By Parmjit Singh
Published: January 26, 2013
Jalandhar/Amritsar, Punjab (January 26,
2013):
Stressing on India’s history of broken promises in Punjab,
Kashmir and elsewhere, the Dal Khalsa has asked religious minorities and
ethnic nationalities residing in India to observe the ‘republic day’ as
‘betrayal day’.
S. Harcharanjit Singh Dhami
In a statement released to media on the
eve of 64th anniversary of the Indian constitution, party head
Harcharanjeet Singh Dhami said the (Indian) constitution is a
constitution of convenience as the provisions of the document have been
used, misused and not used to suit the expedient needs of the Indian
state from time to time. The framers of this document defied the spirit
behind its formation and betrayed the commitment they made to Sikh
representatives before partition, he rued.
India celebrates 26th January as it’s republic day.
He said two major commitments to the
Sikhs were not fulfilled. One, recognition of the unique character of
the Sikh religion and two, the federal character of the constitution
were heavily compromised. Betrayal of promises by the Indian leadership
prompted the then Sikh representatives to declare in the Constituent
Assembly, “The Sikhs do not accept the Constitution”.
While India celebrates its 64th republic
year, we have no hesitation to place on record that the Constitution
has failed the Sikh people.
He said historically, religiously and
politically ‘Sikhs are a sui generis (sovereign) people’.
Notwithstanding the present status of the Sikhs in India today, the very
fact that India is unwilling to look at the ‘Sikh question’ as a
‘Nationality question’ enforces our belief and commitment to the right
for self-determination of Sikhs.
He said the last 64 years have been
tumultuous years of denial, torment, torture, mayhem, destruction,
vandalism and death. He said religious ethos and cultural identity of
ethnic minorities were on the verge of assimilation in the vast pantheon
of Indianism, he alleged.
In the present inclusive and pluralistic
world order, India has to grow up, not just in years and not only on
the economic front, but also on the social, cultural and political
front, he said and added that it was time for the Indian state to undo
the injustice done to its minorities through the Constitution, various
laws and regulations and the use of police, paramilitary and army.
He blamed the Indian state for being
very selfish, self-centered and hypocritical, unwilling to engage in
talks to evolve a wholesome and pluralistic resolution of the discord
between India and other nationalities. “India fears, but doesn’t bother
for international refrain”, he remarked.
The group made a fervent appeal to all
freedom-loving peoples and nationalities to join hands in their struggle
for ‘just cause’. “Though we all continue to face a belligerent India
but we remain confident that the democratic will of our people will see
the light of the day”.