New York (30 August, 2010): Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh while addressing the “Sikh Genocide” conference in New York declared that killing of Sikhs in 1984 was “Genocide” because it was a planned effort to eradicate Sikh religion. Jathedar who specially came to New York to address the conference organized by “Sikhs for Justice” solicited the support of US law makers to help the Sikhs in persuading the United States government to recognize the Sikh Genocide. For the Sikh community, Jathedar’s directed the Sikh community to support “Sikhs for Justice” in getting international recognition of “Genocide”.
The “Sikh Genocide” conference was attended and addressed by New York Law Makers who presented citation to Akal Takht Jathedar recognizing his efforts for human rights issue.
New York City’s law maker Julissa Ferreras while addressing the “Sikh Genocide” Conference stated that what happened to Sikhs in India is clearly Genocide. Ms. Ferreras stated that she will raise the issue in New York City Council and urge the city to recognize “Sikh Genocide”.
New York State’s assembly man David I. Weprin while addressing the conference stated that in democracy everyone is equal and no one should be denied justice.
Conference was also attended and addressed by Takhat Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh and Takht Anandpur Sahib Jathedar Giani Tarlochan Singh who joined in Akal Takht’s call to international community to recognize “Sikh Genocide”.
Addressing the conference, Attorney Gurptawant Singh Pannun, legal advisor to Sikhs for Justice, urged the New York law makers to pass the legislation in New York State to establish Genocide Commission through which facts about genocides will be taught in School curriculum. A similar legislation establishing the Genocide Commission has recently been passed by Illinois State and SFJ has already submitted facts about Sikh Genocide to Illinois Commission.
According to Attorney Gurptawant Singh Pannun, Sikhs for Justice will hold a “Justice Rally” and will present a memorandum to United Nations for recognition of Sikh Genocide during the upcoming General Assembly Session in New York on the day of Prime Minister Singh’s turn to speak at the UN.
The conference unanimously adopted the resolutions:
- Recognize killings of Sikhs in India as “Genocide” under Article 2 of the UN Convention Against Genocide.
- Prosecute and punish the perpetrators of Sikh Genocide.
- To amend Article 25 of the Constitution of India to recognize “Sikhism” as separate religion.
The conference was organized by “Sikhs for Justice” with the help of the management committees of the Gurdawaras from across the United States.