[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ANNUAL SIKH CONVENTION LAYS PLANS FOR EXPANDING STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the International Sikh Organization held its 
annual convention on the weekend of October 10-11-12, 2003 in Houston. 
The convention laid plans for the expansion of the movement to free 
Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that declared its independence on October 
7, 1987.
  The convention was attended by many delegates from all around the 
United States and Canada. They made plans to expand their office in 
Washington, which has been an invaluable resource to us here in 
Congress in getting out information about the oppression of the Sikhs 
and other minorities by the Indian government. This is good to see. The 
glow of freedom still burns brightly in the hearts of these Sikh 
leaders.
  The delegates also congratulated Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President 
of the International Sikh Organization and the Council of Khalistan, 
for his tireless work in support of the interests of Sikhs in this 
country and the cause of freedom for Khalistan. I can say from my 
personal experience that Dr. Aulakh has worked for that cause with 
great dedication for several years and he has provided a lot of 
information to those of us in Congress who are interested in the cause 
of human rights and freedom in South Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, I would simply like to take this opportunity to salute 
the International Sikh Organization on a very successful convention and 
wish it continued success in the future. We can support its efforts to 
bring freedom to the Sikh people, and other regions in South Asia by 
insisting that human rights are observed and by declaring our support 
for a free and fair plebiscite under international monitoring on the 
question of independence.

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