CHANDIGARH, Punjab—Almost all the leading Panthik organizations have announced to observe Indian Republic day as ‘Black Day’ or ‘Betrayal Day’ on January 26, protesting against the anti-Sikh nature of the Indian republic.
These organizations include Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani), Dal Khalsa, Shiromani Akali Dal (1920), Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj (led by Jahedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh), Damdami Taksal (Ajnala), Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala (Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala), Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala (Dr. Gurjinder Singh), Sikh Youth Front, Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee (Bhai Balbir Singh Muchhal) etc.
It is worth mentioning that India became a ‘republic’ on Jan 26, 1950 as its constitution came into existence. But the Indian constitution did not give Sikhs recognition as an independent religion, instead calling them Hindus.
This is only one
example of injustice with Sikhs. Sikhs point out that the Indian republic has been treating them as second class citizens, with dual standards in the case of release of Sikh political prisoners, loot of river water of Punjab, mass killing of Sikh youth in Punjab, etc.
Dal Khalsa and SAD (PP) activists will stage a protest at Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Kot Ise Khan (Moga). SAD (Amritsar) rank and file will demonstrate with black flags at various places of Punjab. Damdami Taksal (Ajnala) chief Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala has announced to hold a huge protest march at Tarn Taran.
Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh has made an appeal to Sikhs to hoist black flags on top of their houses which is expected to receive a good response. Bhai Balbir Singh Muchhal and other Sikh leaders have shown solidarity with the cause of Giani Nandgarh.
SAD (1920) leaders will protest against the Indian constitution wearing black turbans and head covering. Besides many other Sikh organizations, Sikh activists will also observe the day as black day on their individual level.
