[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 21, 1994]



                     INDIA SHOULD RECOGNIZE REALITY

                                 ______


                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 1994

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I note with sadness that on September 15, the 
Indian regime stopped noted human rights activist Ajit Singh Baines, a 
former high court justice, from boarding a plane to Great Britain. 
Justice Bains is remembered in this House for his moving testimony to 
the Human Rights Caucus regarding the repression of the Sikh nation by 
India. Justice Bains strongly advocates the liberation of the Sikh 
homeland, Khalistan, by peaceful means.
  In addition, the most prominent Sikh leader in Khalistan, Mr. 
Simranjit Singh Mann has recently been charged by the Indian regime 
under the repressive Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act, [TADA]. 
His crime? Mr. Mann spoke out at a Sikh temple in support of an 
independent, sovereign Khalistan through peaceful, nonviolent means. 
Without a trial, the Indian regime has seized Mr. Mann's passport and 
the Punjab police have threatened his life.
  These anti-democratic acts by the tyrannical Indian regime are but 
the latest chapter in India's illegal occupation of the Sikh homeland, 
Khalistan, which declared its independence on October 7, 1987, severing 
all political connection with India. The massive Sikh election boycott 
of 1992 shows that this movement has the people's support.
  These former officials are again subjected to a kind of brutality 
Americans would not tolerate if it were inflicted on ordinary citizens.
  Occupied Khalistan is not the only place where India faces a demand 
for freedom. There are independence movements in Kashmir, Nagaland, 
Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Manipur. India is relying on repression, and 
supporters of Mr. Mann are concerned about his fate despite his status 
as a former member of Parliament. What crime has this distinguished 
leader committed?
  As we begin to send United States troops to Haiti, how can America 
sit idly by and allow this oppression to continue. What is happening to 
Mr. Mann and Justice Bains violates democratic principles. It takes 
more than elections to make a democracy. Democracy requires respect for 
human and individual rights.
  It is time for India to recognize reality and begin real 
negotiations. If Israel and the PLO can make peace, if the IRA can 
negotiate with the British, then India can sit down with the Sikh 
representatives, such as the Council of Khalistan and demarcate the 
boundaries of an independent Khalistan.

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