The Khalistan movement does not hold the support of the majority of Indian-American Sikhs, according to Jassee Singh, the community’s leader. He communicated this during an interview with PTI news agency, further suggesting that the Indian government should extend a comprehensive development package to Punjab, in order to address key issues like youth drug abuse.
Sikh And Indian Government Relations
Singh acknowledged that the current relationship between the Sikhs and the Indian government is distinct from that of previous administrations. However, he also pointed out lingering issues, such as the 1984 riots, which continue to resonate with the Sikh community. Singh noted that although the Indian government has made strides in meeting the needs of the Punjabi people, there are still many persistent issues that require attention. He proposed that the Prime Minister should communicate directly with the Sikh community, both domestically and internationally, instead of utilising intermediaries like the Akali and Badal families.
Singh’s Response To Allegations
When questioned about the Khalistan movement, Singh stated, “No, the majority of the Sikhs do not support the movement of Khalistan. There is a small minority of Sikhs in India and the United States who support this movement.” He added that he and his team have been in discussion with the Prime Minister during each of his visits to the United States since 2014. Singh expressed that every non-resident Indian is proud of India’s growth and urged the central government to offer a “better package” to Punjab’s youth and population. To discourage the emigration of young people from India, Singh suggests providing them with employment and business opportunities.
Addressing a recent US allegation which implicated an Indian official in a conspiracy to assassinate a separatist Sikh leader in the US, Singh predicted that this will not have long-term impacts on bilateral relations. This followed last month’s charge by US federal prosecutors against an Indian citizen, Nikhil Gupta, for allegedly conspiring with an Indian government official in the attempted murder of Gurpatwant Singh, a US and Canadian citizen. The indictment included an unnamed Indian official and an Indian national, whom the US Department of Justice alleges was hired to assassinate Pannun in the US. Be sure to follow our news platform for the latest updates.
