Lahore: Sikh for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has alleged that Sikhs are facing renewed persecution in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Speaking at a video-linked press conference at the Lahore Press Club, Pannun claimed that 18,000 Sikh farmers had died by suicide because of heavy debt
Pannun Calls for Political Change
Pannun said his group was seeking political change through voting rather than violence.
He also announced that a referendum on the proposed creation of Khalistan would take place in the United States on August 16.
According to Pannun, Sikhs living in the United States and other countries would have the opportunity to participate in the referendum.
More Read
The proposed referendum is organized by Sikh for Justice, an organization that campaigns for an independent Sikh state.
Claims About Sikh Farmers
During the press conference, Pannun highlighted what he described as the severe economic difficulties facing Sikh farmers in India.
He linked the alleged farmer suicides to rising debt and financial pressure.
More Read
However, the claims made during the press conference were not independently verified.
Message to Pakistan
Pannun also congratulated the people of Pakistan on the country’s Independence Day.
He praised Pakistan’s role on the international stage and said the country was making progress under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
His remarks came as tensions over Sikh political rights and India’s treatment of Sikh activists remain a subject of international debate.
