocate Inès Wouters.

Two days after the raid, still no explanation”, observes Resham Singh.. “Why did the foreign office try to expel three visitors on a legal visit? What is the justification for this behaviour that the churches are spared, that nobody would dare to inflict on mosques, synagogues and Masonic temple? The Public Prosecutor in Brussels claims that the Gurdwara in Vilvorde is “regularly used for receives illegal immigrants”. At the same time admitting that there was no proof to establish that the people in charge of the temple were implicated.

Illegal immigrants? “Everyone is welcome”, reacts ‘Sunny’, “We do not ask for papers at the entry. And if we do give private individuals shelter, as is required by the Sikh tradition, it is for a maximum of one or two days… Only the “granthi” resides in the temple.

The case has disgusted the Sikh community in the four corners of the world. “We have written a letter to the Prime Minister, Yves Leterne, asking him to order an inquiry into the events at Vilvorde”. confirms from New York, the lawyer of the United Sikhs , Mejindarpal Kaur. Others followed, like the religious authorities at Amritsar, as well as their representatives in United States and Canada. The Association of Sikh Temples in United States also saw sense in taking the matter before the State Department… “This temple is not a no-right zone, but for all that, it is not less of a place of respect”, insists Ms. Wouters. “We are waiting for excuses: the Justice department has unnecessarily created the amalgam between criminal activities that must be prosecuted and the practice of Sikhism.” Resham Singh, suddenly, becomes serious, “5,000 to 6,000 Sikhs live in Belgium. A peaceful, hardworking community present from 18 years… Every year on the 11th of November, at Ypres, we participate in the commemorations in the memory of the 35,000 Sikhs who shed their blood here, during the two wars. How can you expect us to understand the way the Police has treated us?”

The sweet milk tea has become cold in the metallic glasses kept on the ground. The vermicelli made of chickpea flour doesn’t tempt anyone. In the galleries of the temple, a child holds an inflated ball in the air. Resham Singh has a thought for his four children. They live in Amritsar with their mother whom he visits five or six times a year. “I wanted them to learn Punjabi and to study the sacred book. They will come back to Belgium when they will be 13 – 14 years old. I hope that they will come back to a country which would have the dignity to excuse itself for an unjust affront.”

Badal Cajoles Anti-Panthic 'Namdhari' Cult with Public Funds

Badal, Talwandi and other Nakli-Akalis attend anti-Sikh Dehdahri Function

Ludhiana, Punjab (KP) - In order to further propagate the Hindutva agenda to the Sikh youth in Punjab and desecrate sacred Sikh values and institutions, Parkash Badal guaranteed free rein to the anti-Sikh 'Namdhari' cult and presented a blank check to his dehdhari 'satguru'- and cult leader Jagjit Sinh, at a state sponsored event held at the 'Namdhari' headquarters at Bhaini to mark 150 years of the cult's existence. This comes less than a month after the mahant vowed to revive the anti-Sikh cult and presented the fake 'guru' with a check of Rs. 50 lakh for the creation and maintenance of 'Namdhari' centers throughout the state.

In his usual pretentious tone, Badal lauded the cult for the 'numerous sacrifices it has made for the independence of Hindustan,' and assur

ed Jagjit Sinh that his government would take all necessary steps to 'create awareness' about the 'Namdharis.' The mahant further commented that it was particularly essential to educate the youth throughout Punjab about the 'Namdhari heroes' like 'Satguru' Ram Singh, and announced plans to have 'Namdhari' history become a compulsory portion of the statewide school curricula. Badal further emphasized that he and his government will abide by any and all orders from the 'Namdhari Darbar' of Jagjit Sinh and later told reporters, "I have given them [Jagjit Sinh] a signed blank check and they can have whatever they want at my disposal."

