Amritsar, Punjab (March 02, 2014): In a significant move, religio-political leaders of different shades including head of the Damdami Taksal Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa and SGPC executive member Karnail Singh Panjoli joined pro-Sikh independece leaders to release the book titled ‘Supne ton Sangarsh val’ (From Dream to Struggle) — authored by Dal Khalsa mentor Gajinder Singh, who’s name figured in the list of 20 most wanted persons handed over to Pakistan.
Notably, Gajinder Singh was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pakistan special court in the 1981 hijacking case. Since his release from Pakistani prison in 1995, he is staying in exile.
The book is a compilation of poems written during his incarnation and exile period. It has been dedicated to the wisdom of Sirdar Kapur Singh and bravery of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale. Recognizing the statesmanship of anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, a special tribute has been paid to him.
In a symbolic gesture the first 5 copies of the anthology was presented to five young boys symbolizing the passing of the baton to the next generation with a hope and determination to keep the fighting spirit alive. Spirited Youth raised slogans in favour of Azadi.
Addressing the press conference along with other dignitaries, organizer of today’s meet Kanwar Pal Singh told that Gajinder joined politics as a student under the guidance of ex-ICS officer Kapur Singh. We choose this day to release his anthology as Kapur Singh has turned 105 years today.
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Taking a dig at Indian government for including the name of Gajinder in the wanted list, H S Dhami president of the group said it was totally unjustified and against all canons of jurisprudence.
Sikh leaders were of the considered opinion that Gajinder should have the freedom to choose his resident status. Representatives of various groups urged the UN to ensure that civil and political rights of Gajinder are restored and he should be granted full liberty to pursue his personal and political life, without fear and intervention of any kind.
“What are the international rights of a hijacker who has undergone imprisonment terms and why should governments continue to hound such a person, they asked.
The author in his message has tried to emphasize that the Sikhs are a separate people and they have a vision to establish their own sovereign rule. He admits that the journey of going into exile and the path from exile to freedom for any individual or nation was long, painful and arduous one.
In his written message, Baba Harnam Singh expressed his appreciation for Gajinder’s commitment, farsightedness and political wisdom. He said Gajinder’s dream of independence is the dream of every Sikh and he pinned hope that Sikhs would achieve their mission later or sooner.
Former IAS Gurtej Singh, human rights activist Prof Jagmohan Singh, Sikh Nationalist leader Bhai Daljeet Singh and SGPC member Panjoli has written the preface of the book. They lauded the dedication and zeal shown by Gajinder Singh in the Sikh freedom struggle. Former Minister Manjit Singh Calcutta, Youth leader Mandhir Singh and Bhai Mohkam Singh also attended the function.