E1234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 25, 1998 said Charlene Bridges, president of the HONORING THE LATE LEONARD On January 2, 1993, the police claimed that Lamar school. The other Colorado schools HARPER Jathedar Kaunke had escaped. This claim was are at Trinidad State Junior College and the false. He had been killed the day before. Ac- Colorado School of Trades in Lakewood. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL cording to a news article, he was murdered by Bridges’ husband, J. Earl Bridges, is direc- OF NEW YORK being torn in half, similar to the way that the tor and chief instructor. He has been a gun- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES driver for another religious leader, Bbab smith for 15 years and has been teaching the Charan Singh, was murdered by the Indians. craft for the past six. Thursday, June 25, 1998 The human-rights activists created a com- Since it opened, the academy ‘‘has worked Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mission to look into the matter. According to on no less than 3,000 firearms, and maybe honor the late Leonard Harper on his remark- their statement, they seek ``an appointment four have been returned to redo something or able achievements in the field of theater and with the Chief Minister of Punjab to acquaint because we overlooked something,’’ Earl stage shows. Bridges said. him with its findings and to demand registra- Mr. Harper was one of the leading figures tion of a case against the culprits.'' They point- In addition to learning how to build their who transformed Harlem into a cultural center own rifles from stock to trigger assembly to ed out that this demand ``is no more than a re- during the 1920's. His nightclub productions at iteration of the position that Parkash Singh barrel, students are expected to repair or re- Connie Inn, Lafayette Theater and the opening model a minimum of 40 firearms during their Badal himself had taken at the time of the inci- mandatory 2,240 hours at the academy. of the new Apollo Theater drew people from dent. The Akal Takht is the highest institution all over the world. of the Sikhs that embodies their sacral and Roughly one-third of their time must be Mr. Harper's accomplishments on Broadway secular aspirations. Its former Jathedar was spent on ‘‘design, function and repair of fire- include the all-Black ``Kentucky Club Revue'' arms.’’ Only 175 hours are spent on theory. inhumanly tortured to death. We are confident at the New Amsterdam Theater, and his work There is no homework, just many hours of that the Sikh Chief Minister of Punjab would as a director on the big musical hit, ``Hot painstaking precision work, and students are not treat this matter in the same lackadaisical Chocolates' at the Hudson Theater. The pro- encouraged to read, said Charlene Bridges. spirit that generally marks his attitude on our duction was a milestone, the first-ever produc- A major difference between this school and human-rights concerns.'' They also demanded tion with three Black men as the sole creative others is the emphasis on the basics involved police protection for key witnesses in the case force, which changed Broadway forever. in building a gun from raw metal bar stock, because India has a record of intimidating, Mr. Harper brought the cabaret form of en- said instructor and part owner Michael bribing, even killing witnesses. tertainment to a professional level. As a pro- Syler, who owned a gun shop near Dallas be- Signers of this statement include Hindu fore moving to Lamar. ducer and a brilliant choreographer, he intro- human-rights activist Ram Narayan Kumar, duced some of the most extraordinary talents Tuition, excluding room and board, is Justice Kuldip Singh, President of the World to ever perform on stage and cabaret. $11,760 for the course, and students pay an Sikh Council, Justice Ajit Singh Bains, chair- additional $5,300 to acquire the tools of their Mr. Harper was previously honored by the trade. New York State Assembly and the City Coun- man of the Punjab Human Rights Organiza- cil of New York for his remarkable achieve- tion, Inderjit Singh Jaijee, chairman of the ‘‘The quality of the work here is impec- Movement Against State Repression, Dr. cable. Everything approved by (Bridges) ments. must be top notch,’’ said student Jay Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues Sukhjit Kaur, Maj. Gen. Narinder Singh, Amrik Crowder, 27, of Knoxville, Tenn. to join me in saluting Mr. Leonard Harper for Singh Muktsar, D.S. Gill, R. S. Bains, Amar Singh Chahal, Jaspal Singh Dhillon, Mrs. Baljit Although the school doesn’t guarantee job his contributions to the community and his ex- placement, ‘‘it seems like anyone who needs traordinary accomplishments. Kaur, and Navkiran Singh. They should be a job gets one. Eventually, I want a place of f recognized for their courage in standing up to my own,’’ Crowder said. the Indian tyranny. TORTURE AND MURDER OF AKAL Student Mike Fricks, 29, of Texarkana, This incident reveals the truth that for mi- Texas, said he appreciated the opportunity TAKHT JATHEDAR BY INDIAN norities living under Indian rule, there is no de- to ‘‘do finer quality work at a higher stand- POLICE MUST BE INVESTIGATED mocracy. The mere fact that they have the ard rather than just basic gun repair.’’ AND PUNISHED right to choose their oppressors does not Fricks’ current project, and his last before mean that they live in a democracy. In this graduating, is a double gun, which has two HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS light, it is not surprising that there are 17 free- independent triggers and barrels just in case OF NEW YORK dom movements throughout India. If the one malfunctions. He already has lined up a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States is interested in real freedom, job after sending a perspective employer a Thursday, June 25, 1998 peace, and stability in South Asia, we must gun he made. support self-determination for the Sikh Nation Kevin Macluskie, 28, said he finished his Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the truth about and all the nations of South Asia. I call on my rifle in 270 hours. The school is open 10 hours India's brutality towards the Sikhs continues to colleagues to join in supporting an internation- a day, four days a week, although students come to light. A group of 13 human-rights ac- ally-supervised plebiscite in Punjab, Khalsitan, may elect to go only six or eight hours a day tivists issued a statement on May 19 at a so that the political status of this troubled and take longer to graduate. press conference in Chandigarh about the tor- country can be decided the democratic way. I Several other students, each of whom has ture and murder of Gurdev Singh Kaunke, the also call for my colleagues to vote to stop all his own spacious work bench, spoke posi- Jathedar of the Akal Takht, from December aid to India until the basic human and demo- tively of the close, careful supervision and 25, 1992 to January 1, 1993. After being tor- cratic rights of all people are respected. I the encouragement. Recently, there were 10 tured for a week, Jathedar Kaunke, the reli- would like to introduce the statement from The students in the academy, each working at gious leader of the Sikh Nation, was murdered his own level. Committee for Coordination on Disappear- by the police. ances in Punjab in the RECORD. The academy’s system produces fine re- Jathedar Kaunke was abducted on Decem- sults, says Taylor Carroll of Caroll’s Gun ber 25, 1992 by the police from the Jagraon THE COMMITTEE FOR COORDINATION ON Shop in Wharton, Texas, who hired academy subdivision of the Ludhiana district. Even Akali DISAPPEARANCES IN PUNJAB graduate Dave Wright after visiting the Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal, now the Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke, former school. Jathedar of the Akal Takht, was illegally ar- Chief Minister of Punjab, condemned this ac- rested from his village home in Jagraon sub- ‘‘I’ve been in business 38 years,’’ said Car- tion. He was briefly detained for his statement. roll, who sells guns and has always employed division of Ludhiana district on 25 December a gunsmith for custom work and repairs. Yet he has refused to refer this terrible inci- 1992. The police authorities later claimed When his veteran gunsmith retired after dent for investigation by India's Central Bu- that Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke escaped more than 30 years, ‘‘I began searching for a reau of Investigation (CBI) on the flimsy pre- from the custody of 2 January 1993, a claim gunsmith.’’ text that it would demoralize the murderous, that was widely condemned as false. Holding the then Chief Minister Beant Singh respon- He knew Earl Bridges by reputation, vis- out-of-control Punjab police. It is a well-known fact among the people of Punjab that the per- sible for the murder of Jathedar Kaunke, ited the spacious shop south of Lamar twice Akali Dal (Badal) had not only demanded his and talked with the instructors. ‘‘I was son responsible for the torture and murder of resignation but had also asked for a high happy with what I saw,’’ and he is delighted Jathedar Kaunke is SSP Swaran Singh powered judicial inquiry to determine the with Wright. Ghotna. Ghotna is not a last name, but a very truth. Prakash Singh Badal, the present ‘‘I’m very, very satisfied with everything inhumane torture technique used by the police Chief Minister of Punjab, was himself de- he has done for me,’’ Carroll said. for which he is infamous. tained when he was visiting the bereaved at June 25, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1235 their village on 5 January 1992. A copy of the yearly community tradition. Over the past fifty HONORING JAMES K. HAAS Punjabi Tribune dated 10 January 1993, summers, our local fair has proven itself as which reported the Badal Akali Dal’s posi- one of the very finest in the nation. It is the tion on Jathedar Kaunke’s case, and report HON. BOB SCHAFFER of his arrest in Ajit’s 6 January 1992 edition, largest county fair in Maryland, with more than OF COLORADO are enclosed. 