E552 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 20, 2004 COMMEMORATING COMMUNITY The Council of Khalistan published a press pendence for the Sikh homeland, Khalistan, BANKS OF PENNSYLVANIA release on April 6 which details the betrayal of as declared on October 7, 1987. ‘‘We pray for the Sikhs by Mr. Tohra. It is excellent reading them in their time of loss and may Guru bless this departed soul,’’ he said. ‘‘However, HON. MELISSA A. HART and I recommend it to my colleagues. it is better to leave a legacy of service and OF PENNSYLVANIA In that press release, the Council of sacrifice rather than a legacy of betrayal as Khalistan took note of Mr. Tohra’s invitation to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tohra did,’’ he said. ‘‘What Tohra did in life the Indian government to launch its military at- will remain a part of the history of the Sikh Tuesday, April 20, 2004 tack on the Golden Temple, the most sacred Nation. He will not be remembered as a Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take of Sikh shrines, in June 1984, in order to friend of the Sikh Nation,’’ Dr. Aulakh said. this opportunity to commemorate the Commu- eliminate his political rival, Sant Jarnail Singh Tohra connived with the Indian govern- ment prior to its invasion of the Golden nity Banks of Pennsylvania and the more than Bhindranwale, who was a strong advocate of Temple, the center and seat of the Sikh reli- 40,000 full- and part-time employees who an independent Sikh state, Khalistan. Sikhs gion. The Golden Temple is the headquarters have helped provide the Commonwealth with will be commemorating this brutal attack on of the SGPC. He joined with Harchand Singh more than 170 years of financial support. I am June 5 here in Washington. The Indian forces Longowal and others in inviting the Indian honored to note that the Pennsylvania State simultaneously attacked 125 Sikh Gurdwaras government to attack the Golden Temple to Senate has designated April 19, 2004, through throughout Punjab and murdered over 20,000 murder pro-Khalistani leaders Jarnail Singh April 24, 2004, as ‘‘Community Banking Sikhs in these attacks alone. They shot bullet Bhindranwale, General Shabeg Singh, and others, even while they were telling the Sikh Week.’’ holes in the Sikh holy scriptures, the Guru Nation that Indian tanks would ‘‘have to roll With more than $180 billion in assets, Com- Granth Sahib. They took young Sikh boys over our dead bodies’’ to get to the Temple. munity Banks recognize that when money ages 8 through 13 out in the courtyard and From June 3 through June 6, 1984, the Indian stays in a town, it becomes a renewable re- shot them at point blank range. Meanwhile, government carried out Operation Bluestar, source, creating an economic cycle that con- Mr. Tohra, who had said that the tanks would a military attack on the Golden Temple and stantly revitalizes and stimulates local commu- have to roll over his body to get to the Tem- over 125 other Sikh temples throughout Pun- nities. Community Banks work with the citi- ple, came out with his hands up. The Golden jab. More than 20,000 Sikhs were killed in Op- zens in every sense of the word. These banks Temple complex is also the headquarters of eration Bluestar. Longowal was assassinated by a patriotic Sikh for his betrayal of the have made significant contributions to the eco- the SGPC. Sikh Nation. ‘‘Sikhs can never forgive or for- nomic well-being of the Commonwealth Mr. Tohra was also in a longstanding polit- get the attack on the Golden Temple,’’ said through their financial support, their dedication ical alliance with the corrupt Parkash Singh Dr. Aulakh. On Saturday, June 5, Sikhs will as good neighbors and, above all, through Badal, who was thrown out of office after run- gather in Washington, D.C. to commemorate their service as financially sound and reliable ning the most corrupt government in Punjab’s the twentieth anniversary of this brutal sources of economic lifeblood in our commu- history—a regime so corrupt that the voters massacre and desecration. nities. chose the Congress Party, which organized The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 300,000 The Community Banks have long helped in and carried out the Golden Temple attack, Christians since 1948, over 85,000 Muslims in the development of our communities and of rather than re-elect Mr. Badal. Mr. Tohra also Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of this Commonwealth as a whole. On average, was an ally of the Indian government, first Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, Dalits, and 95 percent of their loan portfolio is reinvested under the Congress Party and then under the others. The Indian Supreme Court called the in their own communities through residential current regime of the BJP. This is the same Indian government’s murders of Sikhs mortgages and commercial, agricultural and Indian government that has murdered over ‘‘worse than a genocide.’’ According to a student loans. Indeed, neighbors are helping 250,000 Sikhs, Mr. Speaker. It is also holding study by the Movement Against State Re- neighbors build homes, save for higher edu- over 52,000 Sikhs as political prisoners, some pression (MASR), 52,268 Sikhs are being held in illegal detention as political prisoners cation, plan for retirement and fulfill life-long since the 1984 attacks! without charge or trial. In September 1995, dreams. With Mr. Tohra gone, new leaders must human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra I ask that my colleagues in the House of emerge. I call on my Sikh friends to make was kidnapped by police for publishing a Representatives join me in honoring this inte- sure that these new leaders are strong sup- study documenting that the Indian govern- gral aspect of the Commonwealth of Penn- porters of freedom for the Sikhs of Punjab, ment secretly cremated thousands of Sikh sylvania’s economy during Community Bank- Khalistan. And as the beacon of freedom, I youth by declaring them ‘‘unidentified bod- er’s Week. Without the continued support that urge the United States to take action to help ies’’ after torturing and murdering them. He the Community Banks have provided to Penn- liberate the Sikh Nation and all the nations was murdered about six weeks later while in seeking their freedom from India, including police custody. His body was never returned sylvania, much of the success that the Com- to his family. Police SSP Swaran Singh monwealth has experienced would have been Kashmir, predominantly Christian Nagalim, Ghotna murdered former Jathedar of the impossible. and others. Akal Takht Gurdev Singh Kaunke. f The time has come to stop our aid to India Although Tohra was not corrupt like until it respects the basic human rights of all former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh GURCHARAN SINGH TOHRA, SIKH people within its borders and to demand that Badal, he maintained an alliance with Badal, LEADER, DIES—LEFT LEGACY OF India act like the democracy it says it is by even though he once said publicly that he BETRAYAL holding a free and fair vote on the matter of would not even go near Badal’s grave. The independence for Khalistan, for Kashmir, for Badal regime was the most corrupt in Punjab’s history. In 1993, Tohra urged Sikhs HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS Nagalim, and for all the other nations seeking to ‘‘prepare for the long struggle’’ to liberate OF NEW YORK their freedom. This is the democratic way and Khalistan, yet he maintained a political alli- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES self-determination is the essence of democ- ance with the Indian government, first with racy. It is also the only way to prevent leaders the Congress Party (which carried out the Tuesday, April 20, 2004 in the mode of Gurcharan Singh Tohra from Golden Temple attack) and then with the Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I noticed in the emerging again to connive with the Indian militant Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata April 3 issue of the Washington Post that government to keep the Sikhs in slavery. Party (BJP.) ‘‘It seems as if there were two Gurcharan Singh Tohra, a Sikh who led the Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Coun- Gurcharan Singh Tohras,’’ Dr. Aulakh said. India is not one country; it is a polyglot Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee cil of Khalistan’s press release on Mr. Tohra thrown together by the British for their ad- (SGPC), the Sikhs’ highest administrative into the RECORD at this time. ministrative convenience. Sikhs ruled Pun- body, which administers all the Sikh places of G.S. TOHRA PASSES AWAY AT 79 jab until 1849 when the British conquered the worship, called Gurdwaras, in Punjab, died WASHINGTON, DC, April 6, 2004.—Gurcharan subcontinent. Sikhs were equal partners dur- April 1 in a hospital in New Delhi. He was 79 Singh Tohra, the longtime President of the ing the transfer of power from the British. years old. Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Com- The Muslim leader Jinnah got Pakistan, the On behalf of my colleagues in the U.S. Con- mittee (SGPC), which runs all the Gurdwaras Hindu leaders got India, but the Sikh leader- gress, I would like to extend my sympathies to (Sikh places of worship) in Punjab, died of a ship was fooled by the Hindu leadership into taking their share with India on the promise Mr. Tohra’s family. In this time of loss for heart attack April 1 in New Delhi. He was 79 years old. that Sikhs would have ‘‘the glow of freedom’’ them, we all pray for them and for the de- ‘‘We offer our sympathies and prayers to in northwest India. For that mistake, Sikhs parted. However, it is important to have the Mr. Tohra’s family,’’ said Dr. Gurmit Singh are suffering now. ‘‘As Professor Darshan record reflect the actions that Mr. Tohra took Aulakh, President of the Council of Singh, a former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, against his own people. Khalistan, which leads the struggle for inde- said, ‘If a Sikh is not for Khalistan, he is not

