AMRITSAR, Punjab, India: The All India Sikh Student Federation contested the claims of Punjab Governor S.S. Ray that J.F. Ribeiro in which they have stated that only a’ handful of Sikhs are supporting the establishment of Khalistan. In a press release issued under the signature of Bhai Sewa Singh, propaganda secretary of the Federation, issued here on Friday, it was categorically stated that almost all the Sikhs are supporting the demand for Khalistan. The press release further pointed out that if the Sikhs are not in favor of Khalistan then why the Government of India has kept the Jathedars of Akal Takht, Bhai Jasbir Singh, Bhai Jaswant Singh of Damdama Sahib and Bhai Shivinder Singh of Takht Shri Kesh Garh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib in the jail. The release asked the Governor and Director General of Police that if they have any doubt about their claim then they should hold referendum to know the views of the Sikhs on this demand.

The press release made it clear that the establishment of Khalistan is the only demand of the Sikhs and there could not be any talk with the government on anything less than the formation of Khalistan.

Article extracted from this publication >> January 8, 1988