Are Indian nationalists planning to rally outside UK Gurdwaras?

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Last week a poster claiming to advertise a “Proud Indians car rally” across the UK went viral as it was shared in Sikh community circles.

Given ongoing news about the #FarmersProtest, the poster caused much contention and speculation within UK Sikh communities. The question now is, should UK Sikhs be worried about Indian nationalists demonstrating outside Gurdwaras?

The first thing to note is that although there are many UK Indian groups that have shown support to the BJP government as they trample on the rights of citizens and continue to oppress millions of farmers, not a single Indian or Hindu organisation of any kind have come forward to say they are behind or even supportive of the supposed rally. Note, Indian nationalist groups are nearly always led by or largely supported by Hindus, hence the use of both terms.

The Sikh Press Association are among various Sikh organisations that have reached out to Indian and Hindu representatives to clarify this, and thus far all have either condemned the rally or distanced themselves from it. The first to go on the record with this have been local Southall Hindu groups, in collaboration with the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall committee, who are liaising with police and local faith leaders regarding the matter.

Thus, the origin of the poster remains mysterious.

However, it is not without precedent. In the last week, Indian nationalists have held rallies in Fremont, (USA) and Sydney (Australia). In Brampton (Canada), many such demonstrations have taken place, including one which led to the arrest of an Indian nationalist for possession of a gun, during an attempt to intimidate local Sikhs. In the UK, protests against India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and against India’s treatment of Kashmir have also seen comparatively very small counter-protests held by Indian nationalists.

With all this in mind, is the possibility of Indian nationalists turning up outside Southall’s biggest Gurdwara to show their support for an Indian government currently oppressing millions of Sikhs in the world’s largest protest realistic?

Southall’s Sikh community won worldwide acclaim in 2011 during the London riots for how they came out to protect all local Gurdwaras (and mosques and mandirs too) during the London riots, as properties were looted across the capital, including huge riots in Ealing, the neighbouring town to Southall (see images below). Going back to the Southall riots of the 70s/80s, the local community is fiercely protective against outsiders coming to cause trouble in the town known for its significant Sikh population. Similar things can be said of the communities of Birmingham and Leicester, where the other “Proud Indians” rally is supposedly being held.

22 Sikh Riots Videos and HD Footage - Getty Images
London Riots: Armed Sikhs Protect Gurdwara | World News – India TV

So what is the intention of the poster? A Southall local (who asked to remain anonymous) with decades of experience building relations with local Indian/Hindu groups spoke to Sikh PA, saying:

“The fact no Indian or Hindu group are supporting it points towards the poster being designed to stoke tensions on both sides of the #FarmersProtest issue; those with the government and those against.

“The creator of the poster is thinking in the best case scenario, some patriotic Indians may decide to take part in what they believe is a real national rally. Their participation is guaranteed to cause trouble. Sikhs have spent months watching our people slowly die whilst protesting against the government. To now have someone come and flaunt their support for what is causing their suffering is the highest form of provocation.

“In the worst case scenario for the creator of this poster, they will be thinking Sikhs will be turning out to guard the areas and Gurdwaras, as is certain to happen now just in case any Indian nationalists do turn up. The image of this will be used to claim UK Sikhs are “looking for confrontation” as some may see it and as India’s media are guaranteed to twist it. So this works against Sikhs and in favour of the Indian government trying to claim violent and radical groups outside of India are behind the #FarmersProtest movement. The images may even be used to pick out organisers and activists from within the Sikh community to be targeted by the Indian government.”

Many Sikh organisations and individuals have said similar things about the rally. It is widely believed to be a way to stoke tensions and provoke Sikhs into doing anything which can be used to tarnish the ongoing farmers’ protest.

We asked our interviewee, given the incidents in the USA, Australia and Canada, is it not likely Indian nationalists could demonstrate in the UK in the same way?

“The UK has a very different dynamic than other countries where you have lots of Indian diaspora, especially when it comes to Sikh-Hindu relations. The streets of Southall and Leicester that the rally plans to go down are where thousands of Sikhs and Hindus work together daily. The geography of the UK means communities are more integrated here. They live on the same streets, have children that go to the same schools. The communities are very connected. There is no way that local Hindus in Leicester and Southall will ruin their relationships with the big local Sikh communities by holding such provocative demonstrations.

“However, India is known to source outside influence when it is needed, so we cannot rule out the possibility of paid goons being used to create trouble, which will be used to malign the #FarmersProtest”.

Sikh PA are currently chasing up statements on this alleged planned rally from local police and seeking statements from local Hindu faith leaders too. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.

What is #FarmersProtest all about?

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Today Rihanna -one of the the world’s most famous music artists- tweeted about the #FarmersProtest to her 100 million+ followers.

To all of those now asking, don’t be blinded by All Of The Lights, step under our Umbrella, and let us take you to Disturbia by telling you all bout the #FarmersProtest!

Ready To Go Snl GIF

The first thing to know is how important farming is to India. With over 150 million farmers in the country, it is estimated that 60% of the population rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Many families have owned their farming land for generations.

Why are India’s farmers upset?

spoiled all star game GIF

In September 2020 the Indian Government passed three new agricultural laws without consulting any farmer representative groups.

Farmer groups unanimously expressed dissatisfaction about the new laws, viewing them as a path towards bankruptcy and corporate takeover of their land. This view has been supported by a former Chief of the World Bank among many other academics and agricultural experts.

After months of protest went ignored, including a strike by 250 million people, a decision was made for the farmers to march to India’s capital Delhi where they would stay in protest against the state.

During the march to Delhi protesters faced police brutality in the form of lathi (stick) beatings, tear gas and more. Barriers were put in roads to stop them forming for the protest, but farmers marched on to demonstrate.

Since November 26th farmers have been in protest in and around Delhi in numbers estimated of 100,000+. The protesters are young, old, men, women, trans and more.

What is the govt doing about this?

Fashion Wtf GIF by Amazon Prime Video

Despite the fact protesters from across India have joined in making it hundreds of thousands around Delhi, the Indian Government is refusing to change the laws.

The farmers representatives, such as Unions and regional community groups, are in a stand-off with the Indian government as they camp around India’s capital Delhi. They are demanding nothing more than a full repeal of these new laws. Not a suspension. Not an amendment. A full repeal.

Although they support farmer reforms, they want to be consulted in their creation.

Why are we only hearing about this now?

GIF by Rihanna X Stance

In the last week, Indian authorities seem to have increased their violent means of ending these protests.

Protesters have been shot dead, beaten and are having militarised barriers placed around them to prevent further movement. Journalists have been arrested for reporting the truth about police violence, women are being sexually abused after imprisonment and as Rihanna tweeted about, the internet is being shut off to prevent such news leaking.

Are you sure this is the truth? Lots of people on Twitter are saying different.

music video work GIF
Indian bots be like…

The Indian government has an army of online bots and many disinformation wings designed to hide the truth about situations like this.

