Protest on Jan 26 and Convention on 28 against denial of right to self-determination to communities aspiring statehood : Dal Khalsa

Amritsar- Dal Khalsa will hold a convention on the subject of “UN recognizes but India denies the right to self determination” on Jan 28 at Amritsar.

The organization will hold protest rally against Constitutional injustices, discrimination and denial of separate identity status and right to self-determination at Mansa on Jan 26.

Briefing the media after the meeting, party’s general secretary Paramjit Singh Tanda said while India would celebrate its 68th republic year on Jan 26, we have no hesitation to place on record that the Constitution has failed the Sikh people. The establishment has used best democratic ideals and institutions, including the constitution to scuttle our religious, social and political aspirations. Even Shiromani Akali Dal leadership, which is part of the NDA ruling the country have spent years in prison for ridiculing the constitution.

While Indian Parliament has amended the Constitution at least 100 times, not once did it considered amending it to grant the Sikh community its due status.

At one point, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, conveniently accepted the right to self-determination, including the right to secede. But later on, Indian leadership backtracked from his words, he chided.

It is regrettable that the present constitutions of India deny nationalities having distinct identity, history and culture their right to self-determination as recognized under UN.

Party spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said while a majority of Sikhs continue to participate in the political life of India, the religio-political future of the Sikhs is at stake. He said the speakers will deliberate how to contest a “hypocrite” state, which is continuing its tirade and onslaught against religious minorities and others who aspire statehood?

He said their group regularly stands up for Punjab rights, including the right to self determination but is met with absolute resistance.

We call upon the masses to stay away from all republic day celebrations across the Punjab in protest.