Need for code of discipline during protest
Sensibilities of the global Sikh community have been deeply hurt by the damage done to the Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Jodhpur village in Punjab. There have been strong protests.
As we continue to face such challenges, we also need to remind ourselves of the proud Sikh tradition of historical campaigns ("morchas") and sacrifices made for just causes. World-renowned national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, and even the fair minded British colonial rulers, paid liberal tribute to the discipline and dignity with which the Khalsa led the freedom struggle for India's independence. Sikhs showed the same discipline and dignity during the morchas to free the Gurdwaras from the control of the Mahants.
Sikh history is dotted with countless martyrdoms and sacrifices which teach us how to live and die with dignity.
Sikhs have clashed with oppressive regimes and used armed conflict as a last resort. In peacetime, Sikhs have always supported regimes which promote egalitarian values and the rule of law. Most probably, that has been the main reason for the durability of Anglo-Sikh relations through peace treaties, wars and later as allies to defend the free world. And so the ex-colonial Britain has evolved into a true multi-racial democracy in which Sikhs are significant stake holders and contributors.
Sikhs have always been accepted as hard working and law abiding citizens of these countries due to own Sikhi values which are also the ideals adopted by these societies.
Even when protesting in a democracy, we need to abide by and influence others through Sikhi values. A few years ago, I had the privilege of covering a protest by young Sikhs at Trafalgar Square (UK) in response to a challenge by some religious zealots from another community threatening public conversions of Sikh and Hindu girls. The behaviour of the Sikhs was exemplary and highly praised by the police and the on-lookers. The protest was totally effective.
In addition to upholding Sikh tradition, we also need to be aware of the hardening attitude of the Western governments towards irresponsible, almost criminal behaviour of certain elements in all communities. Also, in the UK, the pre-General Election political focus is on immigration control.
To quote a colleague, "Some who arrive in this country from abroad do not believe in freedom of speech and the right of individuals to have differing views from theirs. Both of which are fundamental teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib. Tolerance and respect are key to Sikhi way of life. Some established in the UK are also manipulating the youth."
Sikh values can only accept law abiding behavior even during demonstrations and protests in the countries we have chosen to live in i.e. unless the law of the land is failing to protect human rights, one of which is the freedom of expression and demonstration. We need to learn from the Gursikhs who led peaceful protest marches to free Gurdwaras during British rule. They never resorted to criminal behavior or vandalism.
In the United Kingdom, the country we have adopted, this is a wakeup call for Sikh youth leaders to give responsible collective lead. As an umbrella organization, the Sikh Council UK is ideally placed to facilitate a constructive discussion on this and related issues to agree a code of exemplary Sikhi behavior in British pluralism, which itself is aspiring towards the same human values as those taught by Sikhi.
Gurmukh Singh
Principal (policy), UK Civil Service
E-mail: [email protected]
