With respect to the Sikh community, over the past several days, Punjab hasbeen pushed into a human rights crisis. Internet services and SMS messaginghave been shut down, civil liberties have been suspended and masscensorship has taken place of journalists, organizations and citizens.Indian security forces and the Punjab Government have enacted thesemeasures to crack down on Sikh activists across the state, particularlythose involved with the Waris Punjab De (Heirs of Punjab) organization ledby Bhai Amritpal Singh.
Amritpal Singh, recently came to prominence in Punjab with his successfulcampaign to inspire Punjabi youth to reject drugs and embrace the Sikhfaith. Amritpal Singh had also been open and unapologetic in his supportfor Khalistan, a sovereign Sikh state, as well as highlightingdiscrimination against the Sikh community in India.
While hundreds of Sikh activists have been taken into custody, authoritiesclaim Amritpal Singh has still evaded arrest. Family and those close to himhowever, claim he has been in police custody since March 18 and fear he maybe murdered in a false encounter.
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It is clear to us that with the widespread human rights violations takingplace in India, the Government of India lacks the credibility and moralauthority to hold the presidency of the G20 and to host G20 countries. Itwould send the wrong message for Canada to attend G20 meetings in India.
