Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa || Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ||

On this Shubh (auspicious) day, we at the Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare (SOPW) wish everyone a very happy and high-spirited Vaisakhi (Sikh – Khalsa’s founding and Punjabi/Indian New Year centred around the Harvest Festival).

May Waheguru (God) bless us all with a celebration that illuminates the entire universe in this dark age where injustice, hardships and other forms of life’s struggles permeate.

“… Maeraa Prabh Sabh Kishh Jaanadhaa ||
Pragatt Prathaap Varathaaeiou Sabh Lok Karai Jaikaar Jeeo ||17|| Maerae Gun Avagan N Beechaariaa ||
Prabh Apanaa Biradh Samaariaa ||
Ka(n)t(h) Laae Kai Rakhioun Lagai N Thathee Vaao Jeeo ||18||

“…My God knows everything.
He has made His Glory manifest, and all people celebrate Him. ||17 |
He has not considered my merits and demerits;
this is God’s Own Nature.
Hugging me close in His Embrace, He protects me, and now, even the hot wind does not touch me. ||18||”

On the 13th April 2012, Vaisakhi, between the hours of 0900hrs and 1130hrs in the Patiala Jail, Gursikh volunteers from SOPW were allowed to enter the prison and in very much the tradition of the Khalsa, were permitted to hold a Kirtan Diwan (religious hymn singing ceremony). All prisoners were allowed to attend including Zinda Shaheed (Living Martyr) – a title conferred by the Sikhs highest temporal authority, Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib and coined by Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar – on death row themselves – in reference to all political prisoners on death row) – Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana.

Inmates from Patiala Jail

Congregation

SOPW recognised the convictions and respect for human life of the Patiala Jail Superintendent Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Jakhar. SOPW volunteers presented Superintendent Sahib with a Saropa (respectful garland) for his refusal to execute, literally, the court warrant ordering Bhai Balwant Singh’s inhumane execution by hanging.

The jail Superintendent in turn also presented the SOPW volunteers with a Saropa in his recognition of the Sewa (selfless service) they, often in the face of personal/familial intimidation they themselves face whilst carrying out their service, humbly carry out of the prisoners. This symbolic act was recognised by all in attendance as a highly momentous and significant event.

Tuesday (10/04/2012) Prof. Devinderpal Singh Bhullar faced their fourth hearing in relation to their appeal of the 2001 imposed death sentence. This coming Thursday will be their fifth hearing.

In India there are 47 death-row cases pending final outcomes. Of these 47 cases, 5 are for Political prisoners – they are listed below:

1)      Prof. Devinderpal Singh Bhullar

2)      Murugan alias Sriharan, T Suthendraraja alias Santhan and A G Perarivalan alias Arivu (Rajiv Gandhi’s Killers)

3)      Afzal Guru

4)      Mahendra Nath Das

5)      Kamal Shah (Now deceased after committing suicide)

The Supreme Court of India has now decided to set up guidelines and procedures to follow with regards to prison inmates who sit on death row. Previously, sentences were passed down with no real set guidelines for judges to follow. With such high importance of cases, this often lead to inconsistency of application of capital punishment as a sentence.

The courts have further decided to hear to each case twice a week; one hearing each for Tuesday’s and Thursday’s though it is still unclear which of the following two modus operandi they will use:

A)     Hear each appeal in turn and then confirm and accept or refuse and reject the sentence passed in earlier judicial proceedings, or

B)      Hear all 47 pending appeals and then make a decision in totum or on each case

The Supreme Court is also adjudicating on whether the death sentence would be “fair” in application in such cases where consideration for the amount of time spent in incarceration may need to be taken into account. This is particularly relevant as the life sentence is often 14 years and in many cases prisoners have been denied their liberty for far longer. With this review there is an anticipated decision as to whether the death penalty should be an “allowable” verdict for those proven to be suffering from any psychological illnesses. The United Nations has passed several resolutions and under International law this is prohibited (1984, 1997, 2000. As an international comparison, the United States of America, a country where several states allow for capital punishment, bans such executions in its constitution – a document written and signed by the Founding Fathers in 1787.

It appears that judges in the lower courts are also becoming increasingly averse to using capital punishment. For example, in 2007 several high profile cases involving pre-meditated murders, rape and murder of minors during rioting, terrorist bombings, etc. have not attracted the death penalty. However, activists have revealed a fatal flaw in any assumption that this would lead to a real reduction in the amount of death sentences passed – in the absence of sentencing guidelines in what constitutes “rarest of the rare”, in some less gruesome murders, the lower courts have often awarded capital punishment often not due to their own reluctance but due to the poor defence presented by the lawyers of the economically weak.

