Email Subject: Pass Resolution To Recognize Shaheed Kaunke as "Martyr of Sikh Nation"
Dear Assembly Member:
My name is . I am a resident of the State of California. I am writing to you regarding an issue which is of great significance for me, my family and the Sikh community.
Sikhism with more than 26 million followers is the world's 5th largest religion. Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the highest temporal seat of Sikhism which is headed by Jathedar (head) whose role and duty is to guide the Sikh community on all contemporary religious, social and political issues.
In 1986, Grand General Assembly of Sikhs (Sarbat Khalsa) unanimously elected Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke as Jathedar (Head) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Jathedar Kaunke, in his capacity as Head of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib selflessly worked and guided the Sikh community in the movement for right to self-determination and restoration of the Sikh religious identity which has been usurped by the Explanation II to Article 25(b) of the Indian Constitution by declaring Sikhs as "Hindus".
Solely for preaching and promoting Sikh religion and campaigning for Sikhs right to self-determination, on January 01, 1993, Indian Security forces extra judicially killed Jathedar Kaunke.
After more than 31 years, in December 2023, Jathedar Kaunke's death was recognized by the Punjab Human Rights Commission as "extra judicial killing" carried out by the Indian police officials with impunity.
Jathedar Kaunke's daughter Bibi Sarabjit Kaur is a resident of the State of California.
I urge that, as elected representative of the residents of California, you:
1. MOVE the attached resolution in the California State Assembly to RECOGNIZE Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke as "Martyr of Sikh Nation".
https://email2caassembly.net/media/kaunke_resolution.pdf
2. ATTEND the March 31st Grand Prayer at the California State Capitol Grounds being held in the honor of Shaheed Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke.
Sincerely yours
Issued By:
Sikhs For Justice
Shaheed Bhindranwale Khalistan Referendum Headquarters
529 14th St NW, Suite 1111,
Washington, DC 20045.