250,000 visitors and 17,000 exhibits last sum- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mer. During this extra-special anniversary A team specially appointed by the Com- Thursday, June 25, 1998 mittee has been conducting investigations to year, we recall the grand past of our county determine the true facts of the case. The fair and look ahead to an exciting future. Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. team comprises the following: Ram Narayan Congratulations and best wishes to all of the Speaker, I rise today to congratulate James Kumar, Amrik Singh Muktsar, Jasapl Singh ``Jim'' K. Haas of Lamar, Colorado for attaining Dhillon, D.S. Gill and Rajwinder Singh fair's participants. The farmers, artists, craftspeople, entertainers, and volunteers work the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim is a member of Bains. Investigation conducted by this team Varsity Team #222 chartered by the Church of conclusively proves inhuman torture of Bhai diligently all year to make this annual event a Gurdev Singh Kaunke, first at the Sadar Po- tremendous success. The highlight of every Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A mere two lice Station of Jagraon and then at the CIA summer, the Montgomery County Agricultural percent of all Boy Scouts ever attain this ele- interrogation Center, from 25 December 92 to Fair attracts people of all ages in a magnifi- vated rank. 1 January 1993. The team has also acquired cent example of community spirit to display for Jim began his Scouting career at six years irrefutable evidence to establish that the the public the true importance of agriculture. It of age, as a Tiger Cub at Pack #221 chartered former Jathedar of the Akal Takht was offers a chance to have fun, learn about local by Washington Elementary School. He com- killed under torture. pleted the Cub ranks at Washington through The Coordination Committee is seeking an agriculture, and build memories. The summer appointment with the Chief Minister of Pun- event provides the opportunity to proudly first year Webelos. Jim than transferred to jab to acquaint him with its findings and to showcase the agricultural foundations of Mont- Pack #222 and completed the second year demand registration of a case against the gomery County. Webelos and Arrow of Light Requirements. In May of 1993, Jim became a Boy Scout in culprits under relevant sections of the IPC. During this milestone anniversary celebra- We also insist that the government of Pun- Troop #222, and a Varsity Scout in February tion, we look forward to even more exciting jab must hand over the investigation of the of 1996. Jim has served as quartermaster, fairs in the future. The agricultural leaders of case to the CBI. Our demand, which rests on grub master, scribe, chaplain, assistant patrol our community are firmly committed to a legally binding evidence, is no more than a leader, and senior patrol leader. He has at- strong future of farming in Montgomery Coun- reiteration of the position that Prakash tended two years of summer camp at San Isa- Singh Badal had himself taken at the time of ty. In just two summers, we will be at the bel Scout Ranch, Packard High Adventure the incident. The Akal Takht is the highest dawn of a new millennium. I am sure that the Camp, and the 1997 National Jamboree at FT. institution of the Sikhs that embodies their glorious tradition and heritage of the Mont- A.P. Hill, VA. He also earned the ``On My sacral and secular aspirations. Its former gomery County Agricultural Fair will continue Jathedar was inhumanly tortured to death. Honor'' religious award in 1997. To date, Jim to flourish in the next century and beyond. We are confident that the Sikh Chief Min- has earned 42 merit badges, the varsity letter, ister of Punjab would not treat this matter I'll see you at the fair! three varsity pins, and is looking forward to a in the same lackadaisical spirit that gen- Philmont trek this summer. erally marks his attitude on our human f Jim chose his Eagle project after a wildfire rights concerns. swept through the Lake Hasty Campground We also demand that the key witnesses in HONORING ADELE ZELLER the case and their family members be pro- last March, destroying much