United Nations: Sikh and Gujarati groups, particularly the Patel community, held separate demonstrations outside the UN headquarters as Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his address on sustainable development in the ongoing General Assembly session.
Under the banner of Sikhs for Justice (SFG), more than 200 Sikhs alleged human rights violations in Punjab. The group sought referendum in 2020 for ‘Khalistan’.
The protesters, raising anti-India and anti-Modi slogans, urged the world body to take steps to mitigate their alleged plight.
The Prime Minister delivered his address to the world body yesterday while the groups demonstrated outside the UN building.
SFJ leader Bakhshish Singh Sandhu cited reported atrocities in India against Sikhs, Muslims and Christians.
In a separate enclosure, a few dozen members of the Patels-dominated Patidar community held a demonstration. The protesters were sporting caps of the Sardar Patel Group from Gujarat, which is leading the movement for reservations for the Patidars.
Not far away from these two groups, another crowd Patels under the banner of Indian Diamond and Gemstone Industry of New York held a welcome rally for Modi.
In a statement, Indian American Intellectual Forum also welcomed the Prime Minister to the US and downplayed the anti-Modi demonstrations. (UNI)
