Federation chair: Indian state seeks physical extermination of Sikhs

Systematic persecution of Sikhs was raised at an international conference in Baku titled “Amritsar June 1984: Transnational Repression as an Extension of Genocide,” where speakers discussed historical grievances and ongoing concerns about Sikh rights.

Moninder Singh, chairman of the International Sikh Federation, said during his address that the Sikh community faces existential threats, making strong claims about the treatment of Sikhs in India, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"The Indian state seeks either the physical extermination of the Sikhs as a people or their assimilation-the destruction of our language, culture, heritage, and faith. No Sikh is prepared to accept this. We would rather die than allow this to happen. This is the position that every generation of Sikhs has taken since 1984," he said.

According to Singh, the conference provided an opportunity to expand international engagement and strengthen dialogue among different societies.

"Today's meeting gives us the opportunity to build bridges, explore new avenues of interaction, develop partnerships, and conduct genuine dialogues between societies," noted the head of the Sikh Federation.

He also said representatives of the organisation have visited Azerbaijan multiple times in recent months, describing their engagement with local institutions positively.

"We can confidently say that we were received with respect here. We were given the opportunity to engage in dialogue at the highest government level, to interact with the academic community and non-governmental organizations, such as the Baku Initiative Group. We were given the opportunity to discuss these issues with dignity and openness," added Moninder Singh.

By Sabina Mammadli