People of Indian origin on Sunday held a counter-protest in London against the 'Referendum 2020', a campaign by an organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for a so-called "separate Sikh state."
Sikhs for Justice (SJF), a separatist Sikh organisation, has planned a rally today on 'London Declaration on Referendum 2020', seeking a separate Khalistan state. People of Indian origin came out in huge number to protest against the separatist rally, which the government claims is backed by Pakistan's ISI.
Former chairman of Sardar Patel Memorial Society, UK, Praveen Patel, who was seen protesting in London said, "We're living in this country and they are talking about free Khalistan in India. We believe that this has been organised in conjunction with the ISI in Pakistan and Khalistanis in Canada."
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) said that a very miniscule Sikh population settled abroad is participating in this.
"No Sikh in India has sympathy for this as Sikhs are loyal Indians. They've made more sacrifices for India than any other community," SAD leader Naresh Gujral, said.
"It's an attempt by ISI to foment trouble in Punjab. It is financed by ISI. Pak and ISI have been trying hard for a long time to create problems in Punjab. They failed in Kashmir and want to move the stage to Punjab," he added.
Congress leader and former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar said UK govt should find a way to stop such protests.
"We've already suffered enough at hands of those who are bent upon in breaking the unity of India. There can be no question of any referendum as far as Punjab is an integral part of India," he said.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had expressed concern over the event and had issued a demarche to the United Kingdom.
"We have said that it seeks to propagate violence, secessionism and hatred and we expect them to take into account the larger perspective of the relationship when they take a decision on such matters," Raveesh Kumar said.
However, the British government maintained that while there is freedom of protest and expression in the UK, the government would not encourage any groups spreading hatred or violence.
Chairman of the British Sikh Association Dr Rami Ranger had dismissed the pro-Khalistan rally as a move by a "handful of un-elected and self-appointed Sikhs".
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had said there are no takers in Punjab for `Referendum 2020', a campaign by a UK-based organisation for a separate Sikh state.
He dubbed the proposed rally in London on Sunday by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) an attempt by a handful of frustrated ISI-backed Sikhs abroad to foment trouble in Punjab and India by raising divisive voices.
(With agencies)