VerDate mar 24 2004 04:31 Apr 21, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K20AP8.005 E20PT1 April 20, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E553 a Sikh’,’’ Dr. Aulakh noted. ‘‘Tohra worked HONORING THE LIFE OF TONI and member of the Amateur Astronomers As- with the Indian government in its most bru- WINTERS MCMAHON sociation of Pittsburgh, Mr. Reiland has de- tal efforts to suppress the Sikh Nation’s ef- voted himself to improving the astronomy fa- fort to realize the Guru’s blessing by re- claiming its sovereignty,’’ he said. HON. TOM DAVIS cilities in western Pennsylvania. Mr. Reiland, OF VIRGINIA along with fellow members of the Amateur As- ‘‘Democracies don’t commit genocide,’’ Dr. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tronomers Association of Pittsburgh, opened Aulakh said. ‘‘Only in a free and sovereign the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory in 1982. Khalistan will the Sikh Nation prosper. In a Tuesday, April 20, 2004 Since then he has gone on to sponsor numer- democracy, the right to self-determination is Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I the sine qua non and if India is truly a de- ous events that help to inform the public about mocracy, it should accept the sovereignty of rise today to honor the life of Toni Winters the joys of astronomy. In fact, he is now the the Sikh Nation,’’ he said. McMahon, who passed away on January 21, chairman of the association committee that co- 2004. ordinates star parties at Wagman Observatory. Born Catherine Antoinette Winters in Keene, f The star parties give the public insight into as- New Hampshire, Mrs. McMahon was a music tronomy and a chance to see celestial objects AETNA’S ‘‘GOOD CORPORATE CITI- graduate of Tufts University, where she was through the observatory’s two large tele- ZENSHIP’’ VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She then pursued scopes. It was on February 28, 2004, at the graduate study in public administration at annual Wagman Winterfest star party that Mr. George Mason University. Reiland was informed the asteroid would be In Northern Virginia, Mrs. McMahon became HON. JOHN B. LARSON named after him. involved in her community as a school activist. OF CONNECTICUT She served as president of the Fairfax County I ask that all my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in honoring such a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Council of PTAs and started projects to en- courage high school seniors to volunteer at dedicated and inspirational citizen of the Tuesday, April 20, 2004 the county’s various human services agencies. Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania. In 1981, she raised over $100,000 to save the It is truly my pleasure to honor someone who Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run in has given so much back to southwestern am proud to rise today to report on the ‘‘Good McLean when the National Park Service with- Pennsylvania. Corporate Citizenship’’ of AETNA, a con- drew funding. Several years later in 1984, she stituent company in my district. During the was named the Fairfax County Citizen of the f week of April 26th, approximately 1,100 em- Year, an award cosponsored by the Fairfax RECOGNIZING DR. JOHN SHEEDY ployees from Aetna’s Consumer Markets seg- County Federation of Citizens Associations ment across the country will donate more than and The Washington Post. 4,400 hours to charitable causes in their com- Since 1984, Mrs. McMahon served as presi- HON. BILL SHUSTER munities. dent/CEO of the Arts Council of Fairfax Coun- Aetna has a long history of volunteerism ty, overseeing events such as the International OF PENNSYLVANIA and contributing to the communities where it Children’s Festival at Wolf Trap National Park IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES operates. In 2003, Aetna and the Aetna Foun- for the Performing Arts. While in this position, dation contributed approximately $16.5 million she fully committed herself to fund-raising, Tuesday, April 20, 2004 nationally, with nearly $4.4 million directed at grant-writing, board development, and long- Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to