We will provide you all with updates as we get them.

Thank you for you continuous support.

SOPW is proud to announce the following acquittals and bails:

• Balwinder Singh – 1.5 years in Nabha Jail: Acquitted
• Gurbhej Singh – 3 years in Nabha Jail: Acquitted
• Manjit Singh – 3 years in Nabha Jail: Acquitted
• Lakhwinder Singh- 3 years in Nabha Jail: Bailed
• Jasmail Singh aka Sahib Singh – 1.5 years in Nabha Jail: Bailed
• Baba Rashpal Singh – 1.5 years in Nabha Jail: Bailed
• Bagh Singh – 3 years in Nabha Jail: Bailed
• Baba Paramjit Singh – 8 months in Nabha Jail: Bailed
• Palwinder Singh – 4.5 years in Nabha Jail: Bailed

SOPW have been supporting these prisoners from the beginning and we are proud of the strength and courage they have shown to fight for their innocence.

We also would like to thank you all; the supporters, who have helped SOPW facilitate the releases of these prisoners. It is with your support we can do the work that we are doing right now.

Please continue to support us by sharing this, adding your friends to SOPW, Volunteering with us and donating; www.Justgiving.com/SOPW

Thank you all.

BREAKING NEWS: CBI Seeks Death Penalty for Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara

Today (03/04/2012) Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara has been served a notice that an appeal has been lodged by the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) for the death penalty to be applied in the cases filed – an “upgrade” on the life sentence the courts had passed. This raises several issues including double standards of Indian justice whereby Kishore Lal who had murdered 3 Sikhs in cold blood after having served 14 years as a “reformed convict” is released versus a Sikh who in defence of millions of people, assassinated a man who was responsible for ordering the genocide of 50,000 after having served 17 years and then having their sentence raised to the most abhorrent and inhumane sentence available: state ordered death by hanging

Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara has been given till 30th April to file an appeal in defence. On 12^th of October 2010, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara’ s Death Sentence was commuted to life sentence by the Chandigarh courts. Now 16 months later, the CBI appeal to reverse this decision.

Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara’s legal team wish to pose a key question to both the Chief Minister of Panjab and the Sikh Panth:

Why is the same state which is trying to free Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana from the death penalty now wishing to aggressively push for the hanging of Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara? 

We will keep you updated with Bhai Hawara’s case,

SOPW and #IPledgeOrange have teamed up to create official merchandice for the #IPledgeOrange social network campign. Merchandice which we will be releasing includes wrist bands, T-Shirts and more to raise awareness on issues we face today.

These will be coming out soon and for more info or to volunteer your assistance you can contact our team on info@prisonerwelfare.com & info@ipledgeorange.com.

These will be sold for £2 each with all monies going directly to SOPW to help facilitate the releases of Sikh Political Prisoners across India.

Ik Onkar Sri Akaal Sahai

To all humble and concerned Sikhs in the United Kingdom, please accept my Fateh;

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa || Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ||

With all the blessings from Waheguru (wonderful Lord) and the prayers from the Sikh community, and despite my incarceration and confinement by the corrupt government, I am happy to report that I remain in high spirits (Chardi Kala).

In the presence of Waheguru (God), I pray for the well being for all my fellow Sikhs and for the freedom of our nation.

May Waheguru bless us; bless us with unity so that the community can come together and achieve our goal of Khalistan.

I am unable to express in words the magnitude of support I am receiving from the Sikh community in the UK. In this hardship the UK community has amazed me and I find myself awestruck and I am finding it difficult to express the feelings I have in my heart and soul except to say that I am extremely thankful for the Sangat’s (congregation) love and support.

I would specifically like to thank 2 advocates who have taken the time and effort to do Parchaar (educate) and Seva (selfless service) in the Sangat. They are educating the youth and elders alike about the true history – past and now presently – of the Sikh struggles. Despite the contemptible actions of the corrupt government these Gursikhs are not allowing any other hurdle get in their way of Sewa. They are helping both Sikh and non-Sikh Political Prisoners very bravely and without any fear.

Amongst those being held in these harsh jails, I must report that there are many who after so many years on jail, do not know why they are in prison.

Additionally, their families have been left to suffer.

In these difficult times it is the UK charity, SOPW, who with the support of the UK and International Sangat, is paying for these prisoners’ lawyers, other jail expenses and also assisting their families at their time of need. I would specifically like to thank these 2 advocates and also the rest of the SOPW team for the great work they are doing.

I pray to God, that you all be blessed with everything, for not only helping me but many others who are like me: Political Prisoners. You have been helping and supporting us for the last 3 decades. I pray that Waheguru blesses you all with more strength to serve the Sangat and Panth tirelessly. For OUR freedom.

