Sikhs' role in nation-building praised

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JAN. 6. Stating that he felt ``ashamed'' at the thought of the ``ill-treatment'' and ``injustice'' meted out to Sikhs, the Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani, today wondered how society could behave in such a manner towards a community that had played an exemplary role in nation-building.

Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the capital and other parts of the country following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, followed by the ``suspicion'' cast on the integrity and patriotism of the community in the light of the separatist movement launched by a section of Sikhs, Mr. Advani said: ``Mujhe to lajja aati hai (I feel ashamed of it).''

Mr. Advani was speaking at a function after presenting the Millennium Sikh Awards to several eminent personalities including the noted columnist, Mr. Khushwant Singh; cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi; singer Daler Mehndi; fashion designer J.J. Valaya; the Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. M.S. Gill; the former CBI Director, Mr. Joginder Singh; and Lt.-Gen (Retd.) J.S. Aurora. The function was organised by the Shiromani Institute, a voluntary organisation, in connection of the tricentenary celebrations of the foundation of the Khalsa Panth.

Recollecting his experiences in the 1980s, particularly with reference to the Delhi riots, the Minister said: ``I have had the unfortunate experience of watching Sikhs being ill-treated. The attitude of the people towards Sikhs during those days and the injustice meted to them always hurt me.''

On the return of peace in Punjab, Mr. Advani said the credit for this went to the Sikh community. ``I won't give credit for this to the Government, Army, police or the paramilitary forces. Whatever has been achieved is due to the Sikhs themselves.'' The community had displayed its commitment to democracy by playing a significant role in opposing the Emergency.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Khushwant Singh said: ``If the country is fair to the Sikhs, they will make this nation strong. And if it is unfair to the community, it will be stirring up a hornets' nest.'' He termed the movement for a separate Khalistan the greatest challenge to democracy.

Among others presented the award were the Union Minister for Fertilizers and Chemicals, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa; the Ranbaxy Laboratories Chairman, Mr. Davinder Singh Brar; the Le Meridien Hotel Chairperson, Ms. Harjeet Kaur; Mr. Justice (Retd.) R.S. Narula; Mr. Justice (Retd.) R.S. Sarkaria; and the Minority Commission Vice-Chairman, Mr. Tarlochan Singh. The Minister came down from the dais to honour the Sikh guru, Jogi Bhajan Singh Khalsa.

The Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani, presenting the Millennium Sikh award to singer Daler Mehndi in New Delhi on Saturday.

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