India also has an extremist nationalist problem. Its Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strongly linked with an extremist Hindu group that terrorise minorities. These extremists demonise minorities like Sikhs when they are critical of the Indian government, as media help the average Indian believe protesters are “anti-national”.

Is this a religious issue?

No. This is not a Sikh issue. But it is an issue for every Sikh.

This is because the motherland of the Sikh faith is Punjab, often called “The Bread Basket of India”. Farming is the lifeblood of Punjab and is engrained spiritually and practically into the Sikh faith.

What next?

Rihanna Naacp GIF by BET

India has a history of using brutal violence against its people to destroy movements, including notoriously in the 1984 Sikh Genocide. This tactic is seemingly the only way Indian authorities know how to deal with an issue and that is playing out right now.

The farmers recognise the new laws will destroy their way of life and will not budge from asking for a full repeal of these laws. Many Sikh protesters have said they are willing to die before they allow these laws to be implemented.

As such, Sikh orgs from across the world are calling for support from MPs, from media and beyond.

Now that Rihanna has drawn more attention to this situation, maybe more influential figures will speak out, and just maybe the Indian government will serve the will of the people and remove the laws.

Is Rihanna a Khalistani?

rihanna no GIF

Maybe, but there’s nothing wrong with that!

Khalistan is the name of a proposed country many Sikhs are campaigning for in India.

Many Sikhs support the belief that the community should have its own state, especially since the Indian state perpetrated 1984 Sikh Genocide. The right to self-determination is not a crime according to the UN Charter.

Indian media purposefully conflate Khalistanism with terrorism to demonise Sikhs that fought back against Indian authorities during their years of massacring Sikhs in great numbers in the 1980s and 1990s. The term “Khalistani” is now being used to push an “anti-national” narrative against the #FarmersProtest.

The #FarmersProtest is not a Khalistani movement. But it is a movement that shows why many people support Khalistan.

Anything else?

rihanna yes GIF

Sikhs want people to keep tweeting and talking about the #FarmersProtest to ensure the world remains focused on the issue, which may hopefully stop Indian authorities from killing or abusing any more people!

Sikh woman “sexually assaulted” by Indian police during 18 day arbitrary detainment

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Amidst Indian authorities’ ongoing tyrannical crackdown on the #FarmersProtest movement in Delhi, news has emerged of a 24-year-old Sikh woman being “tortured and abused” since January 12th whilst imprisoned by Haryana Police.

Nodeep Kaur, a dalit trade unionist arrested and sexually assaulted by Haryana Police

The news broke today (January 30th) whilst Nodeep Kaur is currently in judicial custody in Karnal Jail, awaiting trial based on accusations from her Industrial factory employers. A respected activist, Nodeep Kaur is part of a labourers group she is currently representing in disputes against their employers over withheld wages, harassment and more abuses. Nodeep is part of the Dalit community, who are perceived to be “low-caste” according to Indian caste hierarchy. The Sikh faith categorically opposes caste hierarchy.

Reports from Dalit community connected news outlets and reporters in India suggest Nodeep Kaur was targeted by police whilst she was at the Singhu Delhi protest camp site, in what is a targeted campaign against workers-rights activists such as Nodeep being carried out undercover of the bigger #FarmersProtest. Her sister, Rajveer Kaur, stated she was targeted because “she is a part of labour unions, works for the rights of labourers”.

It is unclear why exactly the news about her suffering has come out after 18 days, although it is known that Dalit community issues are often more overlooked due to caste discrimination. So far, no mainstream Indian news outlets have covered this news despite it being a current viral story on social media.

An online campaign to bring attention to her plight and awareness about her situation has now begun. Nodeep Kaur is currently one of an estimated 200+ Sikhs that have been detained in dubious circumstances during the farmers protest.

Read more about Nodeep Kaur’s situation at- https://indianculturalforum.in/2021/01/21/condemn-the-arrest-custodial-sexual-violence-faced-by-nodeep-kaur/.


Open letter to Sikh Panth from 47 Sikh orgs from across the world

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A conglomerate of *47 different Sikh organisations from the USA, UK, Canada and Australia have written an open letter to the Panth (Sikh community/path) calling for the community “to actively engage in grassroots organizing against the oppressive domination of state power”.

The organisations, which include the Cambridge Uni Sikh society (UK), Jakara Movement (USA), Poetic Justice Foundation (Canada) and Quami Awaaz (Australia), have released the letter after Indian authorities utilised the Hindutva extremist hoards of the country to attack protesters and journalists at Delhi’s Farmer Protest site.

Note- Calgary’s (Canada) Dashmesh Darbar Gurdwara have requested to co-sign this letter since this article was published, making it 48 different organisations supporting the message.

Read the letter in full (both in Gurmukhi and English) below.

ੴਸ੍ਰੀਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਹ॥

ਇਨਗ੍ਰੀਬਸਿੰਘਨਕੌਦਯੈਪਤਿਸ਼ਾਹੀ।

ਏਯਾਦਰਖੈਂਹਮਰੀਗੁਰਿਆਈ।

ਦੁਨੀਆ ਭਰ ਦੇ ਪੰਥਕ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ੨੬ ਜਨਵਰੀ ਦੇ ਦਿਨ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਲਾਲ ਕਿਲੇ ਉੱਪਰ ਖਾਲਸਾਈ ਝੰਡੇ ਝਲਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਜਾਂਬਾਂਜ ਕਾਰਨਾਮੇ ਨੂੰ ਫ਼ਖਰ ਵਜੋਂ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਇਸ ਇਤਿਹਾਸਕ ਕਾਰਨਾਮੇ ਨੇ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਦੀ ਸੁਤੰਤਰਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਾਮਰਾਜੀ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਤਖਤ ਨਾਲ ਸਿੱਖ ਟੱਕਰ ਨੂੰ ਦੁਬਾਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਕੀਤਾ ਜੋ ਕਿ ਪੰਜ ਸਦੀਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਚੱਲੀ ਆ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।