Numerous other anti-Sikh individuals shared the platform with the mahant including Nang Ajit Poolha who, just as Panthic Weekly predicted in last week's issue, has already been released from prison by the Punjab police in less than a week's time.
The program was also attended by several key leaders of right wing Hindu terrorist organizations including, Pavan Kumar Gupta of Shiv Saina, Ashok Sinhal of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Avinash Rai Khanna of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Charanjit Sinh of Rashtriya 'Sikh' Sangat (RSS), Mahinder Sethi- leader of the Radhaswami cult (Beas), Balwant Ramoowalia of Lok Bhalai Party, Rajinder Bhatthal, 'Sant' Balbir Sinh Seecheyal and Jagdev Sinh Talwandi, all of whom expressed support and praise for the anti-Sikh cult. General Secretary of the extremist VHP organization, Ashok Sinhal praised the 'Namdhari Darbar' for its 'contributions and services to Punjab, especially towards cow protection.' H.S. Hanspal, president of the 'Namdhari Darbar' at Bhaini was also present and expressed his gratitude to Badal for his 'continued devotion to 'Satguru Ji.' Hanspal is currently under investigation for his role in underhand political dealings, but has been granted impunity by the Vigilance Bureau under Badal's orders.

All in attendance sat on the floor subjacent to the self proclaimed 'satguru' Jagjit Sinh while Badal sat on a platform somewhat higher than the other attendees. While various speakers addressed the cult gathering, Jagjit Sinh attempted to mock the Sikh Gurus as he is disreputably known for, by sitting under a canopy while having a wisk waved over his head.

In response to this free rein granted to the anti-Sikh cult, a representative from the Khalsa Alliance stated, 'This abhorrent episode is the latest event in a litany of deception and corruption from the Badal/BJP/RSS regime. Prior to the elections, Badal made numerous promises to the Punjabi people ensuring that Punjab would come out of economic subservience but instead the peoples' money is being used to fund these anti-Sikh cults and depredate Sikh values.'

They further stated that the Takht Jathedars' continued apathy to these anti-Sikh forces which are set on promoting fake human 'gurus' in Punjab is yet another indication of the leprous collapse of integrity in the so called 'Sikh' leadership.

Badal Promises Revival of Anti-Sikh 'Namdhari' Cult

Payback : Parkash Badal hands a check of Rs. 50 lakhs to his Naamdhari guru

Ludhiana, Punjab (KP) - Following the SAD(B)/BJP's opprobrious election campaign, Nakali Akali Parkash Badal has been active in returning political favors to various anti-Panthic dehdhari 'gurus' and cult leaders who supported him during the elections. In Sikh circles, the most contentious of these unscrupulous political favors is Badal's recent pledge to revive and strengthen the infamous anti-Sikh 'Namdhari' cult throughout Punjab.

At a meeting held on March 24, just weeks after the election results were announced, Badal visited Jagjit Sinh, leader of the 'Namdhari' cult, and presented him with Rs 50 lakhs. Badal stated that the money was being donated for the completion of a Kuka memorial at Malerkotla and promised that this was just the beginning of his program to 'revive and create awareness of the Namdharis' in Punjab. Several other members of SAD(B) and the 'Namdhari' cult were present at the meeting including Thakur Udhey and the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, Sumer Gurjar.

Badal scandalously declared that the Punjab State Government would also be providing funds to reestablish the 'Namdhari' headquarters at Bhaini and that Jagjit Sinh will have unlimited access to these funds. Plans were also drafted to construct roads linking the Bhaini headquarters to major cities in Punjab to provide easy and fast access to the dera.

To further promote anti-Sikh dehdhari 'gurus' Badal requested the Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar) to immediately reopen the 'Satguru' Ram Singh Chair and promised that his government would cover any and all costs to revive this program, which had been previously been discontinued after Sikh organizations protested against its inherent sacrilegious idiosyncrasy of promoting a living human 'guru.' In addition to all this, the Badal government also plans to fund and build more 'Namdhari' centers in Raikot and Amritsar in the next several months.

Panthic organizations throughout the Diaspora, including the Khalsa Alliance and Shabaaz Khalsa stand united and resolute against the anti-Sikh 'Namdhari' cult and noted that the current agenda of the Badal regime of promoting dehdhari 'gurus' is a mirror reflection of the 'Nirankari' episode of 1978.

Sikh leaders cautioned that there needs to be internal transparency into how the donations from the Sangat are handled as Badal has a notorious reputation for laundering money from donations made by the Sangat via the SGPC, as he did during the tercentenary Vaisakhi celebrations in 1999; money which he then uses to propagate his anti-Sikh agenda.

