Washington D.C. – (February 2, 2021) The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is deeply concerned about the escalation of the use of force by the Indian government and attacks on free speech. We strongly condemn the increasing number of human rights violations, including the detention of journalists and other attacks on the press, as farmers from around India protest the passage of the farm laws.
“The Sikh American community is strongly disturbed by these attacks on the right to free assembly, the right to free speech, and on the freedom of the press,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director. “We are strongly committed to human rights and condemn all attempts by the Indian Government and other actors to abuse human rights and limit free expression. The Kisaan movement reflects a popular protest of the type that all democracies must respectfully engage with.”
The Sikh American community stands in solidarity with the rights of all protestors to advocate for change by their government and public servants. Democracies must not engage in means of suppression and oppression, as is occurring in India today.
“Grounded in our values of chardi kala, nimrata, seva, and inspired by the sangat seeking sarbat da bhalla, SALDEF believes that united movements can create positive change that uplifts all,” continued Gill. “The burden is on the Indian government to respect the human rights of those who disagree with their actions and policies and to recognize the rights of the free press as essential to a functioning democracy.”
Law enforcement in India have used excessive force against protesters, including beating individuals, using tear gas, and water cannons on those engaged in lawful assembly. A Sikh American doctor from New Jersey and a team of volunteer medics were beaten by police while providing medical aid to those on-site, including protestors and law enforcement. Reports indicate activists detained by police have been assaulted while in custody. Unfortunately, this comports with the long-history of use of force against minority and low caste communities.
Police have arrested, harassed, and detained journalists for reporting on the actions of the government and affiliated political parties. Further, the government used pressure on Twitter to block the social media accounts of reporters and journalists.
The government has blocked use of the internet and dramatically slowed speeds around New Delhi, including in neighboring states where farmers are gathering. The Indian government previously cut internet service in response to uprisings in Kashmir in 2019. The internet, particularly mobile internet access, has become a fundamental part of daily life across the globe, so deliberate attempts to restrict access presents an immediate harm to their livelihoods.
As a national civil rights organization, with a diaspora that is deeply connected to South Asia and the Punjab region of India, SALDEF supports the rights of all persons to assemble and voice dissent. We recognize that, throughout history, there have been repeated incidents of suppression of voices and democratic rights in South Asia. SALDEF stands in steadfast support of these farmers’ rights to advocate for what they see as fair and equitable treatment.
All governments and organizations committed to promoting human rights worldwide must condemn these actions and use of force by the Indian government against its own citizens.