The Sikh community stands united in patriotism and rejected malicious agendas to reaffirm faith in national unity, said Maharashtra Sikh Association after Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s controversial remarks.
In an interview with a Pakistani YouTube channel, Pannun made an outrageous statement saying that two crore Sikhs and officers in the Indian Army are with Pakistan, in case of a war with India. The Sikh community in Maharashtra has rejected these statements, calling them misleading.
In a statement released on Friday, the Maharashtra Sikh Association (MSA) said that Sikhs in lndia stand irrevocably with prime minister Narendra Modi, stating that he has always respected and supported the community. The community also announced that any malicious agenda promoted by Pakistani agents or their proxies will fail to break the unity of lndian Sikhs and will only further expose the illegitimacy of such nefarious designs.
The Sikh association also added that Pannun does not represent Sikh ideology, which is firmly grounded in nationalism and respect for lndia's democratic fabric. It added that his Khalistani movement has failed globally, tacking both credibility and support.
Throughout history, Sikhs have stood tall in times of war, natural calamities, and national crises, selflessly serving mankind without distinction. Whether through langars during disasters, or as frontline defenders of the nation, the Sikh community has consistently demonstrated valour, sacrifice, and compassion, said MSA.
It recalled that the community’s religious leaders and countless of their fellow brethren have laid down their lives during India’s freedom struggle and the community will continue to uphold that legacy of sacrifice and nationaI pride.
The association also came out strongly against Pakistan for atrocities against the community. It claimed that the persecution of Sikhs in Pakistan is a bitter reality and from nearly 1.50lakh Sikhs during partition, fewer than 10,000 remain today. It also alleged the country of violating religious autonomy claiming that the donations received by the management of sacred shrines are under the control of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), a body overseen by the Pakistan Army.
Matkit Singh Bal, convenor of MSA, said, "The Sikh panth is built on the foundation of sacrifice, loyalty, and service to humanity. We reject every attempt by external forces to misrepresent our community. The Sikh spirit is inseparable from lndian nationalism. No propaganda, however we-funded, can ever divide us. We remain united with our nation and our leadership."
Notably, the Khalistani movement saw a big setback in the recent elections in Canada after the pro-Khalistani leader Jagmeet Singh lost from Burbany seat. After the defeat, he also announced that he would step down as the leader of the New Democratic Party. Maharashtrian Sikhs have also added to reject the separatist ideology of Khalistanis.