I would like to request that the UK Sikh community help SOPW with their mind, body and soul, so that they can continue to serve the innocent Sikh Political Prisoners.

Bhai Balbir Singh- Protest in London 1985

On 27^th Mrach 2002, after spending two and half years in prison, SOPW chairman, Bhai Balbir Singh was stood in front of the Supreme court for final verdict regarding his case for which he had been tortured and imprisoned since being abducted illegally by police in June 1999.

As Bhai Balbir Singh stood in the Supreme Court he knew this was the end of the road and finally he would be vindicated of false charges or the dark cloud of falsehood would continue. The Judge read out his verdict stating that the case was ‘A balloon of falsehoods’. Further the Supreme Court Judge stated Bhai Balbir Singh’s treatment was a clear example of a miscarriage of justice. It was also later revealed that the explosives supposedly ‘found’ in position of Bhai Balbir Singh were in fact from the Indian Secret Service’s own supplies and had been planted as part of a conspiracy by India’s security services.

It was towards the end of his trial when Bhai Balbir Singh and Prof. Devinderpal Singh Bhullar discussed giving a voice to the Sikh Political Prisoners. After an additional 3 years, trying to comeback to the U.K. (total 5 years in India) Bhai Balbir Singh was granted permission and immediately set up a meeting with organisation leaders, discussing plans to help these Political Prisoners. Though these groups were reluctant to help, this did not stop Bhai Balbir Singh.

After gaining support of life long advocates, SOPW evolved. In 2008, SOPW became a registered charity and in the beginning was only able to support a handful of prisoners. Four years on SOPW is now looking after every Sikh Political Prisoner known to us, in every prison across India and is now moving around the world.

Bhai Balbir Sing- 1999 Walking to Court

We would like the thank Bhai Balbir Singh for his great sacrifice of human rights internationally and in particular for Sikh Nation and other minority communities and regardless of daily challenges he faces in continues to work full time job to support his family as well as volunteering all his time and efforts towards the running of SOPW as chairperson.

Bhai Balbir Singh has been doing Seva since the early 1980’s and was part of the 5 beloved ones in the 1984 and 1985 London procession. He arranged the weddings and financial supported the Sikh martyrs families. This was during the time when people were scared to even mention the words Justice, let alone being advocates. Sevadaars in the UK and around the world specifically India have being rounded up, arrested and some even murdered.

A book is currently being prepared which will give an insight into the life and Bhai Balbir Singh and extraordinary journey is has been through, news of release of this book will be announced by SOPW via website and social networks.

Below is a sample letter, which you can complete your details, then please send to local MP on www.writetothem.com

RE: Urgent appeal on behalf of the Sikh nation- Pressurise India to stop the execution of Sikh political prisoner on March 31, 2012

This is to seek your urgent attention of the imminent execution ordered by an Indian court of a Sikh political prisoner, Balwant Singh Rajoana. This execution is scheduled to take place on March 31, 2012 @ 9 am (Indian Standard Time – IST) at Central Jail, Patiala, Punjab and it would break de facto the moratorium on death penalty observed, for any reason, by India since 2004 when the last execution took place.

Balwant Singh Rajoana is convicted for his confessed involvement in the assassination of Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995. He remained on trial for twelve years and was convicted and sentenced to death in 2007. Punjab and Haryana High Court confirmed the sentence passed by a trial court in 2010. He did not appeal against his conviction or death sentence.

After his arrest and throughout the trial proceedings, Balwant Singh Rajoana made it clear that he had no personal enmity against CM Beant Singh. He explained the reason for his resorting to violent means. In his letters he questioned the values of “justice” as they currently prevail in the Indian state.

Balwant Singh maintained the entire Sikh nation was victimised through state orchestrated ethnic cleansing of the Sikhs in India. There were no traces of humanity and justice. Various forms of Crimes against humanity were being practised in a systematic manner and at widespread scale against the civilian Sikh population during CM Beant Singh’s regime. Balwant Singh Rajoana was forced to quit his service in the police force which murdered Sikhs indiscriminately on mass level. Balwant Singh Rajoana made it clear that the assassination of CM Beant Singh was a response towards a notoriously violent regime by the state whose only aim was the physical extinction of the Sikhs.

