From Punjab to Palestine : Why Young Sikhs Like Me Are Becoming Pro-Palestine Activists

[s28]

https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.pr...tion&utm_medium=web_push&utm_campaign=General

 

[s28]

Living in Canada for the past eight years has made me extremely sensitive to news involving loss of life. It does not need to be a massacre, a triple-murder, or even a human death. I almost always feel the instinctive sorrow a death brings; it seems Canadian sensitivity and values lie behind that conditioning.

So on May 14, when 59 Palestinian protestors were killed by Israeli security forces in Gaza, I could not feel any different. The anguish, pain, remorse and disgust were palpable in my demeanor.

But after pacifying myself, when I peeked around, there was a stoic silence. At least nobody in Canada was celebrating or justifying the massacre, unlike many right-wingers across the globe, but there wasn't a strong rebuke either.


There was a minimal sea change when, a couple of days later, it was established that one of the dead was a Canadian doctor - but the Canadian outrage was nowhere near what it should have been, and, shamefully, nothing like it was for other recent news ‘events’ - a dead cougar or cows being treated badly.

I was left wondering as to why was I being affected disproportionately. Maybe the answer lay in my Sikh roots.


The religion of Sikhism is north of 500 years old and out of its total 25 million followers, more than 20 million Sikhs reside in India and almost 77% of them live in the state of Punjab. They form a meager 1.7% of India's total population and in the 70 years since independence, have been persecuted on multiple occasions because of their religion.

In spite of their relatively trifling numbers, Sikhs played a major part in the Indian freedom struggle against the British. Come independence, Muslims decided to part ways and formed a separate republic, Pakistan, but Sikh leaders stuck with Nehru's idea of a secular India and were, in return, promised adequate representation in the legislature.

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As time passed by, the biggest political party, the ruling Indian National Congress, started to lose its grip on the state of Punjab, the sole Indian state where Sikhs made up the majority. To counter the Sikh political forces of those times, Congress co-opted a Sikh radical named Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale, who became so famous and powerful that he soon felt impregnable and turned against Congress, his maker.

Doesn't this narrative of inadvertently creating a Frankenstein's monster sound familiar?

In 1984, Bhinderanwale's demand for an independent Sikh state did not go well with the Indian government and he was hunted down while hiding in the most revered of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Beside targeting him and his associates, the Indian army used sniper fire, mortars, machine guns and tank fire to attack thousands of innocent pilgrims - men, women, children and old included - who were visiting the shrine for a Sikh festival. It wasn't just an attack on a building, or on those thousands of innocents. It was a murderous onslaught on the psyche of millions of devout Sikhs.

Indian armed forces would never have carried out or would ever carry out a similar attack on a Hindu shrine, but what followed the Golden Temple incident is even more horrific.

Damage to Akal Takht, part of the Sikh Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, after Operation Blue Star, its storming by Indian security forces in 1984 Damage to Akal Takht, part of the Sikh Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, after Operation Blue Star, its storming by Indian security forces in 1984Wikimedia
The Sikh bodyguards of then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi assassinated her at point blank range and, in retaliation, a pan-India genocide of Sikhs was unleashed. Thousands of Sikh men were burnt alive, women were raped and killed, children and old were murdered. The political leaders who fuelled these riots have never been convicted; they still roam free, and of course the world is silent.

Doesn't this narrative sound familiar?

The state of Punjab was overtaken by militancy and the military after 1984 and, for the next decade, mayhem was the order of the day. The state police and the Indian armed forces had a free hand in the state; that lead to unprecedented atrocities and extra-judicial killings. The number of Sikh men who went missing in those 10-12 years is enormous.

A Sikh man being lynched to death by a crowd during the anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, 1984 A Sikh man being lynched to death by a crowd during the anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, 1984Wikimedia
Doesn't this narrative sound familiar?

Those who were lucky to escape the death circus sought political asylum in countries like the UK, Canada, Germany and the U.S. Today, the Sikh diaspora in these countries is resourceful, well-connected and politically affluent.

Even so, when they raise their voice today, against the 1984 genocide and those black days in the Punjab, the reaction from the Indian government is similar to the lack of response by the U.S. to the cries of the Palestinians.

The Indian government not only explicitly ignores our pleas for justice, it has been actively trying to subvert the rise of Sikhs in political circles abroad. One prime example is the sustained attempt by right-wing Hindu groups to sabotage the rise of the Canadian National Democratic Party leader, Jagmeet Singh.

Sikhs know what it feels to be effectively shooed out of your homeland and be forced to live in exile; what it's like to be shot at "just for fun," as target practice; what it's like to be harassed daily by state security forces; what it's like to have a seven year-old arrested on charges of "terrorism"; and what it's like when the world simply ignores your plight.

Maybe, just maybe, that is why I am speaking up here, and now, and why other Sikhs are speaking up now.

I could feel the misery, whereas others didn't or wouldn't; but before being a Sikh, a Muslim, a Jew or a Christian, we are all, equally, bones and flesh, a heart and a brain. Or at least, I hope we are.