entities in Connecticut, Aetna’s home State for range planning. In 1999, Mrs. McMahon re- recognize Dr. John Sheedy of Hollidaysburg, 150 years. ceived the Jinx Hazel Arts Citizen of the Year Pennsylvania, for his countless contributions Every day, Aetna employees across the Award from the Arts Council of Fairfax County. to the Home Nursing Agency and on receiving Mrs. McMahon always will be remembered country demonstrate their compassion and the Visiting Nurse Associations of America for her dedicated efforts on behalf of the arts. commitment to this goal by devoting hundreds Volunteer Board Member of the Year Award. She is a remarkable individual who played an of hours of personal time to volunteerism. This integral role in making the arts in Fairfax As a life-long resident of Blair County, Dr. commitment has created what is now recog- County what they are today. At the time of her Sheedy has connected with citizens in the nized as Aetna’s ‘‘Culture of Caring’’—a tradi- death, her board memberships included the area in a way that few are able. Since the late tion of volunteerism that has become a part of George Mason University Center for the Arts, 1960s, when he worked alongside nurses to Aetna’s core values. the Lorton Arts Foundation, and the Cultural launch the first home care agency, Dr. Sheedy As part of this April 2004 charitable initia- Alliance of Greater Washington. Her survivors worked diligently to make positive changes tive, employees from 20 sites around the include four children: Dr. Doug McMahon of throughout the system so that health care country will join together to make an impact in Medford, Oregon; John W. McMahon of would be more accessible to Pennsylvania’s the lives of others. In my home State of Con- Warrenton, Virginia; and Toni L. McMahon immobilized citizens. From the very beginning, necticut, this fine group of Aetna employees and Norwood McMahon, both of Fairfax, Vir- he served as medical director, and he was will focus on assisting The Children’s Home of ginia; and three grandchildren. one of the first members of the board of direc- Cromwell, where they will collect school sup- Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to pay tors. The impact he has had on the Home plies and backpacks for resident children; The tribute to the life and work of Mrs. McMahon Nursing Agency, as well as central Pennsyl- American Red Cross, where employees will and express my deepest condolences to all vania, is immeasurable. paint houses and clean yards for low-income who knew and loved her. For more than 30 years, Dr. Sheedy has housing residents; Foodshare of Greater Hart- f taken advantage of the opportunities to teach ford, where Aetna staff will participate in the and challenge others on staff at the agency, Walk Against Hunger and will sort food at the HONORING MR. TOM REILAND and he has worked tirelessly to make improve- Hartford Farmer’s Market; The Shepherd ments where they have been needed. His de- Home, where employees will collect small ap- HON. MELISSA A. HART votion and commitment to those in the com- pliances and furniture for transitional housing OF PENNSYLVANIA munity are admirable, and I am grateful for all residents; and Community Renewal Team, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that he has accomplished throughout Blair where Aetna employees will paint classrooms Tuesday, April 20, 2004 County. for low-income, inner-city preschools, read to Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take Dr. John Sheedy has served this Nation students, and provide nutritional snacks. this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Tom every day of his life, touching the lives of Being a leader in health care is a source of Reiland of Shaler, Pennsylvania, who recently every American citizen indirectly as he served pride for the entire Aetna community. I am had an asteroid named in his honor: Minor in the United States Navy, as well as directly, proud to represent Connecticut and Aetna’s Planet 10320 Reiland. It brings me great as he has visited countless homes and pa- employees, especially as they demonstrate pleasure to represent the Fourth Congres- tients in need. Central Pennsylvania is a better that corporate responsibility and employee vol- sional District of Pennsylvania, the congres- place because of the contributions that Dr. unteerism are key business objectives, objec- sional district in which Mr. Reiland resides. Sheedy has made. Thank you for all that you tives which help make Aetna such an integral Director of the Nicholas E. Wagman Ob- have done, Dr. Sheedy, and congratulations part of the local community. servatory in Frazer Township, Pennsylvania, on receiving this much-deserved award.

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