By Gareth Sims, Human Rights Law Network

“The death penalty is judicial murder”

                                  Former Supreme Court Judge K T Thomas, 27 April 2013

The demand for ABOLITION OF DEATH PENALTY today got a boost when a conference was organized at Constitution Club, New Delhi, where renowned speakers from the legal academic and NGO fraternity strongly came out with the demand that the death penalty should be abolished from Statue books with immediate effect. The ‘Campaign Against the Death Penalty’  comprising of distinguished jurists, senior lawyers, human rights groups, academics, NGOs and activists have strongly asserted the demand  in wake of the disappointing return to capital punishment in the country.  The secretive and barbaric nature of these executions has added to the alarm and concern among the activists.

From left to right: Colin Gonsalves (Snr advocate Supreme court of India and Director of HRLN), Shailesh Rai (Amnesty International), Professor Anup Surendranath (National Law University Delhi), Suhas Chakma (Asia Centre for Human Rights), Razia Ismail Abbazi (India Alliance for Child Rights), Henri Tipghane (People’s Watch), Iftikar Gilani (Journalist).

Speaking on the occasion Justice A.K Ganguly, Retired Supreme Court Judge, said the fact that Supreme Court in 2009 itself accepted that they have erred in hanging six persons by not following the ratio of the Bachan Singh judgment is a powerful reminder for abolition. The argument that the death penalty amounts to punishment is erroneous since it ends the possibility a person reforming, which is intrinsic to the very concept of punishment. The handing of the death penalty has become dangerous because of its arbitrary and judge centric nature and he strongly demanded its abolition.

“Death is not a punishment it is killing…something that is irreversible cannot be a punishment. Death sentence is a full stop not a coma. “

On the case of Professor Bhullar, Justice Ganguly stated “The split verdict was granted in case of Bhullar- If two  judges say he is guilty and one says he is not, then give him life imprisonment but the death sentence in his case is atrocious, unethical, and barbaric.”

Justice A.K. Ganguly (Retd.) Supreme Court of India

Anup Surendranath, Professor of law at the National Law University Delhi, analysed the inconsistent approach to alleged terror cases and other “heinous crimes” applied by the Supreme Court in awarding the death penalty pointed out that even Israel, a country which is known for its harsh and uncompromising approach to terrorism understands that the death sentence does not deter terrorism.

Journalist Iftikar Gilani, discussed the situation in Kashmir and drew our attention to two contrasting outcomes where individuals had and had not been executed.  In the first situation, the hanging led to further unrest and the deaths of thousands.  In the latter, the person who was finally released was responsible for the negotiation of a peace accord, saving the lives of thousands.

 Dr. V Suresh, General Secretary, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) emphasized the decision to execute is to a great extent decided by political considerations and the Supreme Court in Professor Bhullar’s case has increased the possibility of its misuse by creating a new category of ‘terrorist’ while considering the mercy petition. He adds that the ethnic and social status bias is quite evident in death penalty sentencing: Dalits, minorities and the poor are overwhelmingly more likely to go to the gallows.

A statement to the conference by Justice MB Shah (who found that Professor Bhullar should be acquitted), was read by Satnam Singh Bains, Barrister from the UK,

Reiterated MB Shah’s concerns over the Bhullar case:

Satnam highlighted the role of some sections of the media who irresponsibly reporting alleged terrorist offences (as in Bhullar’s case) creating a hostile public atmosphere towards those on death row.  He pointed out that Professor Bhullar has never been convicted for being a member of a proscribed organisation, or for any other offences relating to a terrorist group.  Satnam also analysed the inherent flaws in Bhullar’s conviction.

