On the eve of India’s Independence Day, in an extraordinary show of dissent, activists of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and Dal Khalsa gathered in the industrial capital of Punjab -Ludhiana, on the hot and sultry day of 14 August, protesting injustices and discriminations of the Indian state, calling upon people of Punjab to disown 15 August as Black Day. A WSN Report.

CARRYING BLACK FLAGS AND RAISING PRO-SIKH FREEDOM SLOGANS, hundreds of activists from Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) led by Member Parliament Simranjit Singh Mann and Dal Khalsa led by party president Harpal Singh Cheema marched to the city centre point of Jagraon bridge in Ludhiana, drawing attention to India’s persistent injustices, political subjugation, and denial of rights to Punjab and Sikhs over the past seven decades.

Marking their disapproval, the demonstrators unfurled black flags, waved banners and displayed placards bearing their grievances. Asking Punjab’s citizens to observe August 15 as a “Black Day” amidst zealous calls of “Sikhs want Azaadi from India” in chaste Punjabi.

The demonstrators, flanked by a posse of police through the two-kilometre route, highlighted the misuse of laws like the NSA and UAPA to stifle dissenting voices, flagrant misuse of NIA to overawe international lobbying groups, like Sikh Federation UK and humanitarian aid agencies like Khalsa Aid, along with interference in religious matters and the non-recognition and denial of the right to self-determination, veiled state-sponsored terrorism, draconian laws, and denial of rights of Sikh political prisoners.

Paramjit Singh Mand, the spokesperson for the Dal Khalsa, chided the notion of Indian freedom, asking rhetorical questions about how Punjab has no right to its waters, territory, language, fundamental rights, and recognition of the unique and distinct identity of the Sikh people.

“The point is not to rid Punjab of BJP or Congress or any other party. The point is to uphold the dignity and honour of the Punjab.”

Paramjit Singh Mand, Spokesperson, Dal Khalsa

Mand outrightly dismissed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “har ghar tiranga” -every home to hoist the Indian flag.  Speaking from atop a jeep, waving to a responsive gathering of Sikh youth, he roared, “The point is not to rid Punjab of BJP or Congress or any other party. The only way to save the dignity and honour of Punjab and of Punjabis is for Sikhs to regain their freedom sooner than later.”

Talking to the media, Member Parliament from Sangrur and septuagenarian leader of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) President -Simranjit Singh Mann categorically stated, “If India wants Ram Rajya, then what is wrong in Sikhs asking for a separate country and homeland?” Addressing the gathering, Simranjit Singh Mann said that the struggle for an independent homeland would continue as India’s independence has not delivered anything for us.

“If India wants Ram Rajya, then what is wrong in Sikhs asking for a separate country and homeland?” 

Simranjit Singh Mann, Member Parliament and President, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)

“The imposition of pseudo-nationalism, a Uniform Civil Code on distinct minority identities, and state interference in religious affairs or a thorn in our flesh, which is unwarranted and unacceptable.”

Known protagonists of the Sikh independence movement,  the two parties reiterated their commitment to pursue their cause through political and democratic processes.

Dal Khalsa President, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the international community for not adequately addressing state-sponsored violence against peaceful and democratic movements advocating for human rights, yet we deeply appreciate the efforts of the Sikh Diaspora in engaging leaders of respective countries and media highlighting injustices to Punjab.

“We deeply appreciate the role of the Sikh Diaspora in engaging leaders of respective countries and international media highlighting injustices to Punjab.”

Harpal Singh Cheema, President, Dal Khalsa

Speaking exclusively to WSN, Dal Khalsa senior leader Kanwar Pal Singh,  said, “International forums have ignored the democratic and peaceful struggle of the Sikhs and Kashmiris and have turned a blind eye to the misery, pain and violation of their human rights. I wonder what more they are waiting for. Notwithstanding their cold response so far, we will still continue to knock on the doors of UN forums and the diplomatic community to plead for our rights under UN treaties and conventions.”

“Despite the cold response of the international community so far, we will still continue to knock on the doors of the UN and the diplomatic community.”

Kanwar Pal Singh, Senior Leader, Dal Khalsa

“The least that UN bodies and world powers should do is to debunk  India’s obstinacy to always push the theory of deriding democratic movements for rights as law and order problems,” he added.

“The unexplained murders of Sikh militant leader Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Pakistan and Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada lead the needle of suspicion to India’s secret agencies’ extrajudicial misadventures.”

Significantly, the concerns extended to Manipur, Kashmir and Nagaland. Outraged at the continuing violence and weaponization of rape in Manipur, the leaders said that what was happening in Manipur was state-sponsored terrorism. Alluding to the fourth anniversary of Article 370 abrogation in Kashmir, it was stated that India has murdered democracy in Kashmir.  They squarely blamed India for not honouring the 2015 Framework Agreement for Indo-Naga Peace Accord.

“All minorities, including indigenous groups and Dalits, were also suffering.”

SGPC member Karnail Singh Panjoli prayed seeking blessings of Guru Sahib for the success of the rally and the mission of the organisers.

In essence, the protest underscored the continuing struggle of Sikhs and other minority groups against ongoing injustices and oppression in India. The demonstration, framed as a response to decades of grievances and unfulfilled promises, highlighted the deep-seated dissatisfaction that has fueled these calls for change.