February 2015 Archive

Police crackdown on march by Rozana Pehredar, Jaspal Singh Heiran, others taken into custody

Punjab police has launched a crackdown against Sikh activists in wake of continuous hunger strike by Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa. As a part of crackdown the police today arrested hundreds of Sikh activists along with Jaspal Singh Heiran, editor of Rozana Pehredar. Rozana Pehredar had announced to conduct a march from Jagraon to Ludhaina to show support for Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa and the cause of Sikh Political prisoners.

Amicus Curiae withdraws name in case to probe castration charges against Sauda sadh

Senior advocate Anupam Gupta on Wednesday (February 26) withdrew his name as amicus curiae in the case related to castration charges against controversial head of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Jagtar Singh Tara moved out of Burail jail for court appearance; UT Police’ plea for reamnd dismissed

The Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Shalini Nagpal yesterday dismissed the revision petition moved by the Chandigarh police, seeking the custody of Bhai Jagtar Singh Tara in 11 years old Burail Jailbreak case.

Quebec Judge’s Ban on Hijab Stunningly Wrong: World Sikh Organization of Canada

The World Sikh Organization of Canada is stunned by the refusal of a Quebec judge to hear the case of a hijab-wearing Muslim woman in Montreal. Judge Eliana Marengo said that the hijab was "inappropriate" because the courtroom is a "secular place".

United Akali Dal (UAD) chief Mohkam Singh arrested; More arrests likely

The Ludhiana police yesterday arrested United Akali Dal (UAD) chief Bhai Mohkam Singh under preventive detention clauses (Sections 107/151) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. He was kept at a local police station till late evening. His family members tired to secure bail for him but could not succeed.

Sukhpal Khaira may join Aam Aadmi Party, media reports

There are reports in media that Pradesh Congress spokesperson and former Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira might join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). A The Tribune (TT) news report maintains that Sukhpal Khaira was seriously considering joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Rulda Singh murder case: Five Sikhs acquitted by Patiala court; Trial still pending against Tara, Goldy

Whereas the Punjab police was making their case to frame Jagtar Singh Tara in Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (RSS) Punjab chief Rulda Singh's murder case, the trial court of Additional Sessions Judge NS Gill yesterday (Feb. 27) acquitted five persons accused in this case. Rashtriya Sikh Sangat president Rulda Singh was reportedly murdered in 2009.

Family members, Sikh bodies and intellectuals condemn force-feeding of Bapu Surat Singh

Bapu Surat Singh's daughter Sarvinder Kaur addressed a press conference last evening (Feb. 27) at Chandigarh where she alleged that the Punjab police is threatening them with dire consequences if her father continues with his hunger strike.

Controversy over Zaalam song deepens; Singer Gippy Grewal distances himself from song-video

The row over Gippy Grewal's new song video "Zaalam" has deepened as the Punjab police has initiated "investigation" in this matter. Some of the leaders of the Congress party were demanding registration of a police case against Gippy Grewal for allegedly 'glorifying' militancy.

GK, Sirsa re-elected to DSGMC top chairs after Sukhbir Badal’s nod

The general House of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Friday re-elected Manjit Singh GK as president and Manjinder Singh Sirsa as general secretary, respectively, for a two-year term.

Sikh Prisoners can’t be released, says Sumedh Saini; DGP mis-interpreting the list: Advocate Manjhpur

Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur who maintains the list of Sikh political prisoners alleged that by referring repeatedly to all persons included in the list, Punjab DGP Sumedh Saini was attempting to confuse the issue and misguide the people. He said that even a bare sight on the list makes clear that it is a list of all Sikh political prisoners, including under-trials and convicted persons.

Bapu Surat Singh force-fed by police; Son, supporters taken into custody

The Ludhiana police Thursday (Feb. 26) unleashed crackdown on Sikh activist Bapu Surat Singh's hunger-strike. It is notable that Bapu Surat Singh is on fast-unto death from January 16. The police had put him under observation in Ludhiana civil hospital. As per reports the police forcefully administered drip on Surat Singh. The police also gave him liquid food through feeding tube.

Aam Aadmi Party, Punjab Politics and Sikh Issues [Sikh Siyasat Talkshow]

Sikh Siyasat's editor Parmjeet Singh Gazi talked to Prof. Manjit Singh (former spokesperson of Aam Aadmi Party Punjab) and Senior Journalist (retd.) Jaspal Singh Sidhu about Aam Aadmi Party's prospects in Punjab politics, possible strategy of the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. In this talk show AAP's possible stand on Sikh issues was also discussed.

Bapu Surat Singh’s hunger strike: Sikh bodies to protest at Jantar Mantar on March 3

Various Sikh organizations have announced to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on March 3, 2015 in support of Bapu Surat Singh's struggle. Sikh organizations held a meeting at Chandigarh on February 24 and decided to hold a protest in Delhi to highlight the issue raised by Bapu Surat Singh, who has been on hunger strike since January 16, 2015.

Global response to atrocities by states and armed groups “shameful and ineffective”: Amnesty Report 2014-15

World leaders must act urgently to confront the changing nature of conflict and protect civilians from horrific violence by states and armed groups, urged Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world.

EcoSikh USA Donates Bus for Amritsar Cleanliness Drive

Amritsar, Punjab: EcoSikh, a Washington based organization, has launched a bus in Amritsar to help a volunteer group to clean the holy city. EcoSikh has ...

India: Islamic State banned under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act

Indian government today declared it's banned the Islamic State (IS) and all its manifestations saying the organisation is recruiting "vulnerable youth" from India, posing a major security threat when such youths return to India.

Konan-Poshpora Gangrape: 24 Years of impunity; The Cry still lingers on as justice is yet to be served

A release by Kashmir Diaspora Alliance (KDA) says India’s 4-Rajputana Rifles of the 68th Amy brigade raped over 40 women in Kunan and Poshpora villages in Maqbooza Kashmir during the night of February 23-24, 1991. Following a massive public outcry, the police lodged an FIR vide no 10/1991 against the army under various criminal sections at a police station in Trehgam.

Swine Flu epidemic: More than 16K cases, 926 deaths registered in India; 36 deaths in Punjab, 22 in Haryana

Swine Flu epidemic is spreading across Indian subcontinent. As per reports the H1N1 virus has infested more than 16,000 people in the subcontinent where as 926 people have already died because of Swine Flu.

Impunity remains widespread for human rights abuses in India: says Amnesty International report

New Delhi: Amnesty International yesterday released it’s Report 2014/15 on the state of the World’s Human Rights. The report, a copy of which is sent ...

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