Mahant Badal first invited dehdhari 'guru' Jagjit Sinh to participate in the 1999 tercentenary celebrations after having Panthic Jathedar, Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji removed and replaced by Badal's peon, Vedanti; who continues to remain silent on this serious issue. Prior to that Jagjit Sinh and his predecessors had always been banned by the Sikh nation from participating in any Panthic programs as the 'Namdhari' cult has been excommunicated from the Khalsa Panth.

This 'revival of the Namdharis' by the Badal regime is unprecedented and is a pure indication that Badal and his BJP/RSS masters are determined to desecrate the sovereignty of sacred Sikh values and institutions.

Badals (sell out) Relationship with Namdhari cult

Badal visits Kooka Cult; Continues to Defy Sikhs

Vying for the Kuka vote, Parkash Badal visits dehdhari cultist Jagjit Sinh

Ludhiana, Punjab (KP) – The recent news of Parkash Badal visiting the Naamdhari headquarters in Bhaini has once again brought him the condemnation of the Sikh Community. But the former Shiromani Akali Dal (B) President has shown less and less concern towards these complaints. Badal's visit to Bhaini included the company of many other Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, which certainly put a shameful label to the political party’s name.

"Badal...is trying to please the very community that opposes the idea of Guru Granth Sahib being the successor of Guru Gobind Singh Ji."

The Kuka Darbar visit obviously came to win Jagjit Sinh’s followers' votes, but when asked by the press regarding the reason to visit Bhaini, Badal alleged he wanted to sympathize with the demise of "Maharaj" Bir Sinh, the younger brother of aged Jagjit Sinh, the current chief of the Naamdhari cult. Bir Sinh passed away on October 11th when he suffered from cardiac arrest.

Leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (B) that accompanied Badal on his visit included Hira S. Gabria, Inder Iqbal Atwal and others. Badal praised the life and service of Bir Sinh towards humanity. From the Naamdhari Darbar, several eminent personalities, including Bir Sinh's sons, were present while Badal visited.

In the past, Parkash Badal has showed explicit interest in helping promote the Naamdhari cult. Donations in large sums of rupees have been made to the Naamdharis to help assist their existing programs throughout the country and with Parkash Badal's help, the "Satguru Ram Singh" chair has also been reinitiated at Guru Nanak Dev University.

The timing of the visit has come while the Sikh Nation celebrates the 300th Gurta-gaddi anniversary of Guru Granth Sahib. Badal however, is trying to please the very community that opposes the idea of Guru Granth Sahib being the successor of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Although, the Namdharis consider themselves to be Sikhs, they are not accepted by the main Sikh population due to thier fanatical belief in a living human guru. The cult does not accept the Gurta-Gaddi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Granth Ji, instead they worship a deh-dhari 'guru' as their spiritual master. Naamdharis consider Balak Singh (1797-1862) as their 11th 'guru', and the successor to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They follow many ritualistic Hindu traditions like the worshiping of fire (havan), and also maintain the Hindu belief that the cow is sacred animal.

Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare

Who are we?

The Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare (SOPW) is a registered charity which was founded in 2008. It is run by volunteers and supported by people from all walks of life who are passionate about prisoner welfare, specifically in South Asia. SOPW is operated by UK based professionals with extensive management and governance experience.

Why?

Being Sikhs, we have a moral duty to help those in need, in particular prisoners of conscience. Our historic connection with South Asia, its increasing importance on the world scene and the fact that a quarter of humanity lives there makes it even more important that those suffering hardship in jail for their religious and political views are given hope by relieving some of their hardship.

What is our objective?

The relief of need, hardship, poverty and sickness among prisoners and detainees in any part of the world, whilst acting within the tenets and doctrines of Sikhism.

How we are doing this?

• Meeting basic material, spiritual and psychological needs
• Providing legal support/case management, where certain criteria are met
• Raising awareness amongst the wider public of this issue

How you can help?

Giving a donation of just £20 a month will allow us to provide enough support for one prisoner's basic human needs for one month in South Asia. Please print off and sign the standing order form, Click here for the standing order form.
Web site design

www.prisonerwelfare.com email: info@prisonerwelfare.com Registered Charity No. 1125370

Happy Bandi Chor Diwas

Divali – Keeping the flame of freedom alight

Sikhs throughout the globe will celebrate Divali on 28th October. Divas/lamps will be alight; a jovial festival atmosphere will prevail. Sweets and samosas will be enjoyed; fireworks will set alight the moonlit sky. But why do we really celebrate? Apart from the annual calendar significance? What does Divali mean for us as Sikhs?

The sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee was falsely imprisoned for spurious reasons by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. After some months it was declared that Guru Jee could walk free. Like Guru Jee there were other prisoners of conscience in Gwalior Fort (the prison), specifically 52 Hindu Kings who made a heartfelt plea to Guru Jee begging him to negotiate their release also. The ocean of mercy Guru Jee listened attentively to their plea and showered his grace upon them and told them not to worry and that he would negotiate their release.

Guru Jee told the Emperor he would only leave the prison on the condition that the 52 Hindu Kings are freed also. The Emperor being a man entangled in his own ego and pride of intelligence replied that Guru Jee could walk free with as many Kings who could hold onto his clothing on the day of his release. Guru the fountain of knowledge easily got around the condition by getting a robe tailored with 52 tassels on it. On the day of His release Guru Jee walked out of Gwalior Fort with all 52 Hindu Kings holding onto one tassel each, this auspicious occasion is referred to as “Bandi Shorr Divas – the day of emancipation.” Guru Jee did not only free the 52 Hindu Kings from prison, He also showered His grace upon them and freed them from the transmigration of the soul, freeing them from the cycle of births and deaths. Each and everyone of us also begs for this freedom:

Forsaking all other doors I have come to your door. Preserve my honour by offering the support of your arm, liberate me, I am your humble servant. (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee)

I have come to the sanctuary of the formless and emancipating Lord, who destroys all sufferings. (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Jee, Limb 624 – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee)

May Guru Jee bless us with spiritual and physical liberation also.

Bandhi Shorr Divas was months prior to Divali. Upon release from Gwalior Fort Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee made a tour of Delhi and other regions, then arrangements to go to Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar were made. When he reached Amritsar Sahib it was Divali and the Sikhs celebrated the release of Guru Jee with fireworks and festivities.

Relevance today

The world over there are countless prisoners of consciousness, held under false fabricated charges and/or those held for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. Please light a candle for these prisoners, non-Sikhs and Sikhs, don’t forget Guru Jee’s example of freeing Hindu Kings. He was benevolent, humane and had a profound love for one and all, may we develop such divine virtues. May we all endeavour to assist and support such prisoners and at the very least we can all make a heartfelt prayer that Guru Jee blesses all prisoners with Chardi Kala/High Spirits.

One cannot begin to imagine losing freedom of movement and action; we can only try to empathise with such prisoners. Regardless of the regime and its tyranny, no man-made authority can imprison the Sikh Spirit and Sikhs still happily go to the gallows for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. The Sikh Spirit cannot be imprisoned. Prominent Sikhs currently imprisoned include Dr. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Deya Singh Lahoria, Bhai Balwant Singh, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Dhadhi and the list goes on and on. Just imagine being the parent of a child who entered militancy or quite simply ‘disappeared’ in the 80’s and 90’s in Punjab. Many of these parents light a candle at Divali, praying and wishing that the light of hope may still bless them with a vision of a fit and well son or daughter. Or they pray in despair that may God nurture their offspring wherever they may be. So when you light a candle and eat a sweet at Divali, please spare a thought, that you are free and are not bound by the restraints of prison life. Lest we forget, let’s light a lamp to ensure the rays of freedom shine through all of humanity.

Gurdwara Bandi Chor

Jail were Guru ji was kept

Sikhs Protest against Belgian Police who Stopped their Prayers

Police Raid Sikh Gurdwara During Continuous Prayer to Celebrate the 300th Anniversary Celebration of the Enthronement of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Vilvoorde, Belgium - As non-stop prayers were in progress yesterday for the auspicious tercentenary of the enthronement of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, police raided the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib (Sikh place of worship) in Vilvoorde, stopping prayers and arresting 30 people as part of a city-wide immigration raid. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a compilation of sacred Sikh scriptures and was enthroned by the Tenth Guru as the last and eternal guru of the Sikhs in 1708.

Despite the protest of the gurdwara management that a special 48-hour continuous reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, known as an akhand paath, was taking place and that the granthi (person conducting the prayers) immediately displayed valid immigration papers, police arrested him and stopped the prayers.

