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Sikhs of America chair Jasdip Singh Jassee calls for unity amid Khalistan tensions
Singh underscored that the vast majority of Sikhs globally, including in the US and Canada, do not support separatist agendas.
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Jasdip Singh Jassee / Image- NIA
Chairman of Sikhs of America, Jasdip Singh Jassee, has strongly denounced extremist activities tied to the Khalistan movement in the US and Canada, urging the Sikh and Hindu communities to unite against divisive forces.
In a conversation with New India Abroad on the heightened tensions within the Indian diaspora, Singh emphasized that violence against religious places contradicts the teachings of Sikhism.
“What happened in Canada last week was disgusting. Protesting outside a Hindu temple on Bhai Dooj and Diwali under the pretext of targeting consulate officials was shameful. Sikhs have historically protected mandirs and religious sites; such acts go against Sikh principles and values,” he said.
Singh underscored that the vast majority of Sikhs globally, including in the US and Canada, do not support separatist agendas. “Ninety-nine percent of Sikhs love India and stand for its unity. The silent majority must now come forward to condemn these actions,” he stated.
To foster harmony, he urged Hindu and Sikh leaders to enhance interfaith interactions through initiatives like joint celebrations of festivals such as Guru Nanak Jayanti and Diwali, which could reinforce community bonds.
Addressing the lingering impact of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India, Singh advocated for formal acknowledgment and an apology by the Indian government. “Sikhs are a forgiving community. Recognizing the injustices of the past would bring closure and weaken the arguments of separatist groups,” he said.
Singh concluded with a message of hope, calling for calm and collaboration. “The small fraction of extremists cannot disrupt centuries of Hindu-Sikh unity. Now is the time for both communities to show love, support, and solidarity for one another.”
Trump’s re-election, implications for US-India relations
Singh, who served on the finance committee of Sikh Americans for Trump, also welcomed the outcome of the recently concluded US elections.
Highlighting Trump’s re-election as a significant boost for US-India relations he said, “Trump’s administration is pro-India and will ensure protests remain lawful without compromising freedom of speech. His policies will strengthen bilateral ties while addressing diaspora concerns,” Singh said.
On the personal rapport between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh remarked, “The Trump-Modi relationship is a cornerstone for India-US relations. We can expect stronger trade agreements and increased cooperation on critical issues, including counterterrorism and regional stability.”
Singh also praised President-elect Trump’s cabinet appointments, highlighting figures like Senator Marco Rubio, who has been appointed as Secretary of State, and Governor Mike Huckabee, appointed as Ambassador to Israel. He noted that these choices reflect a strategic approach to both domestic and foreign policy challenges.
Lastly, he expressed hope that the Trump administration would take stricter measures against incidents like the Khalistani attacks on Indian consulates in North America, which he criticized as a failure of the previous administration to ensure security.
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