Jaspreet Oberoi is an opinion blogger and columnist with Newslaundry.com and writes on socio-political issues involving India, Canada and the world at large. He was born and brought up in Punjab, India and is currently based in Canada. Twitter: @ijasoberoi

 

[Slog]

Sikh support is irrelevant for a cause such as this

 

[TM Riddle]

Hindus and Jews are a cunning race.
Fully support our Sikh brothers on this one.
Raj Karega Khalsa(With Lahore as capital of course)

 

[gani999]

Sikh support is irrelevant for a cause such as this

This.....


is what Muslims think of Sikh support for the Palestine issue

And as for Khalistan, Indian Sikhs don't give a damn to it either.

 

[Napa]

In spite of their relatively trifling numbers, Sikhs played a major part in the Indian freedom struggle against the British.

Not really, the Sikhs played a part but so did many other Indians. The notables of the unarmed struggle were Gujaratis like Gandhi and Patel, and the notables of the armed struggle were Bengalis like Bose and Surya Sen.

In 1984, Bhinderanwale's demand for an independent Sikh state did not go well with the Indian government and he was hunted down while hiding in the most revered of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

A rather benign view of a man notorious for dragging civilians out of buses and killing them.

 

[kabbirann]

The victimhood and the hyperbole
Comparing Punjab to Palestine
The deceit and dishonesty in conveniently forgetting the innocent Hindu's that were murdered.
The writer needs to renounce Sikhi and go join the BJP.He would fit right in.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

This.....


is what Muslims think of Sikh support for the Palestine issue

And as for Khalistan, Indian Sikhs don't give a damn to it either.

But its pretty logical, no?

How would Sikh support (barely 0.6% of the global population) affect the tension in Palestine when almost 25% of the world's population (i.e Muslims) couldn't?

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

But its pretty logical, no?

How would Sikh support (barely 0.6% of the global population) affect the tension in Palestine when almost 25% of the world's population (i.e Muslims) couldn't?

Nonetheless, I'm not implying that we won't appreciate support in this cause.

No matter how irrelevant it is, we still highly appreciate it.

Who knows, maybe this could be the start of mass non-muslim support for Palestine or maybe I'm just daydreaming.

 

[Pakistanian]

Sikh support is irrelevant for a cause such as this

All the Palestinians I know appreciate every bit of support they can get.

 

[Mr.Q]

A very clever attempt to equate the situation in Palestine to that of the Sikhs. After the first couple of paragraphs, he forgot about the Palestine issue altogether and went on to praise Jagmeet Singh!

The Khalistan movement was a real threat back then. Indira Gandhi will be remembered for her willpower and fearlessness as a leader. But I agree, the 1984 riots is a dark chapter in India’s history.

 

[Varun]

Don't know why the Sikhs are bothering, the Palestinian issue is one that fuels itself.

In their heart of hearts, I'm fully certain that certain parties who are apparently the 'victims' don't want it to be solved either - the constant state of flux ensures a never ending supply of sympathy and money.

And lo and behold, it's been 60+ years and counting.

 

[Madplayer]

Sikh support is irrelevant for a cause such as this

Sikhs are and in the coming years will become more influential in Canada. Canada's increased support can be good.

 

[Varun]

Sikhs are and in the coming years will become more influential in Canada. Canada's increased support can be good.

The only countries that matter in this game are the USA, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey. Faraway Canada with its 1.4% battalion of Sardars ain't gonna do nothin'

 

[www787]

Sikhs are and in the coming years will become more influential in Canada. Canada's increased support can be good.

Canada? a country of 36 million, state of California has more population than all of Canada. Economy heavily depended on US would never go against US irrespective of which ethnicity is in power.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The most interesting part in that article was the link to another story

India's 'Internet Hindus' Are in Love With Israel

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/india-s-internet-hindus-are-in-love-with-israel-1.5730730


We have seen a spate of similar sentiment as voiced in that article on here by a few posters.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Don't know why the Sikhs are bothering, the Palestinian issue is one that fuels itself.

In their heart of hearts, I'm fully certain that certain parties who are apparently the 'victims' don't want it to be solved either - the constant state of flux ensures a never ending supply of sympathy and money.

And lo and behold, it's been 60+ years and counting.

They are bothering because it's a humanitarian issues which transcends religion, race and nationality. Palestinians have support from all over the world.

Im not sure why this upsets you.

 

[Varun]

They are bothering because it's a humanitarian issues which transcends religion, race and nationality. Palestinians have support from all over the world.

Im not sure why this upsets you.

It doesn't upset me - it just befuddles me that so many are backing a horse that is already dead. Years and decades have passed since this issue first become humanitarian and supposedly transcended religion, race and nationality, but what difference have the tears made on the ground in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank? Zilch.

Give it up - the Muslim powers themselves don't care about Palestine. And they're the only ones who can solve the problem if they were/are even bothered.

