CHANDIGARH—Interacting with media on June 23, Indian Parliamentarian from Patiala Mr. Dharamvir Gandhi said that demanding a separate homeland in a peaceful manner is not unconstitutional at all. He added that the Sikh community possesses the democratic right to go for a referendum to establish a sovereign Sikh state.
Dr. Gandhi further said that he was a firm believer of freedom of speech and expression. “I believe in federalism and democracy. I have nothing to do with Khalistan. The Supreme Court has guaranteed that a peaceful demand for a separate homeland on the basis of linguistics, religion, region or race is legal,” he added.
Confirming his personal stance for Punjab and ‘Punjabiat’, Dr. Gandhi said that he is personally a critic of religion based state, but subjecting only Sikhs to sedition charges is not fair when another set of people is seeking the creation of a Hindu nation.
Dr. Gandhi also highlighted the gross injustices meted out to Punjab on the transfer of Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas, besides the state being forced to share natural resources such as water and hydroelectric projects with non-riparian states. “These will remain emotive issues for Punjabis till justice is done to the state,” he added.
