Sandeep Gill writing on "RECENT SITUATION IN PUNJAB"

As a Canadian born into a Sikh family from Punjab, India I have experienced times of connection and disconnect towards my homeland, my roots and towards Sikhi. Today has been one of those times of deep empathy, frusteration but most of all a sense of solidarity. There is major unrest in Punjab right now, and almost no media coverage. I've written up what little information I could gather to raise more awareness.

At this time, Sikhs are dying for equality and justice while the world’s media has turned a blind eye to the mistreatment and sheer brutality against Sikhs in Punjab, India. It is up to each individual to raise awareness of the current situation in Punjab between Sikh civilians and the violent actions of the Punjab Police.

On June 1st, Sri Guru Granth Sahib was stolen by a group of unidentified criminals from a gurdwara at Burj Jawahar Singh Wala, Faridkot. Following an anonymous written letter claiming responsibility for the malicious theft, approximately 112 pages (angs) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib were torn and scattered in the streets.

In these past few days of October, peaceful protests consisting of prayers are being conducted across Punjab to show solidarity amongst Sikhs and to call upon the government to take necessary action in making the required arrests. Rather than condemning such an act of sacrilege and hate, the Punjab Police turned on the Sikh leaders and protestors by using physical force, firing guns and water cannons while making unwarranted arrests. Hundreds have sustained injuries and a number of fatalities have also been confirmed.

Sikhs are awakening to the unlawful realities of the current state of affairs and are being brutally punished for exercising their legal democratic rights. The Indian military has been brought in to instill fear in Sikh civilians, however it has not deterred the growing crowd of persevering protestors.

We are a determined and resilient community of nearly 30 million Sikhs worldwide, this is our time to unite and show solidarity to our faithful leaders. Guided by Bibek Buddhi (Discerning wisdom), we must use our force and intellect in the right way.
“No one gives power to anyone else,
Those who take it, take it with their own strength.”- Guru Gobind Singh Ji
‪#‎justiceforpunjab‬