Birmingham, April 03, 2023 (PPI-OT):Protesters held a demonstration in Birmingham, UK, to express support for the ongoing Khalistan movement and condemn large-scale arrests and imprisonment of Sikhs in the Indian state of Punjab. The demonstrators also stood in solidarity with pro-Khalistan Sikh leader, Amritpal Singh, who is wanted by the Indian authorities for his rising support for the cause among Sikh population, both at home and abroad. The Sikhs staged a peaceful protest outside the Consulate General of India, on Darnley Road in Ladywood, this afternoon on Sunday. It followed a gathering outside the High Commission of India in London last week.

Protesters said there had been widespread Indian repression against Sikhs in Punjab and that internet communications had previously been largely cut off there. Mr Singh, who has said he supports a separate Sikh homeland, made headlines when some of his supporters stormed a police station. Demonstrators said the government had imposed a crackdown on public gatherings after mass arrests in the state. Placards including “Justice 4 Sikhs”, “Stop violation of human rights and state terrorism” and “The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement seeking to create a free homeland for Sikhs in Punjab” were seen at the Birmingham protest.

Activist Anumit Kaur, a woman Sikh participant from Tipton, said “We’re here today because of the injustice that’s happening in the Punjab. We stand with Bhai Amritpal Singh.” She said the state tried to capture him and arrest many other Sikhs who were following him. Supporters also called for the release of political prisoners to be freed after serving overly long jail sentences. She added: “We’re here today to raise our voice and stand with people who are going through this injustice and to raise awareness.”

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