US-based Sikh body assures full support to Pakistan against Indian aggression

NEW YORK: A US-based Sikh advocacy group on Wednesday denounced India’s violations of Pakistani airspace and assured Pakistan of full support against Indian aggression.

“If India ever attacked, the overseas Sikhs will extend full support to Pakistan and will stand shoulder to shoulder in thwarting any Indian attack,” said Sikhs For Justice (SfJ) in a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan.

SfJ is campaigning for independence of Punjab from Indian occupation through a referendum.

“In the wake of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s growing jingoism after Pulwama attack and ensuing Balakot air strike, we are writing to assure you that at this critical juncture, Sikhs from North America, Europe, Australia and elsewhere stand in solidarity with Pakistan, the land where the founder of our religion, Sri Guru Nanak Deev Ji was born and breathed his last.”

Sikhs have many sacred places in Pakistan, including Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib, Sri Panja Sahib, and Sikhs around the globe appreciate the hospitality and care demonstrated by Pakistan to the Sikh community and their religious places, read the letter.

“While we hope that better sense would prevail upon India and she would resolve the Kashmir and Punjab issues by holding referendums, instead of resorting to violence against freedom- seeking people or waging war against Pakistan,” said the SfJ.

The letter stated, “Sikhs have a long history of standing against the aggressors and we strongly feel that during this crisis, it’s our moral duty to defend Pakistan at the international forums in every manner possible.”