The recent attack on Sikhs in Punjab has created an uproar in Punjabi communities across the world. Chandigarh: As the crisis in Punjab continues to grow, a number of Sikh politicians and community figures in Canada have voiced their concern and called on the Canadian and Indian government to ensure justice and accountability in Punjab. Harbaljit Singh Kahlon, the federal NDP candidate for Brampton East, expressed his concern in a statement released yesterday. “New Democrats are concerned about the escalating tensions in Punjab, where reports have indicated that peaceful protesters have been shot and killed by security forces. I stand with all New Democrats, in urging the Government of Canada to immediately call for a peaceful resolution to the situation.”
“I am shocked to see images coming out of Punjab of protesters being injured and killed at the behest of security forces,” said Harkirat Singh, the Peel District School Board Trustee for Brampton’s Wards 9 and 10, a predominantly Punjabi-speaking area in Brampton. He took to Facebook to share his thoughts on the situation in Punjab, providing context to the systematic slaughter of innocent Sikhs, “The vicious cycle that seems to have engulfed Punjab, a cycle of violence and murder at the hands of state agencies, needs to end. There is no reason for innocent people to be injured or killed, especially while they are simply exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully.”
To engage the public and raise awareness of the current crisis in Punjab, Jagmeet Singh, the Deputy Leader of the Ontario NDP shared his thoughts on Twitter on October 14th, stating “The Punjab Government commits acts of violence against peaceful Sikh protestors & the Government of India order in the army. Retweet & raise awareness.” Today he shared a message of encouragement, “The Sikh nation has an inspirational history of resilience. Again in Punjab we face injustice, but as always we will endure #chardikala.”
These statements act as a direct reminder to the governments of India and Punjab that their actions are being watched; there is an international voice for those who they wish to keep voiceless.