The growing police pressure on political activists espousing for Sikh goal for independence has generated a lot of heat in Punjab politics. Various Human Rights bodies are up in arms against police onslaughts. In an attempt to rebut police high-hardness, the Dal Khalsa has asked the State Chief Minister to contain the police force and restore human rights. In an letter to Captain Amrinder Singh, the organization's working president H.S. Dhami has blamed the police for targeting his party members to thwart Sikh aspirations for independence. He blamed the Indian state for denying them their basic fundamental right to speech and expression. In a similar breath, he vows to continue their struggle against tyranny and injustice in a democratic manner.

Full text of the letter:

July , 2005

The Chief Minister,
Punjab

Subject: To express anguish over the denial of the right to speech and hold independent thought and belief.

Dear Captain Amrinder Singh Ji,

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh .

Ever since you assumed the reins of Punjab state this is perhaps our first communication with you. The letter is meant to express our anguish over the manner, in which the state police has targeted Dal Khalsa twice in a short span of four months. It is assumable that the crackdown has the approval of your office.

Dal Khalsa (Army of the Pure), formed in 1978 is committed to uphold the values and principles set forth by the Sikh religion and works on the basis of 'Miri-Piri' (Temporal & Spiritual). We take pride in declaring that our organization stands for right to self determination for Sikh Nation. The aspirations for Independence is our legitimate right. Equally true is that we stand for peaceful and political resolutions to all problems between Sikhs and Indian State.

Through this communication it is our attempt to convey you that your government has erred in framing us in a fraud ant case. Don't get surprised we mean it and can prove it. Here is a brief back ground of the development that culminated in arresting our six activists including General Secretary Kanwarpal Singh from party head quarters minutes after registering FIR No. 125 U/S 124-A, 153-A and 153-B under Civil Lines police Station in the evening hours of June 8, 2005.

The basis of the said case registered against us was the Genocide Remembrance March we undertook on 5th June to mark the 21st anniversary of the army attack on Darbar Sahib in June 1984. A number of policemen and intelligence operatives were in attendance to monitor the event although no incidents of incitement or violence occurred and no attempt therefore was made to stop the march or make any arrests during the event. The march passed through the streets of Amritsar peacefully and culminated at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib where Ardas was performed in memory of those who perished during the attack.

The participants carried the placards with photographs of their martyrs including Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala in their hands. Big posters of destroyed Akal Takhat were also displayed. The other slogans raised besides recitation of Satnam - Waheguru were :

1. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala ---- Amar Rahey
2. Sant Bhindranwala Soldier Saint - Who Awakened the Sikhs
3. Sant Bhindaranwale - Your name will shine for times to come
4. Panth Ki Jeet - Deg Teg Fateh
5. Raj Karega Khalsa and Martyrs live Long

The police in retaliation making a mockery of law not only distorted and twisted the slogans but also cooked up few slogans to show Dal Khalsa a dreaded group and anti Hindu. The Police excesses has not surprised us as they have record of wrong doings . We were disappointed to see The Man who was admired for showing courage to bring legislation to stall the construction of SYL, bridging the relation with Pakistani Punjab and throwing notorious Nihang Poohala Singh behind bars for his acts of crime against humanity , becoming the party to deny the Sikhs of their right to Speech and hold independent belief.

Captain Sahib, we have few uncomfortable questions for you -

• Do you think raising the above said slogans, carrying Photographs of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwala and destroyed Akal Takhat amounts to Sedition!
• Do you agree with the police theory that the peaceful march by Dal Khalsa really posed any danger to the so called integrity of the country!
• Has not the police blown the entire event out of proportion for their vested interests!
• Will you agree that the latest acts of Police prove that Punjab is still a Police-State!

Dear Chief Minister, you may like it or not, when it comes to suppressing the dissenting voice of Sikhs, You are match with your beta noire Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.

Time was when the Punjab Govt. under Mr. Parkash Singh Badal spelt terror against Dal Khalsa, SAD (Amritsar) and other political activists who organized public programmes to pay homage to martyrs of army attack on Darbar sahib in June 1999.

Similarly six years later you had come out in the open against those very groups who organized a road march not only to protest against the genocide but also to refresh the memories of those who died while defending the faith. Their arrests under the sedition charges then and now are in contrast to the spirit of democracy. Now the situation is such that police is increasing its pressure by un-lawful activities while Human rights NGOs, the Human rights commission of state (PSHRC) and other saviours of democracy are watching helplessly.

Captain Sahib, do not follow the footprints of the past. We are not weary terror tactics the police is used to apply then and now. Rather it strengthens our (Sikhs) resolve to fight against injustice and tyranny.

We want to live with honour. Piece is dear to us but it should be with dignity. We condemn the arrests of all Sikhs who had been detained because of their ideological leanings .I don't think that I am wrong in saying that by giving a "go-ahead" to crack down against a section of Sikhs you had committed a mistake. Correct it! If you can. Not just because of fear of loosing next elections but also to avoid your name being added to the list of 'Tyrant Rulers' in the pages of Sikh History. Frankly speaking avoid adding fuel to fire, contain the Police Force and Restore Human rights.


With Regards

Guru Panth Da Das



Harcharanjit Singh Dhami
Working President,
Dal Khalsa.