ਇਸ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਕਰਮ ਵਜੋਂ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਅਖੌਤੀ ਲਿਬਰਲ (liberal), ਬੇਈਮਾਨ ਖੱਬੇ-ਪੱਖੀਂ, ਕੁਝ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਅਦਾਰੇ, ਅਤੇ ਸਿਆਸਤਦਾਨ ਸਾਰੇ ਇੱਕ ਦੱਮ ਇੱਕੋ ਮੰਚ ‘ਤੇ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਅਜ਼ਾਦ ਹੋਂਦ-ਹਸਤੀ ਦੀ ਮੁਖਾਲਫਤ ਲਈ ਇਕੱਠੇ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਹਨ। ਇਸ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਕਾਰਨ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰਵਾਦ ਦੀ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਕਿ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਟੇਟ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਹਰੀ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਅਣਖ ਗੈਰਤ ਨਾਲ ਵਿਚਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਧਿਰ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਨਾਹਗਾਰ ਵਜੋਂ ਹੀ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਹਨਾਂ ਸਿੱਖ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰਵਾਦ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਵਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਹੌਂਸਲਾ ਲੈਂਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਹਿੰਦੁਤਵੀ ਗੁੰਡੇ ਦੰਗੇ ਭੜਕਾ ਕੇ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦਾ ਕਤਲੇਆਮ ਕਰਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਤਿਆਰੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਨ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਮੂਕ ਦਰਸ਼ਕ ਬਣਕੇ ਹੀ ਨਹੀ ਸਗੋਂ ਵਧ-ਚੜ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਥ ਅਤੇ ਹੱਲਾਸ਼ੇਰੀ ਦੇ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।

ਫਾਸ਼ੀ ਹਿੰਸਾ ਦੀ ਬਣ ਰਹੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਝਲਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਦੁਆਲੇ ਘੜੇ ਗਏ ਨਾਂਹ-ਪੱਖੀ ਬਿਰਤਾਂਤ ਨਾਲ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਜੁੜ੍ਹੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ। ਜਦੋਂ ਵੀ ਆਪਣੀ ਸੁਤੰਤਰ ਹੋਂਦ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੱਖ ਰੱਖਕੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਚਿੰਨ ਉਭਰਦੇ ਹਨ ਤਾਂ ਉਹ ਸਟੇਟ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਤੇ ਸਿੱਧ ਹੀ ਹਿੰਸਕ ਲਗਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਅਜ਼ਾਦ ਹੋਂਦ-ਹਸਤੀ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰਵਾਦ ਦੀ ਤੌਹੀਨ ਅਤੇ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਮੰਨੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਜਦੋਂ ਵੀ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਹਿੰਦੂਤਵੀ ਭਾਰਤ ਮਾਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ ਚੁਣੌਤੀ ਦਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਫਾਸ਼ੀ ਹਿੰਸਾ ਆਪ ਮੁਹਾਰੇ ਜਾਇਜ਼ ਠਹਿਰਾਈ ਜਾਣ ਲੱਗਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸੇ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਵਚਨ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਤਹਿਤ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਨਸਲਕੁਸ਼ੀ ਨੂੰ ੧੯੮੦ਵਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਜਾਇਜ਼ ਕਰਾਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।

ਇਸ ਹਕੀਕਤ ਨੂੰ ਮੁਖਾਤਬ ਹੁੰਦਿਆਂ ਫਾਸ਼ੀ ਸਟੇਟ ਨਾਲ ਟੱਕਰ ਲੈਣੀ ਕੋਈ ਛੋਟੀ ਜਾਂ ਸੌਖੀ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਸਗੋਂ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਸਫਲ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਲਈ ਨਿਧੜਕ ਪੰਥਕ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਅਤੇ ਅਸਲ ਜੁਝਾਰੂ ਜਜ਼ਬੇ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ। ਭਾਵੇਂ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਅੱਜ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਸੜਕਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਲੜਿਆ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਪੰਥ ਦੀਆਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀਆਂ ਭੂਗੋਲਿਕ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੱਝੀਆਂ ਹੋਈਆਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਹਨ। 

ਖਾਲਸਾ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਦਾਅਵੇ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੱਖ ਰੱਖਦਿਆਂ ਹੋਇਆਂ ਗਰੀਬ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਜਰਵਾਣੇ ਦੀ ਭੱਖਿਆ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਸਾਂਝੀਵਾਲਤਾ ਵਾਲਾ ਨਿਆਂਕਾਰੀ ਸਮਾਜ ਅਤੇ ਰਾਜ ਸਥਾਪਤ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਫ਼ਿਰਕਾਪ੍ਰਸਤੀ, ਕੱਟੜਤਾ ਜਾਂ ਖੁਦਗ਼ਰਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਜਗ੍ਹਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲੀ। ਸਾਡੇ ਸ਼ਹੀਦਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਜੁਝਾਰੂਆਂ ਨੇ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਜ਼ਾਲਮਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜੜ੍ਹੋਂ ਪੁੱਟਣ ਲਈ ਅਤੇ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂਸੱਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਸੀਮਤ ਜਾਂ ਕਾਬੂ ਕਰਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਾਂ ਦਾ ਡੱਟ ਕੇ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ ਕੀਤਾ। 

ਇਸੇ ਵਿਰਾਸਤ ਦੇ ਚੱਲਦਿਆਂ ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਲਈ ਅਰੰਭਿਆ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੇ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਦਾਅਵੇ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੱਖ ਰੱਖ ਕੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦੇ ਭਲੇ ਵਾਲਾ ਸੁਤੰਤਰ ਹਲੇਮੀ ਰਾਜ ਸਥਾਪਤ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਜੱਦੋ-ਜਹਿਦ ਦਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਜ਼ੁਲਮੀ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਟੇਟ, ਪੂੰਜੀਵਾਦ ਦੀ ਆਰਥਕ ਲੁੱਟ ਅਤੇ ਬਿੱਪਰ ਦੇ ਗਲਬੇ ਦੇ ਖਾਤਮੇ ਲਈ ਉਪ-ਮਹਾਂਦੀਪ ਦੇ ਦੱਬੇ ਕੁਚਲੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਲਈ ਮੁਕਤੀ ਦੀ ਵਚਨਬੱਧਤਾ ਨਾਲ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੋਇਆ। 

ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਅਸੀਂ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਟੇਟ ਦੀ ਹਿੰਸਾ ਦਾ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਵਿਆਪੀ ਤਾਕਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਵੀ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਹਿੰਸਾ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਕਰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਸਾਡੀਆਂ ਲਾਸ਼ਾਂ ਉੱਤੋਂ ਲੰਘ ਕੇ ਮੁਨਾਫ਼ਾ ਕਮਾਉਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਮੁਲਕਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਾਡਾ ਪ੍ਰਦੇਸੀ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਾ ਵੱਡੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਇਹੀ ਮੁਲਕ ਸਾਲਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਭਾਰਤ ਉੱਪਰ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਅਖੌਤੀ ਸੁਧਾਰਾਂ ਲਈ ਜ਼ੋਰ ਪਾ ਰਹੇ ਸਨ ਅਤੇ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਭਰਪੂਰ ਲਾਭ ਲੈਣ ਦੀ ਤਾਕ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਨ।

