US Sikhs rally for release of activists imprisoned by India

In a show of solidarity, American Sikhs have gathered in Sacramento, California, demanding the release of imprisoned Sikh activists Bhai Amritpal Singh and Bandi Singh by the Narendra Modi-led Indian government. The rally, organized by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), saw over 1,000 Sikhs in a convoy of trucks and cars, causing traffic jams along the highways leading to Sacramento.

SFJ urged the global Sikh community to stand up for the incarcerated Sikhs and emphasized the need for their release. The rally coincided with the “Panthic Gathering In Amritsar,” where strategies were discussed for the freedom of Amritpal and his associates held in Dibrugarh Jail.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel of SFJ, reiterated the call for freedom, stating it as the only solution to the various issues faced by Sikhs. Pannun labeled Amritpal and Bandi Singh as prisoners of conscience and emphasized the root cause of Sikh grievances, tracing back to the desecration of the Golden Temple in 1984.

Pannun highlighted the overwhelming support for the Khalistan Referendum and urged Punjab-based Sikhs to actively participate in the forthcoming registration process. He cited millions of Sikh votes in favor of the referendum across various countries as a testament to the unified will of the Sikh nation.

Additionally, Pannun mentioned efforts to recognize Shaheed Jathedar Shri Akal Takth Sahib Gurdev Singh Ji Kaunke as a national hero and martyr, with hundreds of emails sent for this cause.

Furthermore, the recent blocking of a documentary on Khalistani leaders Pannun and Hardeep Singh Nijjar by social media platforms at India’s request was discussed. The documentary, aired by CBC, Canada’s government-funded broadcaster, featured footage of Nijjar’s murder and an interview with SFJ leader Pannun. It alleged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing and a murder-for-hire plot targeting Pannun.

The documentary’s removal sparked controversy, raising questions about freedom of speech and the portrayal of Sikh activism. Nonetheless, American Sikhs remain undeterred in their pursuit of justice for the imprisoned activists and their advocacy for Khalistan.