London: On October 12, 2024, prominent Sikh leaders from around the globe convened in London to announce the formation of the Sikh Federation International. The press conference featured Bhai Amrik Singh and Dabinderjit Singh from the UK, Bhai Ajit Singh from Australia, Bhai Gurmeet Singh from Germany, and Bhai Moninder Singh and Prabjot Singh from Canada. The newly established federation aims to advocate for the establishment of an independent, sovereign Khalistan, while promoting solidarity among Sikh communities and addressing ongoing human rights violations and transnational repression against Sikhs.
The following press release from the Sikh Federation International’s press office is published verbatim for the information of Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) readers.
Press Release Issued by Sikh Federation International’s Press Office:
SIKH ORGANISATIONS ANNOUNCE FORMATION OF SIKH FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL
27 Assu, Nanakshahi 556 | 12 October 2024 – London, UK
Sikh organisations gathered from around the world today to announce the formation of the Sikh Federation International, with the aim of restoring Khalsa jee ke bol baale (Sikh sovereignty) in the current world order. In order to achieve this, the Sikh Federation International will engage in diplomacy and advocacy around the world to support the establishment of an independent, sovereign Khalistan.
The objectives of the Federation clearly demonstrate a holistic vision to simultaneously develop internal Panthic capacity, as well as establishing effective mechanisms of global advocacy. In order to strengthen the Panth’s internal capacity, the Federation is committed to engaging with Sikh sangat, celebrating the legacy of the Sikh struggle, and initiating internal dialogue with other Panthic groups to facilitate working relationships that collectively strengthen global advocacy for Khalistan.
Alongside developing solidarity and cooperation with other movements and oppressed peoples, the Sikh Federation International will also document India’s ongoing human rights violations and acts of transnational repression and political interference to advocate for justice and accountability on the global stage.
Most importantly, the Federation intends to build consensus around the proposed governance and administrative structures envisioned in Khalistan to effectively articulate the unique vision of Sikh sovereignty in South Asia and the current global landscape. By establishing this baseline, the Federation intends to mobilise international support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign Khalistan.
Sikh Federation International will be led by an International Council of Sikh leaders appointed by the respective national Federations of UK, Europe Canada, USA and Australia. The International Council will be made up of recognised Khalistani leadership from around the world. These are individuals who have been exiled from their homeland due to their direct participation, leadership, and ongoing support for the Sikh struggle since 1984. The work of the Council will be implemented and supported by a Secretariat which will be responsible for coordinating their local units to execute and implement the strategic objectives set by the Council.
Given the increasing political turmoil and instability within Punjab, South Asia, and the broader global system, it is imperative that Sikhs living around the world take steps to develop collective leadership structures. These shifts make it clear that the risks of geopolitical competition and conflict in South Asia are increasing rapidly. As this region becomes increasingly important in economic, military, social, and political terms, the Guru Khalsa Panth must be organised as a global stakeholder in order to proactively participate in shaping the future of the region and broader world order.
The political objective of the Sikh Federation International is an independent, sovereign Khalistan and an international order based on Sikh ideals, which respects the inherent sovereignty of the Khalsa (patshahi) and remains committed to sarbat da bhala (welfare of all) and gareeb di rakhiya, jarvanay di bhakhiya (protection of the weak, destruction of the tyrants) for all. As India’s volatile behaviour continues to demonstrate that it is an unreliable global actor and a serious threat to stability in the region, the establishment of an independent, sovereign Khalistan is a necessary first step towards ensuring peace, justice and prosperity in Punjab and beyond.