The Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya Prestone Tynsong declared yesterday that his government had allocated Rs. 20 million to be given to the traditional authority – the Syiem of Hima Myllieum and take over the land where the poor Sikhs have been living for two centuries. Local lawyers and groups inimical to the Sikh presence in Shillong are spreading hatred against the Sikhs. They have even challenged the right of the DSGMC to visit Shillong. In view of all these frightening developments, it is time for Sikhs to get their act together writes WSN editor Jagmohan Singh, who has been keeping a close watch on the developments.

Facing a barrage of threats and challenges, after taking stock of the statement of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to get the title to the disputed land within a week, an emergency meeting of the residents of the Harijan Colony was held at the local Gurdwara Sahib, where the Sikh Sangat decided to fight back more strongly and unitedly for their legitimate rights.

In a bizarre move, a local organization has challenged the recent visit of the DSGMC delegation saying it was interference in the affairs of Meghalaya. On the other hand, DSGMC President Manjinder Singh Sirsa, while speaking to the Sangat, during his visit last week had said, “Thousands of Sikhs from all over the country will descend on Shillong to protect you and your rights.”

It is now time for Manjinder Singh Sirsa to honour that promise.

“Thousands of Sikhs from all over the country will descend on Shillong to protect you and your rights. Your rights will be protected under all circumstances at all forums.”

Manjinder Singh Sirsa President, DSGMC

The Secretary of Harijan Panchayat Committee -Gurjit Singh sent a strong note to the East Khasi Hills District Shillong Deputy Commissioner Ms Isawanda Laloo, IAS urging her not to take cognizance of any representations to her in the matter of the Harijan Colony, Shillong as the matter was subjudice. The letter also sought the provision of more security to the poor Sikh dwellers of the Harijan Colony and the security and safety of their religious institutions.

It may be pointed out that in the last few days, some self-styled leaders and activists had asked the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District for relocation of the residents of the Harijan Colony in the Punjabi Lane area.

The Harijan Panchayat Committee has categorically retorted back by saying that as the matter is subjudice in the High Court of Meghalaya at Shillong as well as the apex court of the land -the Supreme Court of India, any intervention by any office in this regard would amount to contempt of court.

Speaking to the World Sikh News, Gurjit Singh said, “These statements are creating hatred against the poor Sikhs. In their zeal to get publicity and political mileage, these outrageous utterances are endangering the peace and security of the people of the area. For the last two hundred years, we have been peace-loving people, we have worked very hard to earn our livelihood and we have contributed substantially to the welfare of the people of the area.”

“The Harijan Panchayat Committee will not succumb to any pressure and will be constrained to proceed legally in the matter,” he added.

The Shillong Sikhs have also totally rubbished the call for relocation of the Sikhs under the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act 1971 as made by a local lawyer.  Gurjit Singh called the move misguided, irrelevant and sinister.  Even the Deity Chief Minister of Meghalaya in his press concurrence yesterday dismissed this idea.

Gurjit Singh, talking to WSN said, “To make reference to the Act, 50 years hence is malafide and a clear breach of the status quo order of the High Court. In fact, it is a contempt of court.”

Speaking on condition of anonymity, local Sikh ladies told WSN that they have been suffering untold hardships and pain since the last many years, yet we will fight back.

“We will live and die here in the Punjabi Lane colony, the ancestral land of our forefathers. No power on earth can forcibly evict us.”

Gurjit Singh, Secretary, Harijan Panchayat Committee

Speaking to WSN, historian and anthropologist Dr Himadri Banerjee said as per customary law, which was prevalent when Sikhs were invited by the British Army to serve in Shillong, the Sikhs are the technical owners. During that period 200 years ago, oral history was prevalent.

The present situation of the poor Sikhs in Shillong is a litmus test for the Meghalaya government and the Union Government of India. It is also a litmus test for Sikh institutions to stand by their brethren.