MOGA Panthic convention organised by pro-freedom Sikh organizations including Dal Khalsa aimed to formulate strategy to counter and resist extrajudicial repression by the Indian state echoed the need for Sikh groups and parties having ideological similarities to unite under a single umbrella and not to air controversial issues in public that divides them. 

Galaxy of Sikh leaders attended the convention that included SAD ( Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann, ex-Jathedar Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema,  Sudhar Lehar chairman Gurpartap Singh Wadala, SGPC member Karnail Singh Panjoli, Gurdeep Singh Bhatinda, Paramjit Singh Gazi, Bhai Mohkam Singh and others. 

They all were united in their criticism for present day Narendra Modi government for unleashing reign of atrocities on Sikh dissidents and completely ignoring Sikh struggle for right to self determination, rather in a bid to silence the Khalistani voices, the state has carved out a policy to target Sikhs not only within its boundaries but beyond it. The gathering termed India as democratic in words but autocratic in nature.

The issues that continues to agitates Sikh groups against Delhi dispensation includes a set pattern behind sacrilege bids, prisoners of conscience being incarcerated beyond the sentence period, the influx of immigrants designed to disturb the demography and the meddling of state in the internal matters of Sikhs increased manifold.

Speakers had a soft corner for Narain Singh who attacked Sukhbir Badal outside Darbar Sahib. He is a true Panthic and staunch protagonist of Khalistan movement, said Kanwar Pal Singh. I can’t say why he took such an extreme step, only he can explain. He urged Jathedar Akal Takht to inquire into the matter rather than seeking judicial inquiry. He took a dig at political parties for alleging conspiracy behind attack on Sukhbir Badal. 

Paramjit Singh Mand said the youth Akali leader who deliberately removed Narain Singh turban should seek apology or Jathedar Akal Takht should take action against him, otherwise Panth will take action on it’s own. 

 The gathering emphasised the need for the Sikh community to determine their future priorities in the light of the philosophy and principles of the Sikh Gurus. Representatives including organizers felt that there was a need for unity and Panthic determination, because a solution to the challenges facing the community lies in it. However, they cautioned that devoid of principles and objectives, the unity call was meaningless. 

Kanwar Pal Singh while in his address said groups and parties having ideological similarities with a common goal should come forward to set the precedent.  

“We propose the Hurriyat Conference model to bring all struggling groups and parties on a single platform. There is a need to build a strong common platform to face the challenges, resist the state repression and resolve lingering contentious issues that compelled Punjab to enter into confrontation with Delhi”, he added. 

“This gathering strongly condemns the Indian Government’s move in branding Sikhs associated with Khalistan struggle as ‘terrorists’. This gathering vehemently declares Khalistani Sikhs aren’t ‘terrorists”, said Dal Khalsa working president Paramjeet Singh Mand. He added that there’s no terrorism in Punjab, people here are fighting for rights and justice and the movement is indigenous. 

 “India’s narrative that the Khalistan struggle is sponsored from foreign shores is misleading, designed to create a wedge between Sikhs of Punjab and Sikh Diaspora and to pit Sikhs and Hindus against each other by portraying Khalistanis as threat to Hindus”, reads the resolution adopted during the convention. 

Taking a dig at Narendra Modi government for devising a policy to hit Sikh dissidents, the organisers said we affirmed that Sikhs of Punjab and Sikhs in foreign countries are one, they are united in their cause, and they feel the pain of each other and stand for each other in the face of brutalities and repression. 

“Sikhs having a distinct identity, history, culture have a lawful right to self-determination. The referendum under the aegis of the UN is the classical mechanism for implementing the right to self-determination in a peaceful manner”, reads another resolution.