Dal Khalsa holds protest in Jalandhar, demands Khalistan

Jalandhar: The Dal Khalsa staged a protest march in Jalandhar, Punjab, on Saturday, demanding the creation of Khalistan. The protestors, shouting slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad,” gathered at Baba Sahib BR Ambedkar Chowk (Nakodar Chowk).

The group rejected the Indian Constitution, claiming Punjab is not part of India and asserting their demand for independence. “We have not attained freedom yet; we have even lost Chandigarh,” said Khalistan supporters during the march.

Despite heavy police deployment, authorities did not attempt to stop the protestors. SHO Bhushan Kumar of Police Station Division-6 stated, “Higher officials have been informed. Action will be taken based on the orders of senior officers.”

Key statements from Dal Khalsa leader Paramjit Singh Mand:

1. Sikhs marginalized under the Constitution

Mand alleged that the Indian Constitution has failed Sikhs and disrespected their identity. “For Sikhs, only Guru Granth Sahib is the supreme scripture. We reject the tricolour and the Constitution,” he said.

2. Cultural discontent

He questioned the celebration of Indian festivals, saying, “Why should we celebrate the festivals of those who have given us nothing in return?”

3. Punjab’s independence

Mand criticized the lack of autonomy for Punjab, claiming, “We have lost Chandigarh, and Sikhs who support the Constitution must rethink their stance.”

4. Vision for Khalistan

Declaring Khalistan as a reality, he stated, “Khalistan will soon become a country like others. We will follow Guru Granth Sahib as our Constitution.”

5. Rejection of the Indian Constitution

He argued that the Indian Constitution does not recognize Sikh identity, stating, “It categorizes Sikhs as Hindus. We cannot accept a document that denies our existence and has been amended over 150 times.”