Ujjal Dosanjh's colleagues condemn violent Facebook threat against MP

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      Vancouver South MP Ujjal Dosanjh is receiving support from his political colleagues following news that a threat was made against him the on the social-networking site Facebook.

      Members of the Liberal caucus and party leader Michael Ignatieff released a statement today (April 23) condemning violent comments directed at Dosanjh.

      “Violence and extremism go against the core of our Canadian values of peace, inclusion and respect for one another,” the statement reads.

      “Ujjal Dosanjh has taken a principled stand throughout his public life against violent intolerance. Canada is a free country where citizens must be able to express their views without being subjected to threats.”

      “We urge all Canadians to speak out against all forms of violence and extremism, and to affirm zero tolerance for threats of violence in our communities.

      “Ujjal, we stand united in support for you.”

      The RCMP have launched an investigation after comments such as “Someone shoot him—ASAP” appeared on a Facebook page titled Ujjal Dosanjh is a Sikh Traitor, the National Post reported today.

      Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Const. Anne Longley told the Straight by phone that the VPD is investigating a complaint received from Dosanjh. However, Longley said no further details could be provided.

      The RCMP were not immediately available for comment.

      While the Facebook page remained active this morning, no threatening comments were visible. Remaining posts called Dosanjh a “scumbag traitor and an insult to the Sikh religion” and a “power hungry traitor”.

      Images posted on the page appear to show a tortured child, a dead body, and a depiction of soldiers surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, an important site of worship for Sikhs.

      Comments

      8 Comments

      immigrant

      Apr 23, 2010 at 2:04pm

      If the dissident group is so fervent about and independent Khalistan, why don't they go back and fight for it there. When you come here, its to get away from all that tribal fighting. Leave it there.

      Margaret

      Apr 23, 2010 at 8:01pm

      If they hurt Dosanjh, I will never speak to a Sikh again - and I know several of them; I've been to a Sikh temple twice for a meal; will not do it again if this sort of thing continues.

      KiDDAA Magazine

      Apr 24, 2010 at 1:49pm

      The action of a few Indo Canadians should not tarnish the great achievements Indo Canadians, Sikhs continue to do. Once again the media is making a story bigger than need be. The original float was cleared by the RCMP. If this Facebook account made a threat than investigate it. Other than that calm down and treat all Canadians the same. http://kiddaa.com

      glen p robbins

      Apr 24, 2010 at 1:55pm

      If Bill Vander Zalm, Chris Delaney, and Bill Tieleman are successful with HST and Campbell doesn't back down AFTER stealing the most recent election like a dirty thief -- then I say anything goes -- civil disobedience -- strike -- protest.

      Anything that happens -- negative or otherwise then falls at Campbell's feet (and the press too for taking the election off and not squeezing hard enough on Campbell).

      We are in a war here in BC to get our province back from the same general group of gangsters who have had control for too long -- and the only thing that they understand is the pulling of the trigger (methaphoric-political) -- start naming the girlfriend(s) -- etc.-- dig into the personal life etc. and publish

      We have enough problems in our own Khalistan --- BC province.

      24 8Rating: +16

      Charlie Smith

      Apr 25, 2010 at 7:00pm

      Gurpreet Singh e-mailed me this comment to post in response to Margaret's comment above:

      I am a broadcaster with Radio India in Surrey. I strongly disagree with Margaret. You cannot punish the entire Sikh community for this episode.

      There are many moderate and liberal Sikhs, who are behind Ujjal and they have condemned this episode. One can always agree or disagree with someone, but no body has a right to issue death threats. It is totally unacceptable.

      In my open line chat show, a number of callers from the Indo Canadian community came strongly in support of Ujjal. Of course, some tried to rationalize the threats and rather criticized Ujjal for his pro India and liberal views.

      The most sad part of the story is that the so-called progressive intellectuals did not say anything. They remained silent even when Ujjal was physically attacked back in 1985. Such people are not doing any service to the society and that's why the outsiders presume that the whole community is violent.

      My Experience

      Apr 25, 2010 at 8:30pm

      It is really hard when dealing with first generation immigrants and I suppose by that I mean my own community ... the violence aside, I have always found it very difficult to understand why, despite never having any of their issues addressed, they continue to vote in time and time again people like Mr. Dosanjh who have gained great prominence on the shoulders of these ordinary Sikhs!

      He has yet to deal with the issue of the state terrorism by Indian authorities ... some of the Sikhs in B.C. have directly experienced torture and persecution by the Indian authorities for no other reason than being a Sikh. In fact all he has done is get himself a 'medal' from the Indian government ... for pushing their party line about so-called Khalistanis in Canada, I suspect!

      When I really became 'consciously aware' of the gross injustices and human rights violations in the Punjab, I was not only shaken but deeply distressed. I would wake up every day with a black cloud over my head and begin crying at a drop of a hat. I had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that those who had been used as front-men for these crimes were Sikh (Maj. General Brar and K.S.P. Gill) and those who were responsible for distracting attention away from these crimes were also Sikh (PM Manmohan Singh, and I would also include Ujjal Dosanjh).

      Anyways, it was only after several consultations with a psychologist who specialized in 'genocide' survivors was I able to get some peace. He explained that even in Auschwitz, there had been Jews employed to lead Jewish prisoners into the gas chambers. They were well fed and looked after by the Germans and their jobs were to encourage Jews to enter the chambers. He said there will always be people like that in each community.

      Anyway, I digress ... I actually phoned up Dosanjh with the hope that being a Sikh he would champion the cause for justice against state terrorism in India. However, having spoken to his office, I quickly understood that this would not be the case ... I dropped this idea like a hot potato, making a mental note that under no circumstances would I ever vote for this man.

      Now, on the other hand, when Kamal Nath was given a visa to enter Canada, I phoned up Bill Siksay (MP) whose office not only read all the literature I had sent them on Nov 1984 pogroms but Bill also returned my phone call and discussed my concerns with me.

      See the difference! When will we learn ... hopefully, with the next generation of Sikhs who will make better choices, using their critical thinking skills.

      This is my take

      Apr 25, 2010 at 8:51pm

      If genuine threats, as opposed to machismo rantings by a few, were made against Mr Dosanjh, then those involved should be prosecuted under the law. Otherwise, the RCMP should file criminal charges against Mr Dosanjh for wasting police time and money ... and making a 'vexatious' claim against a community. Either way, that will prevent it from happening again!

      25 8Rating: +17

      Very Very Concerned and Frightened

      Apr 25, 2010 at 9:05pm

      What does this all mean? Does it mean that freedom of speech will be taken away because anyone that speaks up for Khalistan, Tamil State or Palestane will be branded a 'terrorist'? What about freedom of expression? Are people allowed to congregate and protest or will this be outlawed as well? What about publishing articles? What about slogans in the street? What happens if someone 'cuts' me off while driving and I call him a 'scumbag' or 'traitor'? Will this be against the law? Mr Dosanjh is urging us to re-visit our liberal values...the whole thing is very frightening and we are about to step on to the slippery slope of 'big brother' police state!