The State Department of the United States has stated that it respects the rights of individuals to freedom of speech and assembly. This comes in response to concerns raised by the Indian government regarding Sikh separatist groups, particularly those based outside of India, including in Canada. These groups have been advocating for Khalistan, which is the demand for an independent Sikh state separate from India.
Among these groups is Sikhs for Justice, which is based in the United States and has been organizing an unofficial “Khalistan Referendum”. When asked about this referendum, a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department declined to comment, but emphasized that individuals in the United States have the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, in accordance with the First Amendment and relevant regulations.
The demand for an independent Sikh state gained significant traction during the violent insurgency that occurred in India during the 1980s and 1990s. This insurgency had a devastating impact on the state of Punjab, resulting in a high death toll. The Indian government considers this movement as a security threat, with Sikh militants being held responsible for the 1985 bombing of an Air India Boeing 747 that caused the deaths of 329 people on board.
In 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two Sikh bodyguards after she permitted the storming of the holiest Sikh temple, with the aim of suppressing separatists. However, presently, the demand for an independent Sikh state has minimal support within India and was effectively suppressed by the government in the 1990s.
Recently, Canada accused India of potential involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen whom India labeled as a “terrorist”. India has denied any involvement in his killing.
Reporting by Simon Lewis and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Gareth Jones
Credit: The Star : News Feed
