Amritsar: Whilst the mainstream political parties of Punjab have started electioneering, the hardliner political party Dal Khalsa will hold a Convention on Indian Constitution, electoral system and right to self-determination on Jan 24 in Amritsar.
Informing the media, party’s spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said the objective of the convention was to create awareness about the futility of elections under Indian dispensation, the Constitutional failures to address the aspirations of the Sikh people, denial of right to self determination and non-resolution of substantive issues concerning the Sikhs and Punjab.
He said the topics for discussion would include New Delhi’s repressive approach towards struggling people, robbing of state’s river waters, diluting Sikh’s distinct identity under Article 25 (b) (2) and impunity to security forces under various draconian laws. He told media that the recent judgments of the Supreme Court imposing so-called national anthem on people and de-linking politics from religion would also come up from discussion during the convention.
He said there was no doubt that a good number of Sikhs and Punjabi’s are participating in the elections. There was no doubt that the ensuing elections see the entrance of newer political parties and personalities. There was no doubt that a majority of the people are influenced by the parties and public memory being very short, do not take a long term view of things. “We are the conscience-keepers of the community, invariably small in number, yet steadfast and determined to safeguard the larger interests of the Panth and Punjab, he remarked.
He said they were crystal clear that even though they see a change of leadership and faces around every election, the contentious issues concerning people of Punjab remain unsolved and unresolved.
Dal Khalsa leaders Baldev Singh Sirsa, Kulwant Singh Pheruman, Paramjit Singh Tanda and Paramjit Singh Mand president and spokesperson of Sikh Youth of Punjab were also present during the press briefing.