ਆਪਣੇ ਜੁਝਾਰੂ ਵਿਰਸੇ ਤੋਂ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੋੜਨ ਕਾਰਨ ਅੱਜ ਕੱਲ ਪਰਵਾਸੀ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਯੋਗਦਾਨ ਪਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਬਹੁਤਾਂਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿਰਫ ਵੋਟ ਤੰਤਰ ਦੇ ਅਧੀਨ ਚੋਣਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੀ ਨੁਮਾਇੰਦਗੀ ਵਧਾਉਣ ਤੱਕ ਸੀਮਤ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਸਿਆਸਤਦਾਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਹਾੜੇ ਕੱਢ ਕੇ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੂੰਹੋਂ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਹਿੰਸਾ ਦੀ ਹਲਕੀ ਫੁਲਕੀ ਨਿਖੇਧੀ ਨੂੰ ਜਿੱਤ ਸਮਝ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਸਟੇਟ ਦੀ ਦਮਨਕਾਰੀ ਹਿੰਸਾ ਨੂੰ ਅੱਜ ਫਿਰ ਸਹਾਰਦਿਆਂ ਹੋਇਆਂ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਚੰਗੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਪੱਸ਼ਟ ਹੋ ਜਾਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਕਈ ਦਰਜਨ ਸਿਆਸਤਦਾਨਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਚੋਣਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਖਰਚੇ ਅਣਗਿਣਤ ਡਾਲਰ/ਪਾਊਂਡ ਅਤੇ ਸਮ੍ਹੇਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਨੂੰ ਬਲ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਸਰੋਤਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਊਰਜਾ ਦੀ ਬਰਬਾਦੀ ਹੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ।

ਸਾਡੀ ਮੁਕਤੀ ਦਾ ਰਾਹ ਵੋਟ ਤੰਤਰ ਦੇ ਚੁੰਗਲ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਜਾਂ ਸੂਬੇਦਾਰੀ ਦੀ ਨਖਿੱਧ ਸਿਆਸਤ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਕਦਾਚਿੱਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਨਿਕਲਣਾ ਸਗੋਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ-ਪੰਥ ਦੀ ਰਹਿਨੁਮਾਈ ਹੇਠ ਸੁਤੰਤਰ ਪੰਥਕ ਸੰਸਥਾਵਾਂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਸਿਰਜੀ ਸਾਂਝੀ ਕੌਮੀ ਤਾਕਤ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਸਾਡਾ ਭਵਿੱਖ ਸਵਾਰਿਆ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ।

ਜਿੱਥੇ ਵੀ ਅਸੀਂ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਓਥੇ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਗਰੀਬ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਜਰਵਾਣੇ ਦੀ ਭੱਖਿਆ ਦੀ ਰੀਤ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਹਰ ਖਿੱਤੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਟੇਟ ਦੀਆਂ ਜਾਲਮ ਤਾਕਤਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਪੂੰਜੀਵਾਦੀ ਗਲਬੇ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਲੜ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਧਿਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਰਲ ਕੇ ਸਾਂਝਾ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਵਿੱਢਣਾ ਪਵੇਗਾ ‘ਤੇ ਸਹੀ ਅਰਥਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਜੁਲਮ ਦਾ ਅੰਤ ਕਰਨਾ ਪਵੇਗਾ।

ਜਿਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਆਪਾਂ ਸਾਰੇ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਇਹ ਲੰਬੀ ਲੜਾਈ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ ਜੋ ਤਿੰਨ ਖੇਤੀ ਕਾਨੂੰਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰੱਦ ਕਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਅਗਾਂਹ ਲੜ੍ਹੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ। ਭਵਿੱਖ ਦੀਆਂ ਜਿੱਤਾਂ ਅੱਜ ਜਮੀਨੀ ਪੱਧਰ ‘ਤੇ ਉਸਾਰੀ ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਸੁਤੰਤਰ ਪੰਥਕ ਤਾਕਤ ਦੇ ਸਿਰ ‘ਤੇ ਹੀ ਹੋਣਗੀਆਂ। ਸੰਖੇਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਕਾਨੂੰਨਾਂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਸਾਮਰਾਜਵਾਦੀ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਟੇਟ ਤੰਤਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਪਹਿਲੋਂ ਹੀ ਚੱਲੇ ਆ ਰਹੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਉੱਪਰ ਦਾਬੇ ਅਤੇ ਲੁੱਟ ਦੀਆਂ ਨੀਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਰੀ ਹੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਖਾਲਸੇ ਦਾ ਹੱਲ ਸੱਚੇ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਦੇ ਬਚਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਦਾ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਫਰਜ਼ ਗਰੀਬ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਜਰਵਾਣੇ ਦੀ ਭੱਖਿਆ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਹੈ। ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਸੰਧਰਭ ਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਅਰਥ ਇਹੀ ਬਣਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ ਜੁਲਮੀ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਟੇਟ ਤੰਤਰ ਨੂੰ ਜੜੋਂ ਪੁੱਟ ਕੇ ਫਨਾਹ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ ਅਤੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਸੁਆਹ ਉੱਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਨਿਆਂਕਾਰੀ ਸਮਾਜ-ਰਾਜ ਦੀ ਐਸੀ ਸਿਰਜਣਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇ ਜਿਸ ਰਾਹੀ ਸਹੀ ਅਰਥਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਖਾਲਸਾਈ  ਹਲੇਮੀ ਰਾਜ ਕਾਇਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਸਕੇ।

ਗੁਰੂ ਪੰਥ ਦੇ ਦਾਸ,

ਬੱਬਰ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਲਹਿਰ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ ਸਿੱਖ ਯੂਥ ਅਲਾਇੰਸ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਐਲ ਸੋਬਰਾਂਟੇ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਫ੍ਰੀਮਾਂਟ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਗਲੈਨਰਾਕ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ਨਿਊ ਜਰਸੀ

ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਿਸ਼ਨ ਸੈਂਟਰ (ਬ੍ਰੈੰਪਟਨ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੋਤ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ (ਟਰੰਟੋ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਬਾਬਾ ਬੰਦਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਹਾਦਰ (ਐਬਟਸਫੋਰਡ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦਸਮੇਸ਼ ਦਰਬਾਰ (ਸਰੀ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸ਼ਹੀਦਗੜ੍ਹ (ਹੈਮਲਟਨ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਭਾ ਬੇਅ ਏਰੀਆ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਗਤ (ਬ੍ਰੈਂਪਟਨ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿੱਖ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ (ਸਰੀ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ (ਗ੍ਰੇਵਸੈਂਡ), ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਜਕਾਰਾ ਮੂਵਮੈਂਟ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਜਥਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਪਰਚਾਰ, ਆਸਟ੍ਰੇਲੀਆ

ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਕੇਂਦਰ

ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਐਕਟਿਵਿਸਟ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਖਾਲਸਾ ਫਾਉਂਡੇਸ਼ਨ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਕੈਂਟ ਸਿੱਖਸ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਸਿੱਖ ਯੂਥ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਨੌਜਵਾਨੀ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਪੰਥ-ਪੰਜਾਬ ਪ੍ਰਾਜੈਕਟ

ਪੋਐਟਿਕ ਜਸਟਿੱਸ ਫਾਉਂਡੇਸ਼ਨ, ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਪਿ੍ਰੰਸੈਸ2ਵਾਰੀਅਰ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਕੌਮੀ ਅਵਾਜ਼, ਆਸਟ੍ਰੇਲੀਆ

ਸੈਕਰਾਮੈਂਟੋ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੁਸਾਇਟੀ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਦਲ (ਅੰਮਿ੍ਤਸਰ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਸਿੱਖ ਕੌਕਸ ਕਮੇਟੀ, ਅਮਰੀਕਾ

ਸਿੱਖ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ, ਆਸਟ੍ਰੇਲੀਆ

ਸਿੱਖ ਲਿਬਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਫਰੰਟ, ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਸਿੱਖ ਮੋਟਰਸਾਈਕਲ ਕਲੱਬ (ਓਨਟੇਰੀਓ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਸਿੱਖ ਸਟੂਡੈਂਟ ਅਸੋਸੀਏਸ਼ਨ, ਸੀਐਟਲ

ਸਿੱਖ ਸਪਿਰਿਚੁਆਲ ਸੈਂਟਰ (ਰੈਕਸਡੇਲ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਸਿੱਖ ਪੰਚਾਇਤ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਸਿੱਖ ਵਿੱਜ਼ਨ (ਮਾਂਟਰੀਆਲ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਸਿੱਖ ਯੂਥ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ, ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਸਿੱਖ ਯੂਥ ਆਫ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ, ਅਮਰੀਕਾ

ਸਿੱਖ ਯੂਥ ਯੂ.ਕੇ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ

ਸਿੱਖਸ ਫਾਰ ਜੱਸਟਿਸ

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੈਂਟਰ (ਬ੍ਰੈੰਪਟਨ), ਕਨੇਡਾ

ਸਟਾਕਟਨ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ਕੈਲਿਫੋਰਨੀਆ

ਸਾਉਥ ਲੰਡਨ ਸਿੱਖ ਯੂਥ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਟਿ੍ਬਿਊਟ84, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.

ਯੂਨਾਈਟਡ ਸਿੱਖ ਯੂਥ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ, ਆਸਟ੍ਰੇਲੀਆ

ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਟੀ ਆਫ ਕੇਂਬਿ੍ਰਜ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੋਸਾਇਟੀ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ.


ੴਸ੍ਰੀਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਹ॥

ਇਨਗ੍ਰੀਬਸਿੰਘਨਕੌਦਯੈਪਤਿਸ਼ਾਹੀ।

ਏਯਾਦਰਖੈਂਹਮਰੀਗੁਰਿਆਈ।

Panthic naujawan around the world are celebrating the valiant resistance seen in Delhi on January 26, when the kesri Nishan Sahib flew over the Laal Qilla (Red Fort) in Delhi once again. This momentous moment in history invoked the sovereignty of the Khalsa and Sikh defiance of the imperialist Delhi takhat over the past five centuries. 

In response to this, nationalists within all spheres (liberals, leftist organizations, media outlets, and politicians) have all come to a consensus in opposition to Sikh political mobilization that asserts an existence outside the bounds of Indian nationalism. Galvanized by this nationalist sentiment across political lines, fascists from the RSS-BJP are currently instigating mob violence at various protest sites while police literally look on or offer support by beating resistant protestors. 

The stigmatization of the Nishan Sahib and this pending fascist violence are deeply intertwined. In a moment of political assertion, Sikh symbols are portrayed as inherently violent because they represent a threat to the “unity and “integrity” of the Indian nation-state. Any perceived threat to the mythic “Mother India” can legitimize fascist violence—this is the same rhetorical process that legally justifies Sikh genocide in India since the 1980s. 

Clashing with this fascist state is no small feat and requires bold Sikh leadership. While the frontlines of the struggle today are obviously on the streets of Delhi, the responsibilities of the Guru Khalsa Panth are not limited or distinguished geographically. 

The Khalsa’s sangarsh throughout the centuries has never been a sectarian movement predicated on a chauvinistic impulse of identity or self-interest. Every struggle has been an exercise of the patshahi bestowed upon the Khalsa to destroy the tyrants and protect the poor, and establish a just polity based on sanjhivalta (co-existence). Jujharoos (warriors) and Shaheeds (martyrs) of the Khalsa have consistently fought to uproot every form of oppression and resist any attempts to restrict the Khalsa’s inherent sovereignty. 

The Sikh sangarsh for Khalistan centres around this drive to exercise our Guru-granted patshahi and establish a sovereign society-polity built around the Guru’s vision of sarbat da bhala (welfare of all of Akaal’s creation) and halemi raj (humble/just polity). The struggle was initiated as a revolutionary resistance to abolish the Indian state, capitalist exploitation, and Hindutva’s caste-based supremacy—with a clear commitment to advancing the liberation of all oppressed peoples across the subcontinent.

While we resist the violence of the Indian state, we must also identify and challenge the global power structures that benefit from and support Indian violence. The Western states where most of the diaspora resides are themselves the same states that have been pushing for India’s so-called reforms for years—and have positioned themselves to benefit the most. 

Turning away from our revolutionary ethos, many segments of the diaspora restrict “Sikh activism” to increasing “representation” in electoral politics or merely lobbying politicians for meaningless statements of vague support while we face Indian state violence. In these moments of state repression, it should become abundantly clear to us all that the countless dollars and hours spent electing dozens of politicians does not amount to any meaningful contribution to the Sikh sangarsh (struggle).

Our liberation will come from building our own political power through panthic institutions—not submitting to the whims of electoral politics or representation through systems of borrowed power. In line with the Khalsa’s tradition, we have to actively engage in grassroots organizing against the oppressive domination of state power and capital in solidarity with other struggling peoples everywhere we reside. 

This will be a long struggle—that goes much further beyond repealing the three laws—and the foundations of our future victories will be built on the grassroots power we build today. The fundamental conflict underlying the recent laws is the domination and exploitation of Punjab by the violent political structure of the Indian state. The Khalsa’s solution is driven by the Guru’s vision to destroy the tyrants and protect the poor—in other words, our responsibility is to abolish the Indian state and build a just political future (halemi raj) upon its ashes.

