Amritsar: SGPC supported the signature camp held by Federation at “Akal Takhat” Sahib in support of the White House Petition Urging Obama To Raise “Sikh Issue” With Modi. SGPC extended the support to the White House petition after Akal Takhat Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh while issuing “directive” to the Sikh community to sign the Petition stated that “Sikhism is a separate religion” and it should be recognized as such.
The online petition http://wh.gov/i12hT on the issue of separate status of Sikhism is filed under “We The People White House Petition” by US based “Sikhs For Justice” (SFJ). To elicit a response from Obama Administration, the petition on the issue of Article 25(b) of the Indian constitution must reach 100,000 signatures by December 31.
Claiming the Sikhism to be the world’s 5th largest religion with over 30 million followers the petition states that “on January 26, 1950 Constitution of India was enforced without the consent of Sikhs who refused to sign it because Explanation II to Article 25(b) of the Constitution labels “Sikhs” as “Hindus”.
Karnail Singh Peermohammad, President of AISSF (Peermohammad) stated that “While RSS-BJP combine after coming into power has reignited a campaign to label Sikhs as part of Hindu Society we have taken a resolve at Akal Takhat Sahib to take the matter of Article 25 (b) at the grass root level to the Sikhs in Punjab”.
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In August 2005 a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice RC Lahoti ruled that “Sikhs and Jains are part of broader Hindu religion”.
AISSF President stated that this is the first time a US President will be the guest of honor on January 26th and Obama must know that Indian constitution does not recognize Sikh religion. We want President Obama to take a stand for the Sikh community which has been denied religious identity by the Indian constitution for the past 65 years.
The petition urges Obama to question PM Modi “WHY Indian constitution labels “Sikhs” as Hindus?” and raise the issues of “Sikh Genocide”; and “Sikhs’ Right to Self-determination”. Barack Obama will be the 1st American President to attend India’s Republic Day function as Chief Guest on January 26, 2015.
AISSF President stated that “Signature camps in support of the petition will also be held at Fatehgarh sahib on December 26, 27 and 28 and will continue campaign in Punjab to get the required 100,000 signatures”.