“UNITED SIKHS and the Sikh community are appalled by the police's insensitivity in its actions during the raid, as police knew that the gurdwara is a place of worship and should have known about the tercentenary celebrations and the significance of the continuous prayers which cannot be stopped. UNITED SIKHS is writing to the Belgian prime minister, seeking a full investigation of the incident, an apology from Belgian police and changes to the police procedures when handling places of worship of all communities,” said Mejindarpal Kaur, UNITED SIKHS Legal Director.

Mejindarpal Kaur contacted, Ines Wouters, a Brussels based lawyer, to investigate the matter further and to ensure that those arrested are being provided legal representation. The akhand paath for the tercentenary celebrations are scheduled to restart today.

Ines Wouters met with the Sikh community at the gurdwara and reported, “The Belgian Sikh community is very shocked and will make an official protest and contemplate legal action against the method used by officials. The same result could have been reached in a different way respecting the feelings and dignity of the Sikh community. A society which does not respect religious belief and sensitivity is losing its fundamental values.”

Commenting on the incident, Kuldip Singh, president of UNITED SIKHS stated, “Belgium has the right to enforce its immigration laws. However, the police actions here were blatantly disrespectful and violated all laws and norms regarding people's right to prayer and worship in peace. There was no need for the police to stop the akhand paath (continuous reading) as valid papers were produced on the spot by the granthi.”

Resham Singh, President of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib, arrived shortly after the arrival of police and protested that the akhand paath must not be stopped. “Our Gurdwara is a place of worship open to all. We do not inquire about the immigration status of the people coming to worship at the Gurdwara. Police should have been more sensitive during the raid; to enter a gurdwara with shoes on and to further stop an akhand paath is a serious violation of the religious rights of the Sikh community,” he said.

Avtaar Singh, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar, India, expressed his concern to UNITED SIKHS, stating, “I severely condemn the police action inside the Gurdwara. Sikh sentiments are hurt with the disruption of the akhand paath of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Belgian Government should seek an explanation and apology from the police department for the action inside the gurdwara. I will write a memorandum to the Indian Prime Minister and the Government of Belgium to investigate the police action in the gurdwara when the 300 years celebrations were going on in Belgium.”

Additionally, Dr Pritpal Singh, Coordinator of the American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) stated, “On behalf of the 45 member gurdwaras of the AGPC in the USA, I wish to record our protest and condemnation of Belgian police action of stopping Sikh prayers which were being conducted in Belgium to commemorate the tercentenary of the enthronement of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. We will write to the Belgian government for an explanation and also ask the United States State Department to investigate this matter.”

The Honourable Gurbax Singh Malhi, Member of Parliament for Bramalea-Gore- Malton, Canada, also expressed concern stating, “If the reports of the incident are correct, I strongly condemn the police action in the Belgian Gurdwara. The religious ceremony was stopped which could have been avoided. All religions should be respected in Belgium. I will send a letter to Prime Minister of Belgium regarding the police action."

Commenting on the effect this incident has on the Sikh community, Kuljit Singh, General Secretary for the oldest Gurdwara in the western hemisphere, Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha) London in the United Kingdom stated, “This has been a violation of basic human rights. Belgium as a democratic country should not have allowed this kind of behavior by police. Religious customs should be respected and the police should not have worn their shoes and stopped the prayers.”

“The tercentenary is a very significant celebration for the Sikhs; one of our most precious historical events, and the akhand paath should never have been stopped. The last time that an akhand paath was interrupted was in 1984 when the Golden Temple in Amritsar was stormed by the Indian army. Sikhs are again pained to be reminded of that attack by this unfortunate incident.” He added.

K 2 K

AL-Kalifa (2005) stated,
"It is easy to take the Sikh girls out on a date as they generally like a good drink and from there gradually they can be brought into Islam".

'Muslims are being paid 10,000 pounds to convert a Sikh girl to Islam'
(Daily Star, Front page 26th July 2005).

Kaur 2 Khan is a common phrase used with Islamic circles referring to the conversion of Sikh girls to Islam.

You may think why Sikh girls are easily targeted? It is a common known fact around the Muslim community that Sikh girls like a good drink, and a dance after. They have a firm belief that to get with a Sikh girl is easy as Sikh youngsters have much more freedom and trust than many other immigrant communities. If a Sikh guy is converted then only he becomes converted, if a Sikh girl is taken, a whole generation is taken!