Guru-Panth De Daas, 

Babbar Akali Lehar, UK

California Sikh Youth Alliance, California

El Sobrante Gurdwara Sahib, California

Fremont Gurdwara Sahib, California

Glenrock Gurdwara Sahib, New Jersey

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Mission Centre (Brampton), Canada

Gurdwara Sahib Jot Prakash (Toronto), Canada

Gurdwara Sahib Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (Abbotsford), Canada

Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar (Surrey), Canada

Gurdwara Sahib Shaheedgarh (Hamilton), Canada

Gurdwara Sahib Singh Sabha Bay Area, Canada

Gurdwara Sikh Sangat (Brampton), Canada

Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara (Surrey), Canada

Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara (Gravesend), UK

Jakara Movement, USA

Jatha Khalsa Parchar, Australia

Khalistan Centre

Khalistan Activist Federation, California

Khalsa Foundation, UK

Kent Sikhs, UK

National Sikh Youth Federation, UK

Naujawani, UK

 Nishaan, UK

Panth-Punjab Project

Poetic Justice Foundation, Canada

Princess2Warrior, UK

Qaumi Awaaz, Australia

Sacramento Sikh Society, California

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Canada

Sikh Caucus Committee, USA

Sikh Federation, Australia

Sikh Liberation Front, Canada

Sikh Motorcycle Club (Ontario), Canada

Sikh Spiritual Centre (Rexdale), Canada

Sikh Student Association, Seattle

Sikh Panchayat, California

Sikh Vision (Montreal), Canada

Sikh Youth Edmonton, Canada

Sikh Youth of America, USA

Sikh Youth UK, UK

Sikhs For Justice

Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre (Brampton), Canada

Stockton Gurdwara Sahib, California

South London Sikh Youth, UK

Tribute 1984, UK

United Sikh Youth Federation, Australia

University of Cambridge Sikh Society, UK

“Nothing has changed for Sikhs since 1984”: Reaction to India #FarmersProtest attacks

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Sikhs across the world shared hurt, frustration and defiance as images of mainly Sikh protesters being attacked by Indian police, hand-in-hand with Indian nationalist mobs, went viral.

Yesterday (29.01.21), in what seemed a coordinated move, Indian police and Indian nationalists mobs began assaulting protesters in their protest camp sites, where up until now, things have been relatively peaceful.

The attacks by police seemed to have started approximately 24 hours earlier, when reports of a midnight lathi (police stick) charge against sleeping protesters at the Ghazipur camp broke. This sustained attack on the Ghazipur site, which included blocking drinking water from the sites, continued into the next day.

The attacks were happening at the same time as thousands more farmers and supporters of the protest joined the movement, with a particularly big influx from Haryana. Indian Government response to this was to shut down internet in the whole of Haryana until 30.01.21 5pm.

However, the government did not shut down the influx of hundreds of Indian nationalist mobs on the camps that caused the biggest stir. The mobs were aided by the police in attacking protesters and damaging property, and then destroying empty camp sites. It was revealed that BJP figures were seen leading the mobs. In case their intentions were unclear, one of the mobsters specifically stated they would use violence against protesters. In evidence of the fact these attacks were largely Sikh focused, the nationalist mobs also formed outside of the historic Sis Ganj Sahib Gurdwara in Delhi, not far from the protest camps.

The nationalists were soon able to single out protesters and the brutal, bloody attacks began, with support from police. Images of these attacks went viral in Sikh circles.

The acts of coordinated violence by Indian police and Hindutva mobs aimed at Sikhs triggered distressing memories of the 1984 Sikh genocide for many.


It was made clear though, the spirit of the Sikh resistance at the #FarmersProtest remains.

As countless Sikhs displayed their disgust and frustration about India’s continued tyranny, others also worked to try to address the situation. Sikh legal advocacy organisations Khalra Mission and Punjab Disappeared, led by India based barrister Satnam Singh, held a press conference in Amritsar on the attack. The group released a statement in which they called what happened a “draconian attack on their fundamental right to protest”.

A conglomerate of 23 Sikh orgs, including leadership groups such as the Sikh Assembly and Sikh Council UK and some of the biggest Gurdwaras in the UK, also signed a joint letter to UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab requesting them to “raise these matters urgently to the Indian government”, regarding Sikh community distress about the police-mob attacks.

A template for a letter people can send to their local MP in the UK to have the issue addressed governmentally has also been created at http://bit.ly/FarmersProtestsOpenLetter. Sikh Federation UK also offered a template of their letter to Raab online, whilst the World Sikh Org urged Canadians to contact their MPs about the situation.

Meanwhile, diaspora Sikh politicians themselves have spoken, with condemnation against India authorities’ attacks coming from Preet Kaur Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (both UK Labour), as well as Jagmeet and Gurratan Singh (Canada NDP).

Non-Sikh political figures have also spoken out, mainly from the US.

Post the disturbing attacks, more info began coming out about the false narratives being pushed by Indian authorities to justify their violence against peaceful protesters.

A worrying and continuing occurrence is the fact journalists have been reported as being arrested or removed from/not allowed in protest sites. This has become more enforced by police since yesterday.

The legal status and wellbeing of many that were arrested by police in the last few days, including those publicly beaten yesterday, is a great cause of concern for many. Some Sikh orgs are helping with legal support and more.

Aside from comparisons to the 1984 Sikh genocide, some are also highlighting these types of attacks are continuing trend of Indian authorities for minority communities in the country.

For regular updates on the situation, Sikh PA suggest following-

Saving Punjab

Jagjit Singh (JagjitVaheGuru)

Sandeep Singh (PunYaab)

Gurdwara rep calls for more #FarmersProtest dialogue after London arrest

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A senior Singh Sabha London East Gurdwara sevadaar (selfless servant) called for UK authorities to avoid influence from their Indian counterparts and have more dialogue with the Sikh community after his arrest during a London  #FarmersProtest car rally (26 January).

Sukhbir Singh Bassi, Head Coach of Singh Sabha London East Youth Kabaddi, was detained in a cell at Brixton Police station for over five hours after he was arrested outside the India High Consulate building in Central London for breaching Covid protocol. The Singh Sabha London East group, who run Barking and Seven Kings Gurdwaras, had advocated a Covid safe London car rally in solidarity with the historic Republic Day Delhi protest taking place on the same day in India.

Millions of Sikhs in India have participated in the protest and hundreds of thousands are currently camped in and around India’s capital in a stand-off against the government over exploitative farming laws. Diaspora Sikhs have held rallies in their tens of thousands in the UK, USA and Canada, with similar events in Australia, Norway, Belgium, France, Austria, Malaysia, Italy and beyond.

With the Farmers Protest being an international issue of such concern to all Sikhs, Sukhbir Singh called for UK police to “not believe false accusations” about the movement and “hold dialogue with us”.

