“The death penalty is the ultimate denial of human rights. It is the premeditated and cold-blooded killing of a human being by the State. This cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment is done in the name of justice.”- Amnesty International
———————————————————————————————————
When the Indian State continues to sanction the brutal killing of Sikhs what can we in the Diaspora do to stop it? Our first responsibility is to create awareness to this injustice- to show the world that India is not the world’s largest democracy, but instead a State that is riddled with corruption and oppression.
On March 31st, 2012 the Indian government will hang Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana.
Bhai Balwant Singh took no legal counsel, did not appeal his sentence, and did not participate in his trial. He did this not out of desperation, but out of protest. He objected to engaging in the Indian judicial system that oppresses so many, or to recognize the Indian constitution, a document that does not even recognize his own Sikh faith.
On March 29th you will have an opportunity to show the world that you stand against this injustice. That you oppose the barbaric practice of hanging someone till death, and that you believe that the State should not be able to take away someone’s life. On that day pledge to leave your house wearing something orange along with your friends and family members. Get as many people to wear Orange as possible in a campaign to bring awareness to the unjust practice of State murder.
We choose orange as our color or resistance that day in recognition of the Sikh Nishaan Sahib, a flag that reminds us to always take a stand against injustice. Leave your house on March 29th as a living Nishaan Sahib.
For those in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Join us for a discussion on Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and the death penalty, educate and express yourself regarding the first State execution in Punjab in 24 years.
Do not let this injustice go unheard or unknown. Bring awareness to the State murder of Bhai Balwant Singh, and show the world that you stand against it.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Pledge To Wear Orange: On march 29th, 2012 wear orange to show your opposition to the death penaltyFacebook: Change your facebook display pic to the image available here in the post and write “I Pledge Orange” on the event wall!
Twitter: hashtag your tweets with #rajoana and #IPledgeOrange
Participate: Join a Discussion on Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and State murder on March 30, 7pm, Dixie Gudrwara, Hall 5
No comments:
Post a Comment