California Sikhs Hold Candlelight Vigil For Two Sikhs Killed By Punjab Police

SACRAMENTO, CA, USA—Sikh Community members from around Northern California gathered Sunday October 25 2015 at the California State Capital West Steps, in memory of two Sikhs shot dead by the Punjab Police while on a peaceful protest against the desecration of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Various speakers shared their feelings about how this event was a stark reminder of the actions by Punjab Police in the aftermath of the Pogroms against Sikhs and the 1984 Genocide of Sikhs (declared by the Union Home minister December 1984).  Speakers reminded those gathered about the abuses committed by the Punjab Police and re-iterated the dictatorial and over handed involvement and interference by the Parkash Badal administration, specifically in religious affairs pertinent to the Sikh faith.

Speakers included: Jaspreet Singh Attorney (who recently resigned his post within a few days of being nominated as the legal adviser of the Akali Dal (B). Jaspreet Singh’s resignation caused major waves within the Akali Dal (B) structure in the USA, as several other senior level members of the party followed suit. These resignations have left the USA Akali Dal (B) in tatters and is the cause of great embarrassment to the leadership in Punjab, since they just days ago made announcement of their appointments.

John Singh Gill, a prominent Sacramento Businessman and member of the Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Sports club advised those gathered of recent events and actions resulting from the gathering of 52 Gurdwara management committees and their joint resolutions. As well as an upcoming gathering to coordinate the Sikh community and to establish an international body for the management of Sikh affairs.

Hardeep Singh, Ravinder Singh Kahlon, Jaswinder Singh Jandhi, Professor Harbans Singh, Manjit Singh Uppal, Dr. Harkesh Singh Sandhu, Jaswant Singh Shaad, Pritam Singh Joganangal also spoke on this issues pertaining to the desecration of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, death of two innocent Sikhs and the debacle orcastrated by the State Authorities, SGPC, the Jathedars as wells the need for unity amongst all Sikhs during these turbulent moments. Professor Harbans Singh pointed to the issue of drugs and alcohol which are plaguing the state and offered a medical treatment option. Dr. Sandhu echoed the sentiments of all in sharing the heart felt pain of all those who gathered as related to the desecration of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.

Mikey Hothi, Spoke on behalf of Assembly member Jim Cooper, who sponsored this event. Doug Halland, CEO Sacramento Republican Party and Jay Allen who has assisted the Sikh Community locally and nationally with the “Kaurs Singhs and XXXXXX” events scheduled and hosted by K3 International around the Nation Spoke in support of the sikh community and the sadness of the innocent victims who lost their lives. Sacramento City Mayor ProTem Angelique Ashby also sent a message of support and solidarity.

2 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here