The respected community figure called the situation regarding Sikh response to the protest “delicate” and offered support to the government and the police in facilitating dialogue to avoid further unnecessary heavy-handedness from the police.

See his video speech (in Punjabi) here- https://www.facebook.com/singhsabhabarkingyouth.kabbadiclub/videos/2983726038525867.

Sukhbir Singh was one of over a dozen Sikhs that were apprehended by the Metropolitan Police outside the Indian High Consulate yesterday, with many issued £200 fines, including one family of five in one car. Vehicles were also confiscated and at least one more arrest was made. The fines for the protest rally were given out despite the fact attendees were strictly told to ensure they stayed in their cars and only travelled with those in their household.

One attendee speaking to Sikh PA said, “The police were prepared for the cars driving around the India High Commission and were immediately looking to issue fines.

“The annoying part is that if we were there to shop, we could still go into various stores around London. There were loads of people driving around. Organisers were clear no one was to get out and gather or even stop anywhere.

“It seems the right to protest, even from the safety of your own car, have been completely taken away in the UK. On the same day police officers have been found breaking Covid protocol for haircuts, and we are protesting from our cars and being treated the same way.”

Met Police were accused of heavy-handedness at the 6 December London Farmers Protest rally, which has led to an investigation against one officer for punching a protester in the face. Last week The Sikh Network released an article detailing “The deteriorating relationship between UK Sikhs and the police” based on a series of events in recent years.

In calling for further UK-Sikh dialogue on the Farmers Protest, Bassi becomes the second Gurdwara affiliate to make such a request in recent weeks, after Head of Southall Singh Sabha Gurmail Singh Malhi called for urgent talks with Priti Patel based on her agreement to extradite three British Sikhs to India where they will face the death penalty.

Similar issues with state authority and Sikh activists acting in support of the Farmers Protest have been reported across the world. The Our Avaaz group, a Sikh community led activist network in BC (Canada), recently spoke against local police shutting down a similar event in Vancouver.

With no sign of the Farmers Protest in India ending any time soon, the relationship between Sikhs acting in support of the protesters and diaspora police forces is certain to remain a key talking point.


Khalsa Aid nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in same week India questions them on “supporting terrorism”

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World renowned international Sikh humanitarian aid charity Khalsa Aid have been nominated for a Nobel Peace Price, in the same week they have been summoned for questioning by India’s NIA (National Investigation Agency).

Canadian Conservative MP Tim Singh Uppal revealed he had nominated the group for the prestigious prize, with support from fellow MP Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria on 17 January. In a letter of nomination, Uppal listed some of the charitable work done by Khalsa Aid since 1999 and said the charity “respresents exactly the kind of international cooperation and commitment that the world is in dire need of today.” Uppal also highlighted that Khalsa Aid work on the Sikh principle of “Sarbat Da Bhalla” (a term said in daily Sikh prayers meaning well-being for all).

Details of the nomination came just one day after Khalsa Aid released a statement revealing that they had been summoned for questioning by India’s NIA, based on their work providing aid for the attendees of the #FarmersProtest in Delhi.

Khalsa Aid said they are “deeply concerned” about the summons and the “health and mental wellbeing” of their team being subjected to “interrogations which may not comply with international standards”.

Khalsa Aid have been targeted by the NIA along with many other prominent figures connected with the #FarmersProtest, including journalists. This is seen by many as a continued attempt to harass and intimidate those questioning the actions of the government, a tactic the Indian state has long used against its dissenters.

A discussion on this harassment by the Indian state is being held by a conglomerate of Sikh orgs tomorrow (Tuesday 19 January).

Despite the summons by the NIA, Khalsa Aid remain hugely popular and widely supported by Sikhs and more communities for their amazing work supporting humanity, leading to their deserved Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Farmers Protest: Updates

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Earlier this year the Indian state implemented three new farming bills without dialogue with Farmers’ representative groups. These laws were ratified in September. India’s farmers feel they will lead to further corporate exploitation. After the Indian government dismissed appeals by farmers’ representative groups for the bills to be revoked, a protest march to Delhi was begun in late November.

Currently there is a stand-off as millions of farmers, farm labourers and their families occupy Delhi, stating they will not leave until the government revokes the bills.

Read below for the latest on this situation.

Note – this update is a small snippet of information since our last update (available here) on the situation. Links for more regular and detailed updates can be found below. We are also constantly sharing updates from Sikh orgs/individuals on our social media platforms.

Supreme Court temporarily suspends implementation of new bills but many do not trust the move

India’s Supreme Court put a hold on the implementation of the much disputed new farming bills today (12 Jan) and proposed plans to set-up a committee to provide a report to influence future decisions on the bills.

Many in support of the farmers’ position have responded to the Supreme Court’s decision with scepticism, believing it is an attempt to deescalate and even disperse the huge protests around Delhi. The fact that the four-man team making up the committee being put forward to lead a report on the bills by the Supreme Court is made up of known supporters of the bills has also led to suspicion around the move. Farmers leaders have said they have never requested the formation of any such committee and remain resolute in their demands for the bills to be overturned.

The Supreme Court stated the formation of the committee was a response to the various petitions asking for their intervention in the issue.

It is believed the Indian state is looking for ways to prevent a mass march of the protesters into Delhi on 26 January, India’s Republic Day, which may disrupt annual Republic Day celebrations. Even though Delhi Police have motioned to have this protest banned, Farmer leaders have said they will do this if the issue is not resolved by 26 Jan, which seems a likely prospect. Reports currently suggest plans to march on 26 Jan remain, and the protesters will also remain at their sites around Delhi.

Stand-off continues

Prior to the Supreme Court latest, despite various meetings between farmer representatives and government officials, the stand-off between farmers and the Indian state continues. Farmers remain strong in the consensus position that they will accept nothing other than a full revocation of the disputed bills.

Some of the meetings which have been conducted between farmers representatives and state officials have been said to be unofficial and in the view of some, attempts to create fractures in the farmers’ unity. Meanwhile, support for the farmers continues to grow across India, with many coming from all over to join in what is being described by some as “the siege of Delhi”.

Police violence against protesters attempting to join the farmers and labourers in Delhi has been reported in Haryana, Chandigarh, Bihar, Gujarat, Chennai and beyond in recent weeks.

At the site itself (or having been at the site), over 60 deaths of protesters have been reported, with many linked to the conditions the farmers are staying in. The winter cold and stress of being away from home at an indefinite protest have led to more and more medical supported being arranged at the protest sites.

Media issues remain

The media coverage of the Indian farmers’ protests continues to be a big point of contention, for many reasons.

On 8 December it was revealed the photographer – Ravi Choudhary – behind the infamous viral picture of police attacking an elderly Sikh protester (seen below) was attacked by Indian nationalists angry at his work capturing the reality of the treatment of the farmers.