After failing victim to this deception, many youngsters believe that they cannot come back once they have taken that step out of Sikhi. They can come back, as Guru Ji is forgiving and loves his children more than anything. But we must also learn from our mistakes. It is never too late. If you know someone in that dilemma help them to come back to their Sikhi home. If they are afraid to go back to their family, get in touch with a local youth group or Sikh society who may be able to help find a safe location.

Conversions into ISLAM almost occur out of a persons IGNORANCE or MISUNDERSTANDING of their own religion. Take time to understand your own religion and educate others. The process of conversion is usually very SUBTLE and GRADUAL. It occurs progressively UNDERMINING YOUR CULTURE and RELIGION through misquoting religious texts.

Don't ever forget what your great ancestors went through at the hands of the Moghuls in India. We should never forget what these mighty LIONS have gone through to protect our religion, our culture and faith.

Please spread the msg about this group 2 as many fellow Sikhs as you can!
This is not hate literature but one of awareness and protection of our people!

They couldn't finish us when we were made to retreat into the jungles!
They couldn't finish us when we were cut piece by piece!
And now they have begun to use other means of destroying our beloved Sikhi!

Prevention is better than cure, arm yourself with Knowledge...

KNOWLEDGE OF SIKHI IS POWER!

Conversion methods used by Islamic extremists...WATCH OUT!

METHODS:

Drug rape

A colourless, tasteless drug is added to drinks resulting in the victim losing complete control of their bodies leaving them vulnerable to the drugger's desires. It is commonly used at pubs, clubs and from recent accounts, even at universities. When drugged, Islamic extremists repeatedly rape victims, and photos are taken by them. These photos are then used to blackmail the girl, forcing her to convert or suffer consequences of dishonuring her family and community. Senior Constable Watson explains that a drink spiker is "not the ugly, scary person", but most possibly "someone you know and someone who is confident, good looking and charming and possibly even your best friend".

Deception

Taqiyaa - It is stated in the Quran that Muslims can lie as long as it benefits their religion. This also allows Muslims to form relationships with SIKH women and to claim they are in love with them, then marry them, ultimately in order to make them convert to Islam. That's why you will never be able to trust a Muslim. Never trust vows and oaths such as 'Kasmeh'. They are all lies. Techniques such as undermining your culture and religion by MISQUOTING religious texts, falsifying historical events and deception is another common method of deception to brainwash Sikhs.
Sikh girls are also flattered with gifts and attention as a technique of persuasion.

Black Magic

You may not believe Black Magic exists, however it does. Muslims use black magic in order to convert Sikhs. They believe that the use of such occult is acceptable in Islam only if used against Kafirs (non-believers), this way they are being saved from the gates of hell. So don't take any object, food or gift from a Muslim.
A way to conquer black magic is by doing Naam Simran and also reading Gurbani.

The hot wind does not even touch one who is under the protection of the supreme Lord God. (Guru Arjan Dev Ji).

False Identity

Muslim youth always pretend to be of other faiths and they change their names on msn, HI5 and Internet chat rooms. E.g. From Mohammed to Mo and from Kamran to Kam. This is done so that they can slowly win over their trust then later on meet Panjabi girls, usually leading to kidnapping or rape. They also wear a Kara to clubs and bars, and speak Panjabi to decieve our people. This is common in universities. It has recently been discovered that Muslims are planning on converting Sikhs within our own GURDWARE!

Body Amour - The Gurus Teaching

Guru Hargobind Ji wearing shield and body amour!

In the world no one is invincible and everyone is at risk of getting attacked or murdered. The Sikh Gurus told the Sikhs to always be ready to protect themselves as it is kuljug and a lot of evil people have evil plans for others. The Gurus gave us shasters and taught us defensive techniques. The Guru themselves wore body amour and carried shields for protection.

There are Countless cut-throats and ruthless killers. Ang 4

However Gurbani (From SGGSJ) tells us, that no one can kill those who God protects.

No one can kill that one unto whom You, Lord, give Your Hand and protect. Ang 43

One who has you as his Saving Grace - who can kill him? Ang 961

No one can kill anyone who is saved by the Savior Lord. Ang 1070

Who can kill that person whom you protect, O Lord? Ang 1139

Banda Singh Bahadur wearing Body amour.

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