Shailesh Rai of Amnesty International discussed the “lethal lottery” of the death penalty by analysing a number of judgments. He highlighted the inconsistent and arbitrary manner in which the Supreme Court, in similar kinds of cases, makes its judgements – not so much by legal consideration but by the whim of the judge(s) hearing the case

Kavita Krishnan, AIPWA, discussed how after the December 16 rape case the media deliberately tried to reduce the debate to the single demand of hanging the rapist. The women’s movement, to a great extent succeeded in exposing the mask of the patriarchal forces that were hiding their real bias against women’s freedom behind the demand of ‘Hang the Rapist’. It is very significant that the progressive women’s movements are against the death penalty for rape, holding that the death penalty is not part of the solution to a much deeper rooted problem.

From left to right: Dr V Suresh (People’s Union for Civil Liberties), Satnam Singh Bains (UK Barrister), Justice A.K. Ganguly (Retd.) Supreme Court of India, Kavita Krishnan (All India Progressive Women Association), Navneet Kaur Bhullar (wife of Professor Bhullar).

Reprieve’s Meagan Lee (from the United Kingdom) , Stated that Professor Bhullar’s case is an exceptional one. The Indian Supreme Court’s recent affirmation of  the death sentence in his case is inconsistent with the international standards that have been developed in relation to “death-row” phenomenon. She stated that such prolonged delays can constitute cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment amounting to torture. There’s been a continued global decline in application of he death penalty, with only 21 countries in the world known to have carried out executions in 2012. India has also voted against UN General Assembly resolutions calling for a moratorium on the death penalty.”

Navneet Kaur Bhullar, wife of Professor Bhullar, told of her moving 18 year fight for Justice and the journey of pain and agony that she has gone through to seek justice for Professor Bhullar. Since the 2002 Supreme Court verdict she has lobbied the Indian, German, and United Kingdom Governments as well as the European Union.  She thanked all the delegates, those in India and abroad who had taken up the case of Professor Bhullar.

Jaswant Kaur, Human Rights Advocate (Left), Navneet Kaur Bhullar, wife of Professor Bhullar (right)

Razia Ismail Abazzi from the India Alliance for Child Rights, spoke on the issue of juvenile justice.  She pertinently stated that the issue is not whether someone who is a few months above the age of 18 can be executed and someone a few months the other way cannot be executed, but simply that there should not be the death penalty for anyone of any age.

Henry Tipghane from People’s Watch spoke on the death sentences passed on the alleged associates of Veerappan now aged in their 60s. As with many death row cases there had been an inordinate delay. Henry highlighted the gross human rights violations committed by the Special Task force, purportedly established to catch Veerappan, which included torture, custodial deaths, and rape, has gone unpunished.  He highlighted the contradiction between the failure of the Indian state to secure justice for the victims before the NHRC and members of the security forces involved in human rights violation being accelerated for promotion.

Colin Gonsalves, Snr Advocate of the Supreme Court and Director of HRLN

Colin Gonsalves Senior Advocate of the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) moderated the sessions and emphasized that this is not the first and nor the last effort to abolish the death penalty. It should go on till we succeed in removing these draconian provisions from statue books.

The speakers who spoke on the occasion were Colin Gonsalves, Senior Advocate, Director of Human Rights Law Network , Justice A.K. Ganguly (Retd.) Supreme Court of India, Razia Iamail Abbazi, Indian Alliance for Child Rights, Iftikar Gillani, Journalist, Henri Tipghane, People’s watch, Shailesh Rai, Amnesty International, Professor Anup Surendranath, NLU Delhi, Meagan Lea, Reprieve, Gurvinder Singh Sidhu, Secretary Lawyers for Justice, Satnam Singh Bains, UK Barrister, Kavita Krishnan, All India Progressive Women Association, Suhas Chakma, Asian Centre for Human Rights, Navneet Kaur Bhullar, wife of Professor Bhullar, Jaswant Kaur, Human Rights Advocate, and Smriti Minocha of HRLN, .

Around 200 people participated in the conference which was organised by Human Rights Law Network in collaboration with Peoples Union for Civil Liberties, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Free Bhullar Campaign, PVCHR, AISA,  Anhad, Jamia Teachers’ Solidarity Association, , Indian Alliance for Child Rights,  Lawyers for Human Rights International, Lawyers for Justice, People’s Watch, SHRG and other NGOs.

