[Reader-list] Sikh body observes Aug 15 as ‘Black Day’

[Aditya Raj Baul]

Sikh body observes Aug 15 as ‘Black Day’
Pledges support to Kashmiris

Rising Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 15, 2010:
http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/sikh-body-observes-aug-15-as-%E2%80%98black-day%E2%80%99-285.aspx

The Amritsar-based Sikh body Dal Khalasa Sunday held a sit-in to
observe August 15 as “black day”.
In a statement here, Dal Khalsa said its activists observed a peaceful
sit-in to highlight the serious human rights problems in Kashmir,
Punjab and North East states.
“Primary among them is the culture of impunity to security forces. By
observing August 15 as black day, we are keeping the desire for
freedom alive,” the statement said.
Dal Khalsa activists displayed placards that read “Punjab wants Azadi”.
 The party said the violations of human rights by Indian security
agencies have been uncountable “But the energetic Sikhs with their
distinctive unique birthright and history stand still without any
retreat.”
The statement promised support to Kashmiris, Nagas and Assamese saying
people in these regions are also observing India's Independence Day as
a Black Day.
“Let’s make a pledge that the common cause of all oppressed peoples
will be brought to one platform,” it said.
The people of Punjab stand with the people of Pakistan as they have
bravely responded to widespread and unprecedented flooding that has
killed more than 1,600 people and left two million people affected. We
also express our sorrow and grief over the loss of human lives due to
cloudburst in Leh region of J&K.
Dal Khalsa pledged sustained Sikh support for Kashmiris “in their
struggle for right to self determination in line with deepening
partnership between the two pro-struggling ethnic minorities.”