On 15 December a similar story run in smaller Indian media outlets revealed a journalist that had been uncovering the link between billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, their corporations and the new farming bills was also attacked.

In regards to actual media coverage from the outlets dubbed #GodiMedia for their clearly biased support towards and reverence of India’s PM Narendra Modi, many became the butt of jokes across the world after making audacious leaps to make various libellous claims about the protesters and now the Sikh seva (selfless service) groups providing them with aid. The most laughable example (seen below) was triggered by word renowned humanitarian charity Khalsa Aid providing the farmers, many of whom are elderly and sleeping in their trucks or on the roads in the winter cold, with foot massagers.

You can hear more on the media coverage of the farmers’ rally and issues with it via the latest episode of The Sikh PA Show. However, in general the consensus from the farmers and those following the story independently view the input from the media as designed to tarnish the movement and direct support to the state.

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Meanwhile, media in the West have begun covering the protest much more ever since diaspora rallies peaked interest. The likes of Al Jazeera English, Sky News, BBC News and more. A standout article came from best-selling poet and Sikh activist Rupi Kaur, who wrote a piece for Washington Post following masses of complaints about the US newspaper providing a platform for Barkha Dutt, an Indian media figure that is a self-proclaimed Indian nationalist and supporter of Hindutva extremist group the RSS.

Rupi Kaur is also supporting an initiative to galvanise more creative ways to further understanding of the issue. Content created can be shared with the #RotiKaMasla team (details below), which will be distributed at the protest grounds.

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Finally regarding media, the biggest news was the launch of outlets created by the farmers’ groups, including The Trolley Times newspaper, a Twitter account and a Youtube channel. Note, The Sikh Press Association is aware of dispute about what are the “official” outlets for the farmers voice, as well as concern some of these outlets are overly influenced by factions of the protest movement which many Sikhs are concerned about.

Diaspora efforts

Rallies by the Sikh diaspora in support of #FarmersProtest have continued. In recent weeks, there have been held in London (UK), New York (USA) and beyond.

Sikh diaspora led protests are also planned for 26 January in the UK, Canada and the USA, although plans may change depending on the situation regarding the current pandemic.

Templates for emails to send to relevant politicians have also been released by many activists. You can find links to two different ones here and here.

A UK parliament early day motion has been put forward to express concern about India’s criminalisation of dissent against the state. It has currently been signed by 14 different MPs.

One of the most vocal diaspora politicians on the issue is the first dastaar (Sikh turban) wearing Sikhs in UK parliament, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi. The Labour MP of Slough has written an open letter, signed by over 100 MPs, which calls for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to “convey to the Indian Prime Minister the heart-felt anxieties” of UK citizens regarding the #FarmersProtest situation.

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For more detailed and ongoing updates, we encourage following:

Former Supreme Court of India Judge: “Jalianwalan Bagh-type massacre is inevitable”

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A former Supreme Court of India Judge and Press Council of India chairman has said in reference to the Kisaan protest in Delhi that a “Jalianwalan Bagh-type massacre is inevitable”.

The Jalianwala Bagh Massacre was ordered by the British Army in Amritsar, Punjab in 1919. Over a thousand unarmed worshippers were shot dead on the day of Vaisakhi, a festival when Sikhs celebrate the birth of the initiated armed order, the Khalsa. Jalianwala Bagh is the name of a garden where the massacre took place, adjacent to Sri Harmandir Sahib, the holiest Takht (throne) of the Sikhs where worshippers congregated on the auspicious day.

Justice Markandey Katju has now proclaimed in an article for Indian media that if protesters decide to protest on 26th January, the day that the Indian state marks its Republic Day, it is inevitable that they will be massacred in a similar fashion, under orders of Modi’s regime.

“The farmers have besieged Delhi, and one of their leaders, Rakesh Tikait, has announced they will join the Republic Day parade on Rajpath with their tractors on 26th January,” he wrote.

“But when they try to enter Delhi from outside it is very likely they will be stopped by water cannon and tear gas, and if that does not work, by lathi charge and bullets.

“So much as one may wish that does not happen, a Jalianwala Bagh…seems inevitable, and sooner or later the farmers will be dispersed.”

The comments offer a stark reminder of the tyranny of the Indian regime, where peaceful protesters in Delhi have already suffered severe police brutality for opposing oppressive new bills. 

Many Twitter users perceived Katju’s comments as incitement to violence, and called for him to be kicked off the social media network, consistent with the treatment of US president Donald Trump who was banned from the platform for making similar comments.

Others noted that the commanding officer for the Jalianwala Bagh Massacre was shot dead in vengeance by Udham Singh, and proclaimed that such actions by the Indian regime would not go unpunished.

Some commenters noted that in his article, Katju did not advocate for violent state action and only cautioned that it would happen. However, Katju would be aware that the weight of his words could be construed as fair warning to protesters by a government hellbent on forcing through draconian legislation using violence and brutality.

Justice Katju is no stranger to making inflammatory comments on social media. Last year, he commented on a high profile gang rape case in Uttar Pradesh by saying that in India “a large number of young men remain deprived of sex.” While he condemned the rapists, he also said in their defence that a rise in such rapes is inevitable because India’s population growth is outpacing its jobs growth. And in 2016, he was asked to appear before the Supreme Court for his blog post on a rape case in Kerala, before he was thrown out of court.

Officer that punched Sikh at London #FarmersProtest being investigated

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UPDATE MAY 2023: No action has been taken as of yet against the officer in question, nor has the victim of the assault been contacted about the incident


A police officer that punched a Sikh man in the face at a London (UK) #FarmersProtest rally is now officially being investigated for his conduct.

The incident, which can be viewed below, occurred at the historic London car rally on 6 December which saw an estimated 20,000+ Sikhs from across England drive towards and gather outside the Indian High Consulate in Central London. The rally was a demonstration held in solidarity with the millions protesting in India against new agricultural trade laws.

The victim of the attack, a 33-year-old married father, has taken legal advice from Kaurs Legal UK and has consulted Sikh Federation UK on the matter. Kaurs Legal will be handling the complaint for him. Speaking to The Sikh Press Association, the individual that was punched (whom we will not name) said:

“The British public need to be protected from thugs in uniform. The officer was not even engaging with me. He was in the process of arresting someone else and suddenly turn to throw a punch at me. I feel he didn’t even care who he hit. It could have been an old lady or a child. He just lashed out. Maybe the occasion of a mass Sikh protest triggered his violence. Whatever it was, he shouldn’t be working for the police ever again.”

An official complaint was lodged by Kaurs Legal on behalf of the victim on 9 December and confirmation of an internal investigation against the officer was confirmed on 24 December. The actions of police forces in both the Midlands and Yorkshire at separate rallies have been criticised for a heavy-handed and provocative approach.

The Sikh Press Association will be providing updates on this case as it continues.