New Delhi, India (February 10, 2014): Representatives from Kashmir and Punjab today resolved to strengthen coordination among ethnic, religious and cultural minorities enabling them to maintain and uphold distinct identity and status.
Observing the first death anniversary of Afzal Guru, who was hanged last year in the Parliament attack case on February 9, young Kashmiri students studying in Delhi focused on denial of justice and fundamental rights to people of Kashmir and Punjab, amidst loud chanting of pro-Azadi slogans by boys and girls.
Seminar on death anniversary of Afzal Guru
Speaking at a seminar organized by Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners at India Law Institute, the Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh said this year marks the 30th anniversary of “Operation Blue Star” and the massacre of Sikhs in Delhi. He said the perpetrators of Nov 1984 carnage must be brought to justice. The aggrieved community wants accountability, not ritualistic apology, said he.
Kanwar Pal Singh (Dal Khalsa)
He rued that the recent disclosures of British complicity in the Golden Temple attack has shattered the Sikhs. He said the Sikhs felt betrayed and cheated. However, he said notwithstanding what British government did wrong with Sikhs in 1984 under Mrs Margret Thatcher, the same country is reflecting the signs of political maturity. “By exercising their right to self determination, people of Scotland will vote in September this year, and that is a welcome sign for all struggling nations. “
Seeking the same right to self determination for the people of Kashmir, Punjab and others, the Dal Khalsa activist wondered whether they could expect such level of political maturity from Indian state.
Afzal Guru’s co-accused and organizer of the Seminar, Prof. SAR Geelani highlighted the miscarriage of justice and spoke at length as to how his trial and that of Guru was a ‘sham’.
Reputed human rights expert, Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty, while speaking on the occasion stressed on the Symphony of Freedom for all struggling peoples. He said, “the question was not of territory, it’s a question of the aspirations of the people that must be respected.”
Prof. Tripta Wahi, who was a witness to the Guru’s trial said that we have to work for freedom of all toiling masses all over the world and stop exploitation of man by man.
Expressing solidarity with Kashmiris, Harpal Singh Cheema, chairman of Sikhs for Human Rights said the political class of the country has scant respect for human rights, rule of law and justice. Commenting on Delhi carnage, he said Sikh Diaspora has cried hoarse for the last 30 years, that such gross injustice should shame the New Delhi, but to no avail.