 

[KingKhanWC]

It doesn't upset me - it just befuddles me that so many are backing a horse that is already dead. Years and decades have passed since this issue first become humanitarian and supposedly transcended religion, race and nationality, but what difference have the tears made on the ground in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank? Zilch.

Give it up - the Muslim powers themselves don't care about Palestine. And they're the only ones who can solve the problem if they were/are even bothered.

Im not surprised it baffles you but not everyone thinks the same as you my friend.

There are people when seeing suffering feel the pain of others regardless of what race, religion and nationality those people happen to be. Im not sure what you mean backing a dead horse? This isn't the grand national or the Kentucky derby or a competition. People will support those in need out of the goodness in their hearts not because they may think their support will make no difference.

The Muslim leaders are nothing but traitors, installed puppets or greedy dictators but this wont be the case forever.

 

[Varun]

The Muslim leaders are nothing but traitors, installed puppets or greedy dictators but this wont be the case forever.

In this case, it has been the case since the late 1940s, which is a lifetime in international diplomacy. Somebody in the past might have claimed that the Muslim leaders were benevolent, forward thinking, inclusive rulers but it wouldn't be the case forever, and they got what they wished for.

 

[KingKhanWC]

In this case, it has been the case since the late 1940s, which is a lifetime in international diplomacy. Somebody in the past might have claimed that the Muslim leaders were benevolent, forward thinking, inclusive rulers but it wouldn't be the case forever, and they got what they wished for.

You need to look into the history of Jerusalem in detail. Israel has been around for less than 70 years. The Crusaders held the city for much longer but eventually they were sent packing. Israel is surrounded from all sides by Muslim nations, when the military balance of power changes they will be sent packing too, whether its another 70 years or 140 it will surely happen.

 

[Varun]

You need to look into the history of Jerusalem in detail. Israel has been around for less than 70 years. The Crusaders held the city for much longer but eventually they were sent packing. Israel is surrounded from all sides by Muslim nations, when the military balance of power changes they will be sent packing too, whether its another 70 years or 140 it will surely happen.

If anything, that only proves Jerusalem and the surrounding Muslim nations are a losers brigade always ripe for the next invasion. They then proceed to incubate for centuries at a time hoping for prophecies to reveal themselves, which they never do.

 

[BlackShadow]

Are we talking Pakistani Punjab here? Because I am yet to see a pro-palestine activist from Indian Punjab.

 

[gani999]

You need to look into the history of Jerusalem in detail. Israel has been around for less than 70 years. The Crusaders held the city for much longer but eventually they were sent packing. Israel is surrounded from all sides by Muslim nations, when the military balance of power changes they will be sent packing too, whether its another 70 years or 140 it will surely happen.

Not sure what balance of power you are referring to. Israel is surrounded by Muslim countries, as you rightfully pointed out. If all of them came together with the sole objective of liberating their so-called 'brothers' in Palestine, Israel will be toast. But that has not happened and never will.

To be fair, Egypt and Syria, backed by the superpower USSR, did try it during the Yom Kippur war. They got nothing apart from a painful kick on their backsides, something they have not forgotten to this day. And the Turkeys, Lebanons and Saudi Arabias of the world did nothing other than merely sit on their backsides and watch the show.

The Palestinian cause is a lost one, period. The so called 'liberation struggle' is only being kept alive by some opportunistic leeches who spend more time in Geneva and Stockholm, staging silly flag marches and appealing to the lily hearted, political correctness obsessed European leftists who open their hearts and more importantly , their purses, in support. The latter is exactly what the aforementioned leeches are interested in.

 

[PakLFC]

Sikh's can forget about Muslim majority Lahore being part of their Khalistan. It is not even plausible from any perspective for goodness sake. I guess it makes them feel good supporting Palestine to annoy the right wing pro Israel Hindu's. There is no historical connection between the Sikhs and Palestinians neither do the latter even know about the Khalistan movement that only looks good on paper. This Khalsa hakumat has always only existed and will continue to do so in Indian Punjab.

 

[PakLFC]

Khalistan a Sikh homeland is only possible in Indian Punjab where Sikh's are a majority. In the much bigger Pak Punjab the Sikh population is incredibly low. Much greater chance of alien's invading the planet then Pak Punjab being part of any future Khalistan. As for Palestine with the west supporting Israel there is no immediate chance of it being liberated. Even most Arab countries like Saudi, Jordan and Kuwait support Israel. Strange, the Arab's keep crying about Palestine when most of their own governments support Israel!

 

[Sidilicious]

Why are people actually taking this Khalistan thing so seriously. None of the Sikhs living in India actually care about Khalistan. A couple of Sikhs in Canada and UK might be vocal about it.

If anything, this guy is trying to divert the issue from Palestine to Khalistan. Palestine is a real issue and needs to be resolved. We need to find a way for both the Israelis and Palestinians to co-exist.

 

[big_gamer007]

Any loss of innocent life should be condemned and guilty should be punished.. Be in in Palestine, or Israel, or India or Kashmir or balochistan or whenever.