Dal Khalsa reaches out to the international community, urging attention to human rights abuses in Punjab. Highlighting misuse of draconian laws, detentions, social media censorship, and state interference, they advocate for justice and protection of Sikh rights. A WSN Report.

IN A BID TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT what they term the “lingering conflict” between Punjab and New Delhi, the pro-Sikh freedom organization Dal Khalsa has reached out to the international community, including senior US diplomats. The group has highlighted several pressing issues, such as the misuse of draconian laws on Sikh political dissidents, detentions of Sikh activists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the National Security Act (NSA), and censorship on social media platforms.

A communique, intended for Under Secretary for Democracy and Human Rights Ms. Uzra Zeya, was sent to Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India.  Dal Khalsa has applauded the United States’ commitment to engaging with civil society organizations and addressing crucial matters, including free speech and the marginalization of religious and ethnic minorities.

The Dal Khalsa letter by senior leader Kanwar Pal Singh has urged Ms. Uzra Zeya to assess the ground situation regarding human rights abuses faced by various communities, nationalities, and religious minorities. The organization highlights the widespread misuse of draconian laws, particularly the UAPA and NSA, which have been employed disproportionately to suppress fundamental rights and stifle dissenting voices in Punjab and other regions. Disturbingly, Sikh activists have been detained under these laws, some even being held at Dibrugarh jail, located 2500 kilometres away from their homeland.

The Dal Khalsa letter also draws attention to the issue of Sikh political prisoners, criticizing the Indian state for adopting unequal norms and double standards in their treatment. Furthermore, the rising trend of social media censorship, including the disabling of Twitter and Facebook accounts belonging to political dissidents and dissenters, is highlighted as a cause for concern.

The letter also draws attention to the issue of Sikh political prisoners, criticizing the Indian state for adopting unequal norms and double standards in their treatment. Kanwar Pal Singh says, “The rising trend of social media censorship, including the disabling of Twitter and Facebook accounts belonging to political dissidents and dissenters, is a serious cause for concern.”

The interference of the state in religious affairs is another alarming issue, with reference to the Punjab Assembly recommending amendments to the Gurdwara Act and the central government’s push for a Uniform Civil Code. State-sponsored media platforms have intensified propaganda aimed at defaming and portraying Sikhs and other minorities negatively, leading to a squeezing of the democratic space entitled to Sikhs and other marginalized communities. These actions also mislead the international community regarding the challenges faced by minorities in India.

Dal Khalsa’s efforts to shed light on these critical issues reflect their commitment to safeguarding Sikh rights and advocating for justice. As the global community observes their plea, the hope for positive change and the protection of human rights in India remains a priority.