The Aam Aadmi Party is playing a dangerous game in Punjab. It has openly came out in support of groups which are working for establishment of Khalistan. Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Sukhpal Khaira on Friday said he supported the Sikh Referendum 2020 movement as Sikhs have a right to demand justice against “atrocities” suffered by them.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh condemned AAP state chief Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for lending support to the ‘Sikh Referendum 2020’.
There were allegations that AAP is in the grip of anti-India forces. The Akali Dal has termed Khaira’s statement as proof of divisive politics played by his party. Although Khaira said he stood by the constitution of India, his rivals are not really convinced. According to reports, the Punjab Police have banned some organisations supporting the referendum. It had also booked some of the main leaders for waging a war against India.
Addressing a press conference, Khaira said the Sikhs were justified in demanding justice for sufferings during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He said these groups functioned from independent countries and within the law of those countries.
Criticising Khaira for supporting the referendum, former Akali minister Bikram Singh Majithia said the first agenda of the referendum was to form an independent state for the Sikhs separate from India. “The Akali Dal has been fighting for justice for Sikhs, but no one will be allowed to divide the country and take Punjab back to the dark days of terrorism,” Majithia said.
The Akali Dal has also asked AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal whether he supported Khaira. Majithia said if Kejriwal did not support Referendum 2020, he should take action against Khaira for supporting a move whose sole idea was to break the country.
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