Kesri Lehar UK and Kesri Lehar Scotland, two organizations advocating for the rights of Punjabi people, have called upon the Government of Pakistan to support a United Nations-led referendum on the independence of Indian-occupied Punjab. This call for action comes after the recent assassinations of several Sikh activists and evidence of transnational repression.
In an open letter submitted to Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities Affairs in Punjab, Pakistan, the organizations urge him to use his position to request that the Government of Pakistan formally support a binding referendum on Punjab’s independence. The letter references the growing demand for self-determination by Punjabis, based on the Punjab independence map circulated by Sikhs for Justice. Under international law, such a referendum must include all native residents currently living in Punjab, regardless of religion or background.
The letter also raises concerns about the pattern of transnational repression against Sikh activists, highlighting the targeted killings of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada (June 2023), Avtar Singh Khanda in the United Kingdom (June 2023), and Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Lahore, Pakistan (May 2023). These assassinations have caused deep alarm within the Sikh and Punjabi communities globally.
Representatives from Kesri Lehar have stated, “It is time for international bodies to act decisively against repression and in favor of democratic rights.” The organizations are calling on the Government of Pakistan to publicly support a UN-facilitated referendum on Punjab’s future, demand international investigations into the killings of Sikh activists, and protect those engaging in peaceful political advocacy.
Kesri Lehar UK and Kesri Lehar Scotland are committed to working with global partners to ensure that the voices of the Punjabi people are heard through democratic and lawful means. For media enquiries, please contact kesrileharuk@hotmail.com.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.