UNITED SIKHS
March 02, 2010
19th Phagun (Samvat 541 Nanakshahi)
Press Release
UNITED SIKHS Calls on Pakistan to Secure Safety of Minorities as 2 Sikhs are Rescued from the Taliban
Sikh Community Relieved as Two Sikhs Freed from Taliban Captivity, Sadly After One is Beheaded

UNITED SIKHS appeals for help to rehabilitate displaced Sikh families living in Peshawar, who fled the tribal areas last year without many belongings and have limited resources to start life afresh. You may donate online here or post a check payable to UNITED SIKHS to a UNITED SIKHS office nearest to you. Click here for office locations.
Peshawar, PAKISTAN: UNITED SIKHS joined a Sikh delegation to meet the Pakistan Minority Minister today to seek assurances for the safety and security of minorities including Sikhs who have recently been targeted by the Taliban in Pakistan. 

This meeting with the Minority Minister, Shabaz Bhatti, followed the brutal beheading on 20th February 2010 of a Sikh, Jaspal Singh, by the Taliban, who had captured him with two other Sikhs in the Khyber Agency. The meeting followed an announcement by the Pakistan Army that it had secured the safe return of the two other Sikh captives on 1st March 2010, following a global outcry after the beheading of Jaspal Singh.

"We will protect the life and properties of the Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan. The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan have been briefed about the developments. Rescuing the captured Sikhs was our mission and we accomplished it. I assure my support to all minorities, " Shabaz Bhatti reassured the Sikh delegation, which included Pyara Singh, the late Jaspal Singh’s father.

The Two Sikhs who were rescued by the Pakistan Army are: Gurvinder Singh, 16, who was unhurt and Surjeet Singh, 25, who was injured by a gunshot fired at him. Surjeet Singh was taken to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Peshawar and is reported to be out of danger. According to media statements given by the Pakistan army, the two Sikhs were rescued after a massive operation conducted by security personnel. Many militants were reportedly killed in the gun battle.

On 11 January Jaspal Singh , Surjeet Singh and Gurvinder Singh were on their way to meet relatives when they kidnapped by Taliban militants in the Khyber Agency. On 20th Feb one of three Kidnapped Sikhs, Jaspal Singh was beheaded in the upper Tirah valley area on the border of the Khyber and Orakzai Agencies. You may read about Jaspal Singh’s murder at https://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-23-02-2010-00.html

Sikhs Released

Gurvinder Singh (in a red Turban) is greeted by Sikhs at the Bhai Joga Singh Gurudwara, Peshawar


UNITED SIKHS is thankful to the Government of Pakistan and all well wishers around the world including Canada, USA, India, UK, Australia, Malaysia, and Afghanistan who appealed to the Pakistan Government for the safety and security of minorities and prayed for the two Sikhs.

UNITED SIKHS appeals for help to rehabilitate displaced Sikh families living in Peshawar, who fled the tribal areas last year without many belongings and have limited resources to start life afresh. You may donate online at www.unitedsikhs.org/donate or post a check payable to UNITED SIKHS to a UNITED SIKHS office nearest to you. For details of our offices see www.unitedsikhs.org/contact.php.

 Issued by:
Kuldip Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
law-usa@unitedsikhs.org
Ph: 1-888-243-1690

 

UNITED SIKHS encourages the Sikh community to wear their Kakaars, fearlessly exercise their freedom of religion, and to contact us with any problems, concerns, or incidents of discrimination.

We  need your support to undertake relief efforts in Pakistan and help those whose lives and livelihoods are severely threatened.

15 families need to be rehabilitated, and only 9 have received help so far. See this.


Contact Us

UNITED SIKHS encourages the Sikh community to wear their kakaars, fearlessly exercise their freedom of religion, and to contact us with any problems, concerns, or incidents of discrimination.

UNITED SIKHS needs your support to undertake relief efforts in Pakistan and help those whose lives and livelihoods are severely threatened. 15 families need to be rehabilitated, and only 9 have received help so far.

To donate to the Pakistan IDP Relief effort, please Click here or contact your local UNITED SIKHS office.
OUR MISSION

To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.

UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.

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Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.

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