Ottawa, Canada (March 27, 2012): Following a petition campaign organized by the Canadian Sikh Coalition, Jasbir Sandhu, NDP MP from Surrey North, addressed Canadian Parliament today with regards to the looming execution of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana to which he received a standing ovation. Canadian Sikhs applaud this initiative of the NDP caucus.
Jasbir Sandhu stood in the Parliament today and exhorted the Prime Minister to urge India to abide by the United Nation’s moratorium on the death penalty, and abolish the brutal and archaic practice, which allows the state to take a human’s life. He went on to reaffirm Canada’s unwavering commitment to human rights, especially against the death penalty.
The state follows a petition drive spearheaded by the CSC in the preceding weeks in which approximately 1500 signatures were collected and presented to Surrey MPs; Nina Grewal, Jasbir Sandhu, and Jinny Sims. While Conservative MP, Nina Grewal, has failed to respond to the concerns of her constituency, the NDP has since been working with the CSC to address the issue.
While thanking Jasbir Sandhu and the NDP caucus for their prompt response, CSC spokesperson, Moninder S. Bual, stressed the urgency with which the Sikh community must continue mobilizing and lobbying with regards to the issue.
“Though the steps taken by the community and the NDP thus far are greatly significant, Sikh Canadians must recognize the gravity of the issue and continue building the momentum. It is imperative that the community participates in the demonstrations being organized nationwide, that they hold the Jathedar of the Akal Takhat and other leaders and representatives accountable, and that they continue carrying the momentum to liberate the thousands of Sikh political prisoners facing a similar plight to Bhai Rajoana.”