New York, USA: In a written statement, the Sikh Youth of America (SYA) has condemned India’s alleged ongoing violence and transitional repression against Sikhs globally.
An image of Sikh activists holding a pretest against India’s transnational repression against Sikhs | File Photo | Image used for representational purpose only | SikhSiyasat.Net Photos
The organization calls for accountability for Indian officials involved in extrajudicial actions and emphasizes the Sikh community’s right to sovereignty and self-determination.
Below is the full statement from Sikh Youth of America (SYA), in verbatim:
2 Katak, 556 Nanakshahi / October 18, 2024
Statement from Sikh Youth of America on Indian Transnational Oppression
Sikh Youth of America stands strong and unwavering in its condemnation of India’s ongoing violence and transnational repression against Sikhs around the world. India’s agents, under direct orders from senior government officials, have again shown their authoritarian nature by targeting Sikh leadership and communities. These attacks are not just on individuals—they are attacks on our sovereignty and the Sikh nation’s right to speak, act, and defend our freedoms globally.
The Sikh panth (collective community) has always been sovereign. Our history is defined by our strength, resilience, and commitment to justice, and that spirit remains alive today. Our brothers and sisters are not just victims of these attacks; they are warriors on the front lines of defending Sikh sovereignty and self- determination. When we advocate for our rights, we do so as a people who have never been, and will never be, subjugated.
The recent indictments of Indian officials involved in assassination plots on American soil are important first steps to taking notice of India’s criminal actions. It is important that this process advance beyond the indictments of several individuals to actually reassess the relationship with India and the future of South Asia policy altogether, given the role of senior government officials. We, as the Sikh panth, demand more than just indictments. We demand that India and its officials must be held fully accountable for its criminal actions.
India’s authoritarian regime, with its ranking of 66 on the Freedom House global freedom index, is unfit to be treated as a legitimate democracy. The gravity of India’s crimes requires immediate and uncompromising action: the imposition of trade sanctions and a halt to all arms deals with India. No government that seeks to carry out extrajudicial assassinations against political dissidents should be allowed to mascarade as a supposed democracy.
This is not just a call for justice for the individuals targeted by India’s repression—it is a call for our entire Sikh community to recognize and assert our sovereignty while continuing the struggle for Khalistan. The time has come for us to be united in purpose, strong in our demands, and fearless in defending our Guru- granted right to sovereignty. No force can stand against the will of the Khalsa Panth.
Let this be a reminder to every Sikh: We are not a subjugated people. We are sovereign. And we will act as such—together, united in our cause.
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