The full conference will be available on you tube under the heading “Campaign against the Death Penalty India Conference 10/5/2013” 

Fresno, California– BIAS ATTACK, HATE CRIME, BRUTALITY… no matter what it is called, IT MUST STOP NOW! This week, a California, elderly, Sikh man was violently attacked outside the gurdwara he faithfully attends to practice his religion. Eighty-two year-old Piara Singh, was beaten with a steel pipe outside a Fresno temple in what police believe is a hate crime. Singh spends his nights at Nanaksar Sikh Temple in Fresno, California, to watch over the grounds and prepare langaar, the free daily meals that Sikh temples traditionally serve. According to his nephew, Charanjit Sihota, on the morning of Sunday, May 5th, 2013, , Singh left the temple grounds for a morning walk dressed in his usual traditional clothing. Singh’s son, Kawal Singh, was driving to the temple to pick up his father when up ahead he saw a man jump off his bicycle and beat Singh with something metal. He honked the horn and called 911.[1] Singh is expected to make a full physical recovery after suffering a punctured lung, fractured jaw and staples in his head due to lacerations.

But what about Singh’s emotional recovery? Too often, members of the Sikh community become victims to hate crimes, bias-based bullying, and discrimination throughout the United States.While we live in a country created by many cultures, races, and religions, we still see these attacks frequently occurring even in the 21st century. Because Singh wears a turban on his head does not mean he is any different from the Caucasian man waiting for the bus, or the African American man entering the store, or the Hispanic woman playing with her child in the playground. Just like them, he is a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend.  He is a human being regardless of the faith he follows.

Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), co-chair of the American Sikh Caucus, released a solemn statement to the public stating, “My heart broke when I heard about the suspected hate crime on Piara Singh, an elderly Sikh man dedicated to his faith and his community. He was doing what he did every day, volunteering at his gurdwara, when a man viciously attacked him.  In the wake of Oak Creek and Elk Grove, it is clear that hysteria and stereotyping are still far too common.  We must combat the growing wave of violence and intolerance that threatens the safety and civil liberties of all Americans, including the Sikh American community. That is why I have pushed the FBI to finally begin tracking hate crimes against the American Sikh community.  This will help law enforcement officers in every locality to do all they can to prevent violence against this – and all – communities.  We cannot wait any longer.”

Since September 11, the world has been gripped by fear and many minority communities, including the Sikh community, have suffered from the backlash of misinformation and ignorance. The first reprisal killing after Sept 11 was of a Turban wearing Sikh in Arizona, who was mistaken as belonging to the group which perpetrated the 9/11 incident. Sikhs, due to their unique appearance, have since been a target of hate and bias crime and discrimination. Every week, UNITED SIKHS receives reports from Sikh adults and children who are victims of race-based hate crimes and those being denied their right to practice their religion. A Sikh’s right to wear his articles of faith has been challenged in schools, the workplace, prisons and other public places. Sikhs also suffer increased harassment by TSA officials at airports because they wear the Turban.

While the fear of another attack is understood, nothing justifies channeling that fear through violence towards others based on stereotypes perpetuated by the media.  UNITED SIKHS continues to work to stop the cycle by creating awareness of these issues amongst authorities and the public through talks, seminars, and multifaith events. In addition, UNITED SIKHS offers advice, counsel and legal representation to those whose legal rights are being denied by errant and mis-informed authorities and the public.

Manvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS Director, attended the town hall meeting at Nanaksar Sikh Temple in Fresno on the evening of Tuesday, May 7th to discuss this vicious attack on Piara Singh. There were 300 attendees including police officials and Fresno’s Police Chief that spoke out against hate crimes and the need to educate society on the Sikh religion and its worshippers.

1. Marcum, Diana. “Sikh Man, 82, Beaten with Pipe in Fresno in Suspected Hate Crime.” Los Angeles Times., 8 May 2013. Web. 9 May 2013.

