Chandigarh: Every year 26 January is observed as Republic Day by India as it was on this day the Indian state adopted its constitution and presumably declared itself as a ‘Republic’. Some celebrate it with full fervor but their are some groups representing politically subjugated nations within the Indian Sub continent who boycott these celebrations.
On 26 January, 2017 a pro-freedom Sikh group Dal Khalsa marked the day was “betrayal day”, reiterating their demand for self determination.
As per reports the Sikh diaspora groups also organised public demonstration on January 26 in front of the Indian embassies of their respective countries.
Sikhs and Kashmiris hold joint Protest in London
A group comprising Kashmiri and Sikh activists took out a joint protest in London against ‘Indian occupation’ of Punjab and Kashmir.
While addressing the protesters Lord Nazir Ahmed corroborated the declaration of independence made by the Panthic Committee in 1980s and again when it was reiterated by a large number of Sikhs on 10 November 2015 at Chabba.
Pro freedom Sikh groups protest in Frankfurt, Germany
Various pro freedom Sikh groups on Thursday observed the 26th January Republic Day of India as black day for the Sikhs and undertook a demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in Frankfurt City of Germany. The protesters were of the view that the constitution adopted by the Indian State is a direct attack on Sikhi and dilutes the distinct identity of theSikhs. Protesters said that Sikhs have no reason to celebrate the adoption of their constitution and further made an appeal to the Sikh masses in general to abstain from such celebrations.
Resham Singh Babbar of the Babbar Khalsa International, Bhai Gurmeet Singh Khania of Sikh Federation Germany, Bhai Rajinder Singh of Babbar Khalsa Germany and Bhai Jaswinder Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) were directing the protest march.
Protest in New York:
Human rights and Advocacy group Sikhs for Justice and other Sikh groups held a protest in New York on 26 January denouncing celebrations of India’s Republic day. SFJ sought support for Referendum 2020.