In a recent report the New York Times reported that: “In Punjab State, loudspeakers at Sikh temples broadcast messages telling people not to buy milk from Muslim dairy farmers because it was infected with coronavirus”.
Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) talked to a number of Gujjar families inhabiting the Mukerian subdivision of Hoshiarpur district. They all rejected New York Times’ claim.
Sikh Siyasat found that no announcements were there by the name of religion. Secondly, announcements were not limited to milk vendors. Rater announcements were regarding not purchasing vegetables, fruit and milk from any one who does not supply these things on regular bases in the area. The announcements were made on behalf of the administration, such as SDM etc. or village’s elected representatives such as Sarpanch.
Muslim Gujjaras told Sikh Siyasat News on camera that they did not face problem in Sikh villages, rather, they said, Sikhs were extending them a helping hand.