Mr. Piara Singh

Anisha asked the candidates about their bias-based bullying prevention initiatives. She stated, “Three out of four Sikh American boys are bullied in the United States due to their appearance.  They were called Bin Laden, terrorist, and told to go ‘back to their country’ even if they were born and raised in the United States. Too many of our children are victims of hate crimes. In 2008, a Sikh boy’s turban was lit on fire by a classmate in New Jersey.  That same year a New York City Sikh girl’s uncut, sacred, hair was forcibly cut by a classmate.  A year later, another New York City Sikh boy was punched and harassed daily for about a year and nothing was done for him until it escalated to disturbing degrees of violence.  Those are just three examples within a period of a year.  Our children are afraid to go to school and are constantly looking over their shoulder with this fear, all at such a young age.  As Mayor, what preventative measured are you going to take to ensure our children are not victims of bullying and hate crimes in their schools?” she asked.

In response to the question, candidates and audience members gasped and began tweeting their thoughts (for more see: #Right4NY). Sal Albanese spoke on his experience working in public school education and his belief that the message must go out to the public that bullying will not be tolerated.  Bill de Blasio gained applause from the audience when he addressed the issue by stating that “we as a nation have let go of civics at a time when it is most vital for civic education to become a priority.”  Adolfo Carrion said “it will be his mayoral directive to speak to parents of children who bully other children to make sure they are educated.”  He also said that this was an issue that was “swept under the rug” and thanked Anisha for highlighting the issue.  Christine Quinn responded by saying that, “just as students are victims of bullying and are afraid to walk into their school buildings, so are the teachers and staff who also get victimized.”  To address this she posed the implementation of staff trainings for teachers and, if elected, she would visit schools with bullying incidents the morning after the incident happened.  Erick Salgado said there should be “zero tolerance” for bullying and there needs to be a hotline for reporting these bullying incidents.

John Liu stole the spotlight by speaking at length about Sikh advocacy work. He started by thanking UNITED SIKHS for our work and pointing out that Sikh advocacy groups work hard to come up with free curriculum kits for school to use to educate their students on Sikhism yet these kits are ignored by the schools.  He also pointed out that complaints to the Department of Education are not taken seriously but that these complaints and incidents need to be addressed and even tracked.  Finally, he spoke on how the NYPD does not allow Sikhs to wear turbans while on the police force and this also needs to change.  Bill Thompson agreed with Liu about getting rid of the NYPD turban regulation in order to show Sikhs are a part of and accepted by the community.

Other memorable moments at the forum included opening statements and other important questions posed to the candidates. In her opening statement, Christine C. Quinn stated, “[We should be] bringing communities together, not ripping them apart.” Bill de Blasio spoke on the need for Muslim Holidays and John C. Liu recognized that our communities suffered the most.

Other questions posed to the candidates included topics of religious freedom, police accountability, free speech, and Muslim school holidays.  In light of the “Ground Zero Mosque” opposition, candidates asked what they would do as mayor to ensure that people of faith are able to build places of worship and that no neighborhood in our city is off limits to any community.  In addition, candidates were informed that zero leads have been produced from years of warrantless spying and profiling by the NYPD on Muslim and Sikh Americans.  When candidates were asked to raise their hands if they thought the current NYPD surveillance program is unconstitutional, only John C. Liu and Erick Salgado raised their hands.  John Liu added, “America is a place of religious freedom.  How can anyone here think it is okay to spy on people just because they look Muslim?” All other candidates present claimed that while they thought the NYPD surveillance is constitutional, they think it is wrong.  Nourah AbuShaban, an NYU student, also asked the candidates to speak on the protection of free speech.

To see the buzz from the event, search #Right4NY on twitter and read comments from candidates, participants, and the audience.

