Ludhiana:
These groups will hold a demonstration on August 15 at Ludhiana proclaiming Sikh defiance of Indian nationalism.
The groups that have joined hands include Dal Khalsa, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, AISSF (Peer Mohammad), Sikh Youth of Punjab (SYP) and Satkar Committee (Khosa).
Addressing the press conference, Dal Khalsa chief Harpal Singh Cheema said on August 15 while Indians celebrate their freedom, it would be an occasion for the Sikh people to uphold their own cause of Sikh Sovereignty. He said 70 years ago the two nations (Hindus and Muslims) got their freedom, the third nation- the Sikhs lost the opportunity to be free. Since then, we are engaged in a bitter and relentless struggle to be free from Indian clutches, said he.
Events of the last seventy years and more so of the last few years including abrogation of rights, political subjugation, atrocities against Sikhs, Kashmiris, Dalits and incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib reinforce our commitment to continue our fight for Sikh independence, said Cheema.
The party president said that the very notion of Indian independence is questionable and challengeable
The systemic, undemocratic denial of the right to self determination of the Kashmiris and Sikhs, exposes the brutal functioning of the Indian state, said Kanwar Pal Singh of the Dal Khalsa.
Terming Indian independence day as a black day for Sikhs, the groups jointly gave a call for boycott of celebrations. “We urge the people including teachers and children of schools and colleges to stay away from government-sponsored functions as there was no reason for Sikhs to celebrate August 15”, said the leaders. Kanwar Pal Singh said the protest rally at Jagroan bridge on August 15 would be peaceful and disciplined. He clarified that traffic will not be disrupted. “The aim is to show our resolve and desire for Azaadi from India.” said the leader. R. P. Singh of Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Sukhjit Singh Khosa of Satkar Committee, Jarnail Singh, Paramjit Singh of SIkh Youth of Punjab and representatives of Federation were also present during the press meet.