of the natural vided with adequate security from a central cover for the birds in the area. With the help police force. Our experience in the Khalra HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL of fellow members of Troop and Team #222, case shows that policemen accused of grave 13 quail shelters were erected, two bat boxes, OF NEW YORK human rights offenses resort to every meth- two owl platforms, and 12 bird houses were od—from cajoling, browbeating and bribing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES place in the Hasty Lake area. A total of 164 to open threats to life—to suborn the wit- nesses and to destroy the evidence. There- Thursday, June 25, 1998 hours was involved in this project. fore, it is crucial that the key witnesses to Mr. Speaker, I hereby submit for the the custodial torture and murder of Akal Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak of RECORD a copy of an article which appears in Takht’s former Jathedar are protected from an extraordinary person who is being named the Lamar Daily News about Jim Haas. harassment from the very beginning. Woman of the Year by the Business and Pro- JIM HAAS ACHIEVES THE RANK OF EAGLE Darshan Singh, former policeman at fessional Women's Club of Mount VernonÐ SCOUT Jagraon when the incident occurred, is a key Adele Zeller. I have known Adele for several An Eagle Court of Honor was held May 2, witness in the case. We demand that Drashan years and can attest that she is a dynamic 1998 for James K. Haas. Jim is a member of Singh and his family members be protected person who gives unselfishly for the better- Varsity Team #222 chartered by the Church by the CRPF. We would submit a list of other important ment of the whole community. of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. witnesses in the case, who must likewise be She and her husband Noel have owned The Eagle Court was conducted by David protected, to the Chief Minister when we Northup. Opening flag ceremony was pre- businesses in Mount Vernon since 1964 and sented by Dragon Patrol of Troop #222 with meet him. have lived in Westchester County for the past Justice (rtd) Kuldip Singh, President, piano accomplishment of Stars Spangled thirty years. They have founded and operated Banner by Katie Rose. The invocation was World Sikh Council; Justice (rtd) Ajit several companies, the latest, Zelco Indus- Singh Bains, Maj. Gen (rtd) Narinder given by Andy Rose. ‘‘Voice of the Eagle’’ Singh, D.S. Gill, Amar Singh Chahal, tries, has expanded operations worldwide with was presented by Robet Haas. Eagle presen- Inderjit Singh Jaijee, Navkiran Singh, facilities in the United States, Italy, Hong Kong tation was done by James Rupp. Lance Por- Ram Narayan Kumar, Converter; Dr. and China. Its broad range of products are ter then issued the Eagle Charge. Congratu- (Mrs.) Sukhjit Kaur, Amrik Singh distributed in 30 countries around the world. latory letters were read by Connie Haas. A memory quilt highlighting Jim’s Scouting Muktsar, R.S. Bains, Jaspal Singh They have also opened a second company Dhillon, Mrs. Baljit Kaur. accomplishments was presented by his sister, in Italy. This expansion can be credited to Jennifer Haas and family friend, Paige Por- f Adele's remarkable sales and marketing pro- ter. A special music number ‘‘Because I Have ficiency and her ability to converse in Italian, Given Much’’ was sung by the David Northup FIFTIETH ANNUAL MONTGOMERY Spanish and French. family. Closing flag ceremony was done by COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR the Hawk Patrol of Troop #222. Benediction Adele is Chair of the Mount Vernon Cham- was given by Jim Haas. HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA ber of Commerce and is also a member of the Jim chose red, white and blue as his colors Board of Directors of the Rose YM±YWHA. In for this Court of Honor, and Service as his OF MARYLAND both positions she is serving with distinction. theme. Table decorations consisted of red IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Her hard work and caring and her dedica- and blue streamers on white table clothes, Thursday, June 25, 1998 tion to the community has made Mount Ver- with silk flower vases of red roses and blue and white carnations. Jim presented these as Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, this summer, non a better community for all who live and a token of his appreciation to all who helped my constituents will celebrate the 50th Anni- work there. I know we all cherish and thank with his Court of Honor. versary of the Montgomery County Agricultural Adele Zeller for her dedication and commit- Out of town guests included, Mr. and Mrs Fair! I am proud to again be a part of this ment. James Rupp and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Haas,