By Prof. Indrajit S Saluja
Sikhs in the US are belittling themselves by indulging in acts of violence against factions which do not agree with their ideology. While there is freedom of expression in this country, there is also a restriction that the expression has to be peaceful. Physical attacks are a felony and the US law enforcement is bound to proceed against the perpetrators of violence.
It pains peaceful Sikhs in America (and elsewhere in the world, too) to find a faction of Sikhs supporting creation of Khalistan in India, making physical attacks on those Sikhs who do not subscribe to their ideology. Nobody questions their right to advertise and advocate their demand for a Khalistan in India, but all eyebrows will be raised when they commit violence against those not supporting them, or rather opposing them.
The Sikh groups supporting Khalistan have of late taken to the forbidden path of violence.
May be, they are frustrated that the mass of Sikhs abroad does not support them. In India, where they want Khalistan, they hardly have any influence. It is their frustration which is driving them to acts of violence against their opponents. They may not realize now, but history has a lesson to be reminded of- there is ultimate failure when a movement goes violent, because then it loses direction, and people’s sympathy.
They need to be reminded of the famous words: you may befool some for all the time; all for some time; but not all for all times.
Advocates of Khalistan need to understand this.
They may also do well to remember that Law Enforcement in this country will not allow them the freedom to go violent against individuals. When the law comes calling these people will repent.
In attacking Manjit Singh GK, President , Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee, and a Shiromani Akali Dal leader, and his companions at a gurdwara in Yuba City on Saturday, August 25, the attackers who claim to be pro- Khalistan, have shown complete disregard to the Sikh Gurus who have taught us the lesson of universal brotherhood. They have set a bad example for our younger generation. They have strengthened the already strong impression among US law enforcement that the Sikhs are a violent community. They have further sullied the image of the Sikhs worldwide. They have challenged peace loving majority of Sikhs. They have challenged the laws of the land.
I only hope, wisdom will dawn on them and they will act as the Sikhs our revered Gurus wanted the Sikhs to be- humble, loving and treating the entire mankind as children of One God. Only then will the Khalsa have a sovereign sway.
And, in fine, I urge the US administration to curb with a heavy hand this tendency to be violent among some people. Or, else, this nation which has prided itself as being a nation of peaceful and loving people, will soon face the headaches of a third world country.
Are you all listening?
If yes, and, if you agree with my viewpoint, share it with as many as possible. Because it is the question of the dignity of the Sikhs and India. Because it is the question of peace in America.