SFJ seeks support from Pakistan government for Referendum 2020
Yudhvir Rana | TNN | Updated: Dec 17, 2018, 17:04 ISTAMRITSAR: US-based pro-Khalistan organisation Sikh for Justice (SFJ) has sought support from Pakistan government for its Referendum 2020 move, a Sikh separatists drive which aims at separating Punjab from India.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of SFJ informed TOI on Monday that SFJ had called upon Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to politically support Referendum 2020 movement.
SFJ has purposely chosen the month of December to make an appeal to Pakistan to stir up emotions since East Pakistan was liberated from the occupation of Pakistan on December 16, 1971during Indo Pakistan conflict in 1971.
Intelligence sources here said that the very idea of Pannun’s direct appeal to Pakistan prime minister was believed to stem from his fears of being exposed of receiving clandestine support from ISI and serving its interests to destabilise India.
“Publicly making an appeal to Pakistan gives an alibi to both Pakistan and SFJ to save from embarrassment, “ said sources.
Pannun said SFJ had already announced to open voter registration from Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan in November 2019 when a large number of Sikhs from more than 30 countries would be visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartapur Sahib where Guru Nanak Dev had spent last eighteen years of his life.
“We will coordinate the registration of voters through our office in Lahore and will provide information on the referendum,” he said.
Notably, in August 2018 London Declaration SFJ had announced to hold the first-ever non-binding referendum among the global Sikh community.
“ In November 2020, the polling for the referendum will be held in major cities of North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Kenya, and the Middle Eastern Countries and Indian Punjab,” said Pannun.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of SFJ informed TOI on Monday that SFJ had called upon Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to politically support Referendum 2020 movement.
SFJ has purposely chosen the month of December to make an appeal to Pakistan to stir up emotions since East Pakistan was liberated from the occupation of Pakistan on December 16, 1971during Indo Pakistan conflict in 1971.
Intelligence sources here said that the very idea of Pannun’s direct appeal to Pakistan prime minister was believed to stem from his fears of being exposed of receiving clandestine support from ISI and serving its interests to destabilise India.
“Publicly making an appeal to Pakistan gives an alibi to both Pakistan and SFJ to save from embarrassment, “ said sources.
Pannun said SFJ had already announced to open voter registration from Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan in November 2019 when a large number of Sikhs from more than 30 countries would be visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartapur Sahib where Guru Nanak Dev had spent last eighteen years of his life.
“We will coordinate the registration of voters through our office in Lahore and will provide information on the referendum,” he said.
Notably, in August 2018 London Declaration SFJ had announced to hold the first-ever non-binding referendum among the global Sikh community.
“ In November 2020, the polling for the referendum will be held in major cities of North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Kenya, and the Middle Eastern Countries and Indian Punjab,” said Pannun.
Download The Times of India News App for Latest India News.
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE