Former militant leader and ideologue on Sikh freedom thought, Bhai Daljit Singh denounces the Indian government decision on the abolishment of Article 370 and 35A and fears the formation of a singular homogenous identity at the hands of the Brahmanical forces in India.

ON 5 AUGUST 2019, the Indian union government abolished Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution. This is an indication of the next step being taken by the present Hindutva vanguard in establishing a singular, homogenous identity. It is the basic instinct of the Brahmanical forces to absorb the distinct religious, social and cultural entities, in order to subjugate them.

This move should be seen as the complete occupation and capture of Kashmir into the Indian State, a step beyond the prevailing dependence that it has experienced thus far. This is against the will of the Kashmiri people and is thus immoral, serving a death knell to the course of justice.

This action is a deep wound to the conscience of the Kashmiri people who have been physically oppressed for a long time.

This current Indian Government is scorning its own constitution, legislature and judiciary on the one hand, whilst dismissing internationally-recognised processes on the other. In fact, the Indian State is breaking its own diplomatic promises on Kashmir and the United Nations Resolution, through this course of action. It is a sign of power that this Hindutva dictatorship holds to ignore the previous situation.

The Central Government’s act of ignoring the will of the people, written agreements, international monitoring and concerns of world peace while undertaking this course of action raises grave apprehensions that it could unilaterally crush the rights of any nationality.

All religions, cultural and ethnic nationalities, Bahujans, tribals and other distinct entities of this subcontinent need to deliberate and act jointly in this situation.

After removal of Article 370 and Article 35A, there are apprehensions of use of armed forces to enforce demographic changes in Kashmir, which would be another grave injustice to the Kashmiri people.

While peoples and nations across the globe are trying to bring peace to South Asia, the immoral and arrogant leadership of the Indian State continues to take a path towards war, where the risk of nuclear conflict is very real –that which will be weathered by one and all.

We support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

At this difficult and sensitive time, we stand in Ardas -supplication, for a resolution that fulfils the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

In accordance with Gurmat -the Sikh way of life, every Sikh should raise his or her voice for the rights of the oppressed Kashmiri people.

We anticipate that every movement and organisation that seeks justice in India should fearlessly and boldly speak out against this move on Kashmir by the Indian state.

It is our understanding that the people of the World will intervene in Kashmir to ensure that the collective principles of peace, freedom and justice are upheld in Kashmir and elsewhere.