Anisha Singh, Policy Advocate for UNITED SIKHS, asks candidates about bias-based bullying

Mayoral Candidates

Mayoral Candidates

Washington D.C.- April 24th, 2013 is now a significant day in the history of Sikh Americans. From day one of migration to the America from India some 130 years ago, Sikhs have not only been successful and making positive impact in society, but also feeling the backlash that comes from the ridiculation of sacred practices and beliefs. How best to tackle these issues that going straight to the ones in charge, in the United States, that is Congress.

By forming a caucus, which by definition is the meeting of supporters and members of a political party or movement to listening and disseminate issues of a particular group. In the United States, the formation of a caucus provides a specific group with a direct voice to the lawmakers and changers. Why is this so important to Sikh Americans? Sikh Americans have faced racism and discrimination for many years and it only heightened after 9/11 and the Wisconsin shootings to name just two. As a result of September 11, some Sikh Americans have become subject to discrimination, often from individuals who under a mistaken identity have attacked people of color, be it Hindus, Sikhs or Muslims and Arabs. Balbir Singh Sodhi, a gas station owner, was killed on September 15, 2001 due to being mistaken for a Muslim. In a 2011 report to the United States Senate, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported several assaults and incidents of arson at Sikh temples after September 11. All were labeled as hate crimes that resulted from the perpetrators’ misconceptions that their targets were Muslim.[1]

Although the majority of anti-Sikh hostility and hate crimes occurred in the wake of the September 11th attacks, Sikhs continue to be the target of racially motivated violence. As recent as March 7, 2011, a Sikh family in Virginia received death threats in an anonymous letter, charging the family with ties to the Taliban.[2] Referred to as the Turban Family, the family was told to either leave the country or face serious consequences. There was also a tragic occurrence on March 8, 2011 where two elderly Sikh gentlemen, Surinder Singh, age 67, and Gurmej Atwal, age 78 were gunned down from a moving truck in West Sacramento California.

Many civil-rights organizations such as UNITED SIKHS, SALDEF and SIKH COALITION have dedicated their work to empowering, educating and protecting individuals facing such backlash. Two determined individuals took the honest upon themselves to propose this caucus to Congress members: Harpreet Singh Sandhu, a California-based political activist, and Dr. Pritpal Singh, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) Coordinator, for their role in spearheading the formation of the Caucus.   “The Sikh dream of a direct voice to Congress about Sikh related issues has come true. The Caucus’ purpose is to educate and allow Members to strategize on how to support the American Sikh community and attack the many issues we face today including bullying, Armed Forces, and homeland security. I am so happy to have civil rights groups such as the UNITED SIKHS as a supporter and this Caucus can only get bigger and bigger as days to come,” said Mr. Sandhu.

Representatives from California, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D) and Congressman David Valadao (R) currently the co-chairs of the caucus, launched the First American Sikh Caucus. They also received the backing of 28 other members of Congress. While this caucus has the potential to grow and grow, we are looking forward to them listening to the trials and tribulations facing the Sikh communities nationwide. From bullying in schools to ridicule by TDA, amendments need to be made allowing Sikhs to practice their religious beliefs freely in this country of freedom.

Sikhs express only excitement and enthusiasm on this so long awaited formation of this caucus. Many Sikh groups have come formed to support the caucus and their numbers are increasing.  Its time to be a witness to the change and to see the collective impact this will have on the issues and concerns that the Sikh communities are facing.   The Latino- Jewish Caucus, launched in 2011, has brought change and voice to the concerns faced by these two groups jointly. The model is to make sure that the Sikhs who with the other color minorities who have faced the brunt of discrimination/attacks based on their identity hope to make sure that the caucus will address their issues and concerns.

1. ^ “Anti-Muslim Incidents Since Sept. 11, 2001″. Southern Poverty Law Center. March 29, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
2. ^ Sikh family receives death threats in us. (2012, March 07). Press Trust of India. Retrieved from http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/sikh-family-receives-death-threats-in-us-183543

UNITED SIKHS representative and policy advocate, Anisha Singh, spoke on the panel entitled: “Faith and Social Justice: Strengths, Stigmas, and Possibilities of Social Justice Through a Faith Lens.”  This panel was formed to address the struggles associated with incorporating religious viewpoints into progressive advocacy work. Just as the South Asian community in the United States is very diverse in its faith/religious identities, the panel consisted of representatives from Islam, Christianity, Hinduism & Sikhism. The moderator was Sethu Nair from Sadhana and panelists were  UNITED SIKHS’ Anisha Singh, Arun Lobo, a Catholic priest and activist, Shaykh Abdool Rahman of ICNA Relief, and Sadhana’s Sunita Viswanath.