Referring to armed attacks on the entire Sikh nation, in terms of the full armoured and air attack on historical and most holy Darbar Sahib, Amritsar and 36 other Sikh Gurudwaras; destruction of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (eternal symbol of Sikh Sovereignty and the worldly seat of the timeless Almighty) and killings of pilgrims and civilian Sikh population in June 1984, deliberate destruction of “the Sikh Reference Library”, on 6-7 June 1984 and the destruction of hundreds of Sikh Gurudwaras throughout India in November 1984. This was part of a larger process of the genocide of the Sikhs, ethnic cleansing of Sikh men aged between 15-60 years old by the Indian army in “Operation Wood Rose” after the June 1984 attack. The genocidal massacres of Sikhs in November 1984 meant thousands of Sikhs were brutally massacred and burnt alive throughout India. Sikh women and children were gang-raped. For the next ten years custodial killings, torture, fake or staged encounters and enforced disappearances was the norm of policing towards Sikhs in the Punjab.

After his arrest, at pre-trial, trial and post-trial stages, Balwant Singh Rajoana expressed no faith in the Indian state system, including the judicial system, for it’s blatant, continuous and deliberate failure to try and punish, or investigate perpetrators of mass scale human rights violations including the Sikh Genocide 1984, genocidal violence against Gujrati Muslims in 2002 and brutal massacres of Christians in Orrisa in 2008. Therefore he refused to defend himself in Indian courts and respectfully refused to take the services of any lawyer.

Sikhs are treated as “subjects” by the Indian state since the transfer of power on August 15, 1947. Sikh members to the constituent assembly of India, who were representing the assent of the Sikh nation, refused to sign the draft of the Constitution of India when it was adopted by the constituent assembly in 1950, because the aspirations of the Sikh nation were not given any representation in this document. Therefore, Sikhs, as a nation, did not assent to the authority of the present Indian state.

The Sikhs as a nation were facing acute existential crisis under the imperial rule of Indian state power. The concerned act, for which Balwant Singh Rajoana is being hanged, emerged from the existential concerns of the Sikh nation. Traditions of the Sikh nation and values of natural justice also support the concerned act.

Similarly, Professor Devender Pal Singh Bhullar, a Sikh political activist and victim of state repression whose family members were subjected to enforced disappearance, presently in Tihar Jail, Delhi is also facing execution threats despite the fact that his death sentence, which was not warranted by any reliable evidence, was confirmed by the Supreme court of India in a split judgement – with presiding judge Jusitce M. B. Shah acquitting Prof. Bhullar but the other two judges Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice Aggarwal confirming the death sentence. Professor Bhullar has already served more than seventeen years in prison, which is more than the legally set norm for life imprisonment in India. Balwant Singh Rajoana has also served more than the norm for legal life imprisonment. Amnesty International in one of it’s documents (AI Index ASA 20/033/2011) pleaded that Professor Devender Pal Singh Bhullar was denied fair trial in India and Graham Watson, MP, European parliament, has referred to this case as ‘potential judicial murder’.

This is an appeal by the Sikh nation, not-represented by any territorial state authority, to the world nations and state powers that believe in upholding the values of justice and humanity to step forward and do the needful to pressurise India to stop the execution of these sikh political prisoners of conscience- Balwant Singh Rajoana, the current voice of the Sikh nation, and Professor Devender Pal Singh Bhullar and support the Sikhs in demanding their immediate release. 

The current custodians of the Akaal Takhat have made a decision in relation to the case of Balwant Singh Rajoana.

They have declared that the status of “Quami Shaheed” – National Martyr is given to Dilawar Singh and the the status “Jinda Shaheed” – Living Martyr is given to Balwant Singh Rajoana. They have also said that on the 28th all Sikhs should wear orange and fly the Kesri Nishan Sahib from their homes.

In addition, the Jathedars have decreed that the President of the SGPC, Avtar Singh Makker, CM Parkash Badal and his son, Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal appeal to the president of India for the unconditional release of Balwant Singh Rajoana.

Many Sikh organisations, lawyers,  and political figures involved in this matter have expressed concerns that this decision does not go far enough. They have said that the Jathedars are simply passing the buck of responsibility and ignoring the demands of the Sikh Nation to make Balwant Singh Rajoana the Jathedar of the Akaal Takhat and take the lead in releasing him from prison. An anonymous source involved in the meeting has said “they are simply playing with the emotions of the nation…wearing orange will not solve anything, we need direct action…they [the Jathedars] have the power…they are playing to the tune of Badal [CM] and trying to pass time”

Recognising the need for direct action, Sikh organisations have called for “Punjab Bandh” – state wide strike on the 28th. They have also announced they will be launching marches from the 29th from Akaal Takhat, Damdama Sahib and Anandpur Sahib to Patiala Central Jail.

We are seeing a near open rebellion against the current custodians of the Akaal Takhat, rumours of their complicity and failure to resist pressure from political figures like CM Badal have long been around. Its only during trying times and tough decisions that we get to see the true colours.