Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said:
“Sikhs across the globe have been raising for months with their respective governments the rights of farmers surrounding Delhi to peacefully protest against laws that exploit them in favour of corporates.”
“Our fear was the massive tractor rally today in Delhi would me met with violence from the Indian authorities.”
“The police put up barricades to disrupt the protest, fired tear gas, used batons to beat protesters, used water cannon and even live ammunition. However, the protesters could not be stopped and even took over the Red Fort and hoisted the Sikh National flag on India’s Republic Day.”
“Yesterday we had a meeting with the UN Human Rights Council and suggested they should have pre-empted the use of violence by the Indian authorities today and issued a public statement warning them to respect the rights to peacefully protest.”
“Sikhs across the globe will be pushing with their governments and NGOs for the plight of farmers to be on the agenda of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council starting on 22 February.”
ENDS