Make Responses to Human Tragedies Free of Political Influence

The World Sikh Organization (WSO) expects Governments to make response to human tragedies free of political influence. What happened in Irrawaddy Delta as a consequence of cyclone ‘Nargis’, on May 2nd, was an unfortunate act of nature, and we all have learnt to accept such unavoidable occurrences beyond human control.

However, every single avoidable loss of life, following the natural crisis, is the result of human action or inaction. Such response needs to be appropriately termed as ‘criminal’ and the society must deal with the perpetrators in a fitting manner.

Human society and our governments have developed ways and means to render aid to the needy and to deal with the uncompromising individuals, groups and even governments. ‘Tsunami’ of three years ago, global protests over oppression of people in Tibet and the US military intervention in Iraq provide illustrations of various stimuli and corresponding collective human response.

The Burmese military regime may be suspicious and worried about exposure of their ugly secrets, but that is their problem and of their own making. “From a global human perspective, the issue is very clearly, the lack of will on part of the United States and other powerful nations including China, India, Russia, The UK and Canada, that are choosing to stand by idly as the innocent Burmese die for want of basic necessities of life” said Ram Raghbir Singh Chahal, International President of the World Sikh Organization of Canada.

Even if the regime in Burma is termed ‘Military Junta’, it must not be allowed to prevent the human society from helping their fellow humans in distress. If the human society or the collective powers of the so-called free and democratic governments choose to cower before the illegitimate military dictatorship in Burma, such leaderships and governments may find their own legitimacy to govern over any human society being questioned by their own constituents.

Gurpreet Singh Bal, President WSO, “urged the government of Canada to take a lead in mobilizing necessary emergency humanitarian aid and assistance, whether or not the Burmese regime solicits, welcomes or appreciates it”.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada is a non-profit human rights organization registered in Canada. Founded in 1984 with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, social and economic status.

For more information, please contact Maj (retd.) Jasbeer Singh, Media Relations, Tel. 780-457-3333, Cell. 780-235-6000, Email: [email protected]

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Gian Singh Sandhu, Tel. 250-305-2440, Email:  [email protected]