Anisha spoke on her personal experiences with balancing religious views while being progressive in her activism.  She emphasized the importance of having confidence in one’s own faith and internalizing that for it not to be a factor when working with other organizations with alternating viewpoints on religious.  An example given by Anisha was the UNITED SIKHS advocacy work against bias-based bullying in conjunction with LBGT organizations.  By finding a common issue like bullying, UNITED SIKHS has been able to collaborate with progressive organizations despite our faith-based roots.  Anisha also spoke on the importance of finding common ground with other organizations and working towards that common goal despite differing opinions in other aspects such as religion, especially when alliance building is vital in advocacy work.

Several other panels took place during this summit as well. On Friday, April 19, 2013, the ChangeMakers Reception included special guest, Pramila Jayapal, founder of OneAmerica, who spoke on the significant impact on social change in the South Asian community.  The following day, the panel, “Law Enforcement in the Community: Exploring Multiple Strategies for Engagement” addressed the struggling relationship between law enforcement and South Asians, especially Sikhs and Muslims post-9/11.  Issues raised included the lack of cultural sensitivity by the FBI when questioning our communities and the abuse of surveillance and  stop-and-frisk on our community.  Another panel spoke on the rising South Asian population in the United States and the need for South Asians to be better engaged politically in order for our voice to be heard. The evening plenary spoke to the hearts of the audience by reflecting on the Oak Creek shooting nine months after it took place. The reflection reminded the South Asian community that Sikhs are particular targets for hate crimes and are still fighting twelve years after 9/11.  The need for mental health help for Oak Creek victims was also brought to light.

On Sunday, April 21, 2013, other panels were presented such as the “Profiling and Surveillance of the Muslim Community” panel where panelists spoke on the alarming civil rights violations by the NYPD through the city’s allowance of racial-based surveillance.  The lunch plenary included panelists from the around the globe who spoke on their efforts to help South Asian communities in our countries.  There were also panels addressing anti-immigrant laws and the best way to advocate for immigration reform on Capitol Hill.

On the last day of the summit, Anisha participated in Advocacy Day where representatives from the White House Administration and government agencies spoke on immigration reform, healthcare, and hate crimes.  These officials included: Kiran Ahuja from the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Mayra Alvarez from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Roy Austin from the U.S. Department of Justice  Felicia Escobar from the White House, and Gautam Raghavan from the White House Office of Public Engagement. After the discussions, Anisha joined others to Representative Joseph Crowley’s office and spoke with Staffer Jeremy Woodrum to speak on immigration issues. She informed him that Sikhs are most likely to be profiled and have their legal status in the United States checked based on post-9/11 stereotypes.  These profiling programs deter Sikhs and South Asians from reporting crimes, sharing information, and serving as witnesses due to their fear of profiling and deportation.  Mr. Woodrum agreed that these programs are counterproductive and that progressive immigration reform is necessary in this country.

Record number of attendees at this year’s Summit.

Anisha joins others on Faith and Social Justice panel.

Kiran Ahuja speaks to participants on Advocacy Day.

213-2013

In the last part of this series of United Sikhs team’s visit to Mukhtsar, the aim was to ask the general public of the city about the problems they face. Mukhtsar,  not being a big city, still attracts lot of people from the neighbouring villages for daily wages as lot is happening in terms of construction and of course the medical facilities.

The general public is not much aware of the fact that Mukhtsar has alarming rate of cancer as per the Punjab government’s report. Though it may not be important for the general public for to have a detail of the survey, no one seems interested to see the problem as such there than some nationwide NGOs or the hospitals which spread awareness as a routine for them.  After asking many citizens it was found that the problem of cancer is there in nearly every house as one member is suffering from cancer but the positive side is that the citizens have no problem with diagnosis as it is easily done followed by state government’s scheme of supporting cancer patients in terms of monetary funds and subsidised medicines. When it comes to food, the term organic agricultural products are totally an alien for them as the people there eat only what is available locally i.e. non-organic products. The people do not care as it hardly matters to them in this field.

After all the interviews, it was concluded that the problem of cancer is troubling as moreover the people of the state is getting more aware of the problem. The state has installed reverse osmosis plants in all the big places for better water supply. But there is more to be done there, the people need to be made aware of the problem in a correct way so that they do not believe in myths followed by proper counselling regarding the way to go regarding treatment, if any.

Amitoj Singh

Coordinator,

United Sikhs India.

21 March 2013

Going on to the fields, an essence of greenery went through the mind. The lush green fields give a great sense security regarding food and happiness. One can say that Mukhtsar is like an island in the sea of green fields around.  Nearly the whole city depends upon the production from the farm directly or indirectly as at least one member of the family is associated with the field.” If the production is good the city celebrates, whereas if the production is the other way round the city goes into darkness” tells a local of Mukhtsar.

The farmers of this region are not the original owner s of the land, they are working for their landlords sitting elsewhere. Organic farming constitutes not more than 2 % of the total farming in the area. It is the modern farming methods which are used to grow crops. The problem with the farmers is that they are helpless on using pesticides as the natural method is risky, a risk which they cannot bear as their whole 6 months depend upon the current production which can only be saved with the help of pesticides and insecticides. Also, on an overall basis, the monoculture of wheat in tone season and rice in the other is also a problem as the risk on crop failure itself digs a deeper well for the farmers and their owners.

As a measure to improve the farming system in the area, suggestion came out from them was an assurance from the farm owners that organic farming will be used which may not initially give the desired amount of production. Also, an awareness needs to be created to limit the use of pesticides and the use of safety measures like gloves, masks, jackets while spraying pesticides to reduce the occupational disease of farming.

Amitoj Singh
Coordinator, UNITED SIKHS India
E: unitedsikhs-india@unitedsikhs.org

20 March 2013

The recent Punjab State Government Cancer Awareness Survey, revealed allot about the city i.e. Sri Mukhtsar Sahib where it has the highest cancer prevalence, cancer incidence and second highest cancer suspect at 136.3, 343.7 & 446 (in persons per lakh) respectively amongst the total districts of Punjab. The United Sikhs team went to doctors who deal with cancer in the city and also visited two hospitals for further details.

Both the hospitals have quality doctors and state of the art equipments for cancer detection as well as treatment to cure cancer. One side of medical professionals claimed that the whole cancer survey is heavily inflated with number to show the sorry figure of the state as well as the micro districts. Also, there is no direct link between pesticides and cancer or uranium in water and cancer and all the present studies are not complete and neither have they provided with any concrete evidence between the pesticides/uranium in water and cancer. Punjab being health conscious with numerous cancer detection centres have made the state aware leading to higher detection rate than other north Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh. The chief reason is lack of medical detection centres in these states whereby similar rates of cancers may arise if detection facilities in these states are as good as in the state of Punjab.

The other schools of thought claims there is a link between pesticides/ uranium in ground water and cancer as the cancers detected since 5 years had no trace in the state. High content of Uranium in water is the chief reason of cancer and many other birth defects. The excessive spray of pesticides, urea which seeps in ground water creates the problem. Also, going through the official records of the Civil Hospital, Mukhtsar, 143 cases of cancer has been confirmed which is indeed high, higher than Delhi’s 30 (approx) since 5 years. It was also figured out from the register entries that since February 2013, as data entry started since then, that the Male:Female ratio of cancer suspect is 2:9 leaving females more prone to cancer, the age group of the females recorded were between 35-55 years. It was later told by the medical professionals that females are more prone to cancer as infection hits them harder than their male counterparts leading to low immunity.

Despite the difference in the opinions, both the hospitals do their bit of awareness drives by themselves once in 3 months in the city and nearby villages to make the people better equipped with correct knowledge of cancer and getting the right treatment. It is mainly in the form of pamphlets and verbal messages in different villages. The doctors made themselves available for any kind of awareness drives in the future. Also added by them was to have cancer council centres where the patients diagnosed with cancer can be properly counselled to wipe their fears.

Amitoj Singh
Coordinator, UNITED SIKHS India
E: unitedsikhs-india@unitedsikhs.org

19-3-2013

Sri Mukhtsar Sahib may not a big city with big educational institutes but over time some of the educational institutions have emerged as sought after ones atleast pulling students from north Indian states, also not to forget is the famous Government College, Mukhtsar will have highest number of seats in the area. The United Sikhs team went to 5 colleges of different educational fields for awareness campaign on awareness on cancer and organic agriculture and also to check the awareness level of the students studying in the area.

The team first reached the Khalsa College, Mukhtsar followed by Guru Nanak B.Ed College, Mai Bhago Medical College, Guru Nanak Ayruveda College and Govt. College Mukhtsar where a brief presentation was given regarding what the problem is in order to sensitise them. There after solutions were sought from them upon the issue. Students came up with solutions, some of them were specific according to their educational field. For example, the ayruvedic college students came up with a traditional therapy which is less painful and B.Ed students gave ways to sensitise students, specially the small ones which take their message home for their parents. Students from farm background gave their experiences and the problem and also expressed their unwillingness to go for organic farming as their task is huge with no results in terms of good yield.

Overall the awareness level of the students is low in the region when it comes to cancer and other problems which the city is facing right now. According to them it is the state government work to correct the situation in the city. Though some mentioned global warming, pesticides in the farm, uranium in underground as the problem but they were unsure of the same as it all came in the news. After talking to the authorities, an attempt to set awareness drives was made which can be done at a later stage for a beginning for better days ahead.

Amitoj Singh
Coordinator, UNITED SIKHS India
E: unitedsikhs-india@unitedsikhs.org

18 March 2013.

With the present day technology, reaching any place is not difficult. There were times in the 60es and 70es in India when even going 300 km off the main highway was a problem; it took days to reach the destination. Taking the United Sikh’s goal of cancer awareness and organic agriculture in Punjab, we made our first stop in Sri Mukhtsar Sahib, the place which is famous for the epic history of the 40 Mukhte. Sri Mukhtsar Sahib is 60km North-West of Bathinda, the only big city nearby. An Ariel view of Sri Mukhtsar Sahib reveals that the place is surrounded by green fields. Globalisation has taken its toll there as nearly all products of all brands are available without any special effort.

Mukhtsar was in news for the reason it should have not been. In the recent Punjab State Government Cancer Awareness Survey, Sri Mukhtsar Sahib has the highest cancer prevalence, cancer incidence and second highest cancer suspect at 136.3, 343.7 & 446 (in persons per lakh) respectively amongst the total districts of Punjab. Also, Sri Mukhtsar Sahib, a place which lies in the Malwa belt of Punjab, a geographical area which is in news since the last 5 years regarding the high rate of cancer prevalence/detection and other fatal diseases with many deaths taking place whereby the chief reason claimed is high content of Uranium in ground water and over use of pesticides sprays in fields which seep into ground water and adding to the vows. The problem is definitely not new as these take at least 10-20years to take effect.

The problem is huge, sensing the same the United Sikhs team when to colleges, hospitals, farmers and questioned the members of the public for the their opinion and also gave some awareness points for a better living in the future. In this 5 part article series, opinions of various parties of Mukhtsar will be narrated.

Amitoj Singh
Coordinator, UNITED SIKHS India
E: unitedsikhs-india@unitedsikhs.org