Punjab's minister: Many Sikh families killed in Delhi amid targeted assassinations

Many Sikh families have been killed in Delhi and a series of targeted assassinations have taken place, according to Ramesh Singh Arora, the Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs in Pakistan's Punjab province.

He made remarks at an international conference in Baku titled “Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other Minorities in India: The Reality on the Ground,” saying that Sikhism, founded in the 15th century on the principles of brotherhood, dignity, and justice, rejects caste-based discrimination and religious intolerance, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The minister noted that these values have historically compelled Sikhs to resist oppression.

Arora emphasised that although Sikhs are a minority in India, they make up nearly 6 percent of the Indian Armed Forces and play a key role in ensuring the country’s food security.

Despite long-standing legitimate demands dating back to the period of British rule, he said, the Sikh community remains determined to defend its rights.

The minister expressed serious concern over what he described as ongoing violence against Sikhs, particularly in Delhi. He alleged that Sikh homes were pre-identified, families were killed, and targeted assassinations were carried out, while police officers failed to intervene and instead observed the attacks.

Arora also pointed to continued discrimination against Sikhs, including claims in some writings that Sikhism is part of Hinduism. He called such assertions unjust, stressing that Sikhism has its own distinct identity and is an independent religion.

In contrast, Arora highlighted what he described as a more positive approach toward Sikhs in Pakistan, saying the country upholds principles of justice, freedom, human dignity, and social equality. He noted that Pakistan has adopted a Sikh Marriage Act, while Sikh families in India are required to register marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, adding that Pakistan is the only country to officially recognise a separate Sikh marriage law.

He further said that every year, thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and the global diaspora travel to Pakistan, where they take part in charitable activities and provide assistance to people in need.

By Jeyhun Aghazada