SFJ objects to Pak Sikh body using ‘referendum’ banners

Tribune News Service

Moga, June 8

Taking a strong note of ‘Referendum2020’ banners displayed at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, on the 35th year of Operation Bluestar, US-based secessionist group ‘Sikhs for Justice’ has urged the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) to refrain from displaying banners and posters of ‘Punjab’s independence referendum’ designed by it.

“Although Khalistan is a political opinion in the public domain, ‘Referendum 2020’ is the brainchild of the SFJ and campaign’s name, logo and artwork should only be used with organisation’s prior consent,” said Attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal adviser to the SFJ, the group which is spearheading the Sikh referendum movement globally. Contrary to Chawla’s recent provocative statement and frequent allegations by the Indian authorities of SFJ’s hand behind violent activities in Punjab, Pannun said ‘Referendum 2020’ was a non-violent, democratic and legal initiative organised under the UN laws. The only authentic statements, actions and events promoting ‘Referendum 2020’ are the ones officially launched, sponsored and authorised by the SFJ from its headquarters in New York.

In April 2019, the SFJ had disassociated from Pakistan-based Gopal Singh Chawla, who is believed to be behind the display of ‘Referendum 2020’ banners depicting Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale at a gurdwara in Pakistan on June 6.