[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     CONGRATULATING THE CHURCH OF KHALISTAN ON 15 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Gurmit 
Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, for 15 years of 
service to the Sikhs, the people of South Asia and America.
  Fifteen years ago Dr. Aulakh left a well-paying job to begin striving 
day in and day out in an effort to draw attention to the plight of the 
minorities of India. Since that time he has succeeded in raising 
awareness of the treatment of Christians, Kashmiri Muslims, and other 
minorities in India and throughout the world. Dr. Aulakh has spoken out 
on behalf of these people; he has highlighted injustices, and in so 
doing, has raised the level of awareness of such issues throughout the 
United States.
  On October 7, 1987, the Sikh homeland declared its independence from 
India. At that time, Dr. Aulakh was named to lead the struggle to 
regain the lost sovereignty of the Sikhs.
  If it were not for Dr. Aulakh's tireless efforts, the human-rights 
conditions in India would go unexposed and unpunished. Because of his 
efforts, all of us in Congress are much better informed on these 
matters and we are more able to take appropriate action. Therefore, I 
would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Aulakh and the 
Council of Khalistan for their